Light control cell, light control member, and moving body

Abstract

To provide a light control cell that suppresses occurence of a liquid crystal puddle arising from gravity, and enhances an appearance.SOLUTION: A light control cell 20 includes: a first layer 21 that includes a first base material 24 and a first electrode 25; a second layer 22 that includes a second base material 26 and a second electrode 27; a seal material 31 that is arranged between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22; and a liquid crystal layer 23 and a spacer 32 that are arranged in a seal area SA surrounded by the seal material 31 between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22. The seal area SA includes a first seal area SA1, and a second seal area SA2 adjacent to the first seal area SA1. An area ratio of the spacer 32 in the first seal area SA1 is larger than that of the spacer 32 in the second seal area SA2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light control cell, a light control member, and a moving body. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a light control cell including a spacer disposed in a sealing region, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. The spacer suppresses variations in the thickness of the liquid crystal layer caused by accumulation of the liquid crystal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 039573 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a light control cell arranged vertically, there is a demand for suppressing the occurrence of liquid crystal accumulation caused by gravity. At the same time, there is also a demand for suppressing deterioration of appearance caused by spacers. The present disclosure aims to provide a light control cell that suppresses the occurrence of liquid crystal accumulation caused by gravity and improves appearance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first light-controlling cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first layer including a first substrate and a first electrode; a second layer including a second substrate and a second electrode; a sealant disposed between the first layer and the second layer; a liquid crystal layer and a spacer disposed in a sealing region surrounded by the sealing material between the first layer and the second layer, The sealing area includes a first sealing area and a second sealing area located above the first sealing area, The area ratio of the spacer in the first sealing region is greater than the area ratio of the spacer in the second sealing region.

[0006] The second light-controlling cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first layer including a first substrate and a first electrode; a second layer including a second substrate and a second electrode; a sealant disposed between the first layer and the second layer; a liquid crystal layer disposed in a seal area surrounded by the seal material between the first layer and the second layer; A light-controlling cell comprising: a spacer disposed in the sealing region and connected to at least one of the first layer and the second layer; The sealing area includes a first sealing area and a second sealing area located above the first sealing area, The area of ​​the first sealing area is smaller than the area of ​​the second sealing area, The total area of ​​the spacers in the first sealing region is greater than the total area of ​​the spacers in the second sealing region. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of liquid crystal accumulation in a light control cell due to gravity, and to improve the appearance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a light-controlling component including a light-controlling cell according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the lower end portion of the light adjusting member of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of the first sealing area of ​​the light-control cell of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a moving body including the light adjusting member of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to the following [1] to

[11] .

[0010] [1] A first layer including a first substrate and a first electrode; a second layer including a second substrate and a second electrode; a sealant disposed between the first layer and the second layer; a liquid crystal layer and a spacer disposed in a sealing region surrounded by the sealing material between the first layer and the second layer, The sealing area includes a first sealing area and a second sealing area located above the first sealing area, A light-controlling cell, wherein an area ratio of the spacer in the first sealing region is greater than an area ratio of the spacer in the second sealing region.

[0011] [2] The light-controlling cell of [1], wherein the area of ​​the first sealing region is smaller than the area of ​​the second sealing region.

[0012] [3] A first layer including a first substrate and a first electrode; a second layer including a second substrate and a second electrode; a sealant disposed between the first layer and the second layer; a liquid crystal layer and a spacer disposed in a sealing region surrounded by the sealing material between the first layer and the second layer, The sealing area includes a first sealing area and a second sealing area located above the first sealing area, The area of ​​the first sealing area is smaller than the area of ​​the second sealing area, A dimming cell, wherein a total area of ​​the spacers in the first sealing region is greater than a total area of ​​the spacers in the second sealing region.

[0013] [4] The first seal area includes a gradation area, The light-controlling cell according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein in the gradation region, the area of ​​the spacer increases downward.

[0014] [5] The light-controlling cell according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the spacers are arranged two-dimensionally.

[0015] [6] The light-controlling cell according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the spacer is bonded to the first layer and the second layer.

[0016] [7] The light-controlling cell of any one of [1] to [6], wherein the distance between the upper and lower ends of the first sealing region is 25% or less of the distance between the upper and lower ends of the light-controlling cell.

[0017] [8] The light-control cell according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the spacer is not disposed in the second sealing region.

[0018] [9] A first substrate and a second substrate facing each other; A light-adjusting component comprising: a light-adjusting cell according to any one of [1] to [8], disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0019]

[10] [9] A moving object having a dimming component.

[0020]

[11] The moving body according to

[10] , wherein the first sealing area is observable from the outside.

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings attached to this specification, the scale and aspect ratios are appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual objects for the convenience of illustration and understanding. In addition, configurations shown in some drawings may be omitted in other drawings.

[0022] In this specification, terms that specify shapes or geometric conditions and their degrees, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," and "same," as well as values ​​of lengths and angles, are not limited to their strict meanings, but are interpreted to include a range within which similar functions can be expected.

[0023] In this specification, terms such as "sheet" and "film" are not distinguished from each other solely on the basis of differences in name.

[0024] In order to clarify the relationship between directions between the drawings, common directions are indicated in several drawings by arrows with common symbols. The tip of the arrow is one side of each direction. An arrow pointing toward the viewer in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the drawing is indicated by a symbol with a dot in a circle, as shown in Figure 2, for example. An arrow pointing toward the viewer in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the drawing is indicated by a symbol with an X in a circle, as shown in Figure 4, for example.

[0025] In this specification, when multiple upper limit candidates and multiple lower limit candidates are given for a certain parameter, the numerical range of the parameter may be formed by combining any one of the upper limit candidates and any one of the lower limit candidates. As an example, consider the description "Parameter B may be A1 or more, A2 or more, or A3 or more. Parameter B may be A4 or less, A5 or less, or A6 or less." In this example, the numerical range of parameter B may be A1 or more and A4 or less, A1 or more and A5 or less, A1 or more and A6 or less, A2 or more and A4 or less, A2 or more and A5 or less, A2 or more and A6 or less, A3 or more and A4 or less, A3 or more and A5 or less, or A3 or more and A6 or less.

[0026] 1 to 4 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a front view of a light control member 10 according to an embodiment. The light control member 10 is a member capable of adjusting visible light transmittance. The light control member 10 shown in the figure is a flat member extending in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 non-parallel to the first direction D1. The light control member 10 has a longitudinal direction in the first direction D1. The light control member 10 has a width direction in the second direction D2. The light control member 10 has a first surface 10a and a second surface 10b opposite to the first surface 10a. FIG. 1 shows the light control member 10 observed from the first surface 10a side.

[0027] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the light control member 10 is arranged standing in the vertical direction VD. In the illustrated light control member 10, a first direction D1 is parallel to the vertical direction VD. A first side in the first direction D1 is the upper side. A second side in the first direction D1 is the lower side, that is, the lower side in the vertical direction VD. Gravity acts downward on the light control member 10 arranged in this manner.

[0028] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the light control member 10 is flat. That is, the surface shape of the light control member 10 is planar. The light control member 10 may have a two-dimensional shape as shown in FIG. 4. The surface shape of the light control member 10 having a two-dimensional shape may have a curved shape as shown in FIG. 4. The light control member 10 may have a three-dimensional shape. The surface shape of the light control member 10 having a three-dimensional shape may have a curved shape. As an example, the light control member 10 having a three-dimensional shape may have a shape that is convex on one side. Note that the light control member 10 "has a two-dimensional shape" means that the light control member 10 includes a portion curved around a single axis line or a portion curved around each of a plurality of parallel axes. Also, the light control member 10 "has a three-dimensional shape" means that the light control member 10 includes a portion curved around each of a plurality of non-parallel axes lines.

[0029] The light adjusting member 10 has a first side 101 and a second side 102 located above the first side 101, i.e., on the upper side in the vertical direction VD. The second side 102 is located on the first side in the first direction D1 relative to the first side 101.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the layer structure of the light-adjusting member 10 in Fig. 1. In particular, Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion including a first side 101 of the light-adjusting member 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the light-adjusting member 10 includes a first substrate 11 and a second substrate 12 facing each other, and a light-adjusting cell 20 disposed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The first substrate 11 forms a first surface 10a of the light-adjusting member 10. The second substrate 12 forms a second surface 10b of the light-adjusting member 10. In Fig. 1, a spacer 32 of the light-adjusting cell 20, which will be described later, is shown in black.

[0031] The first substrate 11 and the dimming cell 20 may be bonded to each other by a first bonding layer 13. The second substrate 12 and the dimming cell 20 may be bonded to each other by a second bonding layer 14. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the second substrate 12, the second bonding layer 14, the dimming cell 20, the first bonding layer 13, and the first substrate 11 are arranged in this order from the second surface 10b toward the first surface 10a.

[0032] The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 are transparent plate materials. In the illustrated example, the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 are flat. The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 may be glass. The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 may be resin glass such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin. The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 may each have a thickness of 1 mm or more and 4 mm or less.

[0033] By transparent it is meant that the visible light transmittance is 40% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more.

[0034] Visible light transmittance is specified as the average value of the total light transmittance at each wavelength when measured in 1 nm increments within the measurement wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm using a spectrophotometer (Shimadzu Corporation's "UV-3600i Plus", JIS K0115 compliant). The angle of incidence when measuring visible light transmittance is set to 0° unless a particular transmission direction is specified. The angle of incidence is the angle between the normal to the incident surface and the traveling direction of the incident light, and is less than 90°.

[0035] The first bonding layer 13 bonds the first substrate 11 and the dimming cell 20. The second bonding layer 14 bonds the second substrate 12 and the dimming cell 20. The first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 may have the same configuration. The first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 may have different configurations. The first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 may be sheets. The first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 may include an adhesive or a pressure sensitive adhesive. The first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 may include a resin. The first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 may include one or more of PVB (polyvinyl butyral), EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer), COP (cycloolefin polymer), OCR (Optical Clear Resin), and OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive). The first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 may have a thickness of 50 μm or more and 2.5 mm or less.

[0036] The light control cell 20 controls the amount of transmitted light by changing the voltage applied to the electrodes of the light control cell 20. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the light control cell 20 is a flat sheet extending in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2. The light control cell 20 includes a first layer 21, a second layer 22 arranged facing the first layer 21, a sealant 31 arranged between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22, a liquid crystal layer 23 arranged in the seal area SA, and a spacer 32 arranged in the seal area SA. The seal area SA is an area surrounded by the sealant 31 between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22. The first layer 21 and the second layer 22 face each other in a third direction D3 that is non-parallel to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. That is, the facing direction DT in which the first layer 21 and the second layer 22 face each other is parallel to the third direction D3.

[0037] 2, the first layer 21 has a first substrate 24 and a first electrode 25. The first layer 21 may have a first alignment film 28. The first layer 21 faces the first bonding layer 13 at the first substrate 24. The first layer 21 faces the liquid crystal layer 23, the sealant 31, and the spacer 32 at the first alignment film 28. The first electrode 25 is located between the first substrate 24 and the first alignment film 28.

[0038] 2, the second layer 22 has a second substrate 26 and a second electrode 27. The second layer 22 may have a second alignment film 29. The second layer 22 faces the second bonding layer 14 at the second substrate 26. The second layer 22 faces the liquid crystal layer 23, the sealant 31, and the spacer 32 at the second alignment film 29. The second electrode 27 is located between the second substrate 26 and the second alignment film 29.

[0039] The first substrate 24 and the second substrate 26 may have the same configuration. The first substrate 24 and the second substrate 26 may have different configurations. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the first substrate 24 and the second substrate 26 are transparent resin sheets. The resin contained in the first substrate 24 and the second substrate 26 may include one or more of 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), polyetherketone (PEK), (meth)acrylonitrile, cycloolefin polymer (COP), and cycloolefin copolymer. The first substrate 24 and the second substrate 26 may have a thickness of 50 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

[0040] The first electrode 25 and the second electrode 27 are conductive members. The first electrode 25 and the second electrode 27 may have the same configuration. The first electrode 25 and the second electrode 27 may have different configurations. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the first electrode 25 and the second electrode 27 are conductive transparent thin films. The first electrode 25 and the second electrode 27 may be transparent metal thin films. The first electrode 25 and the second electrode 27 may be tin oxide-based thin films such as tin oxide (SnO2), antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO, Antimony Tin Oxide), and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO). The first electrode 25 and the second electrode 27 may be indium oxide-based thin films such as indium oxide, indium tin oxide (ITO, Indium Tin Oxide), and IZO (Indium Zinc Oxyde). The first electrode 25 and the second electrode 27 may be a zinc oxide-based thin film such as zinc oxide (ZnO), aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO), or gallium doped zinc oxide (GZO).

[0041] The first alignment film 28 and the second alignment film 29 align the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 23 in a desired direction. The liquid crystal molecules are molecules having a longitudinal direction. The longitudinal directions of the liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules. The light control cell 20 may include the first alignment film 28 and the second alignment film 29 according to the driving method of the liquid crystal molecules. The first alignment film 28 and the second alignment film 29 may be photo-aligned films produced by irradiating a polymer film with polarized ultraviolet light. The first alignment film 28 and the second alignment film 29 may be rubbed alignment films produced by a rubbing process that imparts linear unevenness to a resin layer such as polyimide. The first alignment film 28 and the second alignment film 29 may be omitted from the light control cell 20 according to the driving method of the liquid crystal molecules.

[0042] The liquid crystal layer 23 changes the visible light transmittance according to a voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 23. In the illustrated dimming cell 20, a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 23 by a potential difference generated between the first electrode 25 and the second electrode 27. The liquid crystal layer 23 includes liquid crystal. The liquid crystal includes a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. The plurality of liquid crystal molecules are driven by a voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 23. The driving method of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules may be various driving methods such as a VA (Vertical Alignment) method, a TN (Twisted Nematic) method, an IPS (In Plane Switching) method, a GH (Guest Host) method, etc.

[0043] In the example shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the driving method of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules is the GH method. When the liquid crystal layer 23 includes liquid crystal molecules driven by the GH method, the liquid crystal layer 23 includes liquid crystal and a dichroic dye composition. The dichroic dye composition includes a dichroic dye having a longitudinal direction. The dichroic dye may be aligned by a first alignment film 28 and a second alignment film 29. The dichroic dye may be aligned such that the longitudinal direction of the dichroic dye is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal molecules.

[0044] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the sealant 31 is located between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22. The sealant 31 is provided in a circumferential shape along the edge of the dimming cell 20. A seal area SA surrounded by the sealant 31 is formed in the portion between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22. The liquid crystal layer 23 and the spacer 32 are disposed in this seal area SA. The sealant 31 prevents the liquid crystal molecules from leaking out of the seal area SA. The sealant 31 may define the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 23. The sealant 31 may be a cured product of a curable resin composition. The curable resin composition may be a thermosetting resin composition or an ionizing radiation curable resin composition. The curable resin composition may include one or more of an epoxy resin and an acrylic resin.

[0045] In the example shown in Fig. 1, the sealing area SA is divided in a first direction D1. The sealing area SA includes a first sealing area SA1 and a second sealing area SA2 adjacent to the first sealing area SA1 in the first direction D1. The first sealing area SA1 and the second sealing area SA2 are adjacent to each other in the vertical direction VD. The liquid crystal layer 23 is disposed in both the first sealing area SA1 and the second sealing area SA2.

[0046] 1, the area of ​​the second seal area SA2 may be larger than the area of ​​the first seal area SA1. The area of ​​the first seal area SA1 may be 35% or less, or 20% or less, of the area of ​​the second seal area SA2. The area of ​​the first seal area SA1 may be 5% or more, or 10% or more, of the area of ​​the second seal area SA2.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 1, the distance between the upper end and the lower end of the first sealing area SA1, i.e., the maximum length of the first sealing area SA1 in the first direction D1 in Fig. 1, may be smaller than the distance between the upper end and the lower end of the second sealing area SA2. The distance between the upper end and the lower end of the first area may be 25% or less, or 15% or less, of the distance between the upper end and the lower end of the dimming cell. The distance between the upper end and the lower end of the first area may be 5% or more, or 10% or more, of the distance between the upper end and the lower end of the dimming cell.

[0048] 2, the spacer 32 is disposed in the seal area SA. The spacer 32 is disposed in the first seal area SA1. The spacer 32 may be disposed in the second seal area SA2. The spacer 32 does not have to be disposed in the second seal area SA2. The spacer 32 may define the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 23 in the seal area SA, i.e., the length of the liquid crystal layer 23 in the facing direction DT.

[0049] The spacer 32 may be referred to as a "seal pillar." The spacer 32 may have a pillar shape. The spacer 32 may have a shape other than a pillar shape.

[0050] In the example shown in Fig. 3, a plurality of spacers 32 are provided. The plurality of spacers 32 are two-dimensionally arranged in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. As shown in Fig. 3, the spacer 32 may have a rectangular cross section. The spacer 32 is not limited to the illustrated example, and may have a cross section of various shapes such as a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a diamond shape, a honeycomb shape, etc. The dimming cell 20 may include a plurality of spacers 32 having different shapes.

[0051] The components of the dimming cell 20 are "two-dimensionally arranged" means that the components are distributed and arranged in two or more directions that are non-parallel to each other and perpendicular to the facing direction DT. In the illustrated example, the spacers 32 are two-dimensionally arranged in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. In the illustrated example, the spacers 32 are arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0052] Spacers 32 adjacent to each other in a direction non-parallel to the vertical direction VD (first direction D1) may have the same cross-sectional shape. Spacers 32 adjacent to each other in a direction non-parallel to the vertical direction VD (first direction D1), for example, a second direction D2 perpendicular to the vertical direction VD (first direction D1), may have the same dimensions. In the example shown in FIG. 3, spacers 32 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 have the same shape. Spacers 32 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 have the same dimensions.

[0053] The intervals between adjacent spacers 32 in a direction non-parallel to the vertical direction VD (first direction D1), for example, a second direction D2 perpendicular to the vertical direction VD (first direction D1), may be the same. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the intervals between adjacent spacers 32 in the second direction D2 are the same.

[0054] The spacer 32 may determine the thickness of the seal area SA. The spacer 32 may determine the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 23. The first layer 21 may contact the spacer 32 from a first side in the facing direction DT. The second layer 22 may contact the spacer 32 from a second side in the facing direction DT. The first layer 21 and the second layer 22 may contact the spacer 32, thereby suppressing a reduction in the thickness of the seal area SA and the liquid crystal layer 23 arranged in the seal area SA.

[0055] The spacer 32 may be bonded to both the first layer 21 and the second layer 22. The spacer 32 bonded to both layers may suppress the first layer 21 and the second layer 22 from moving away from each other in the facing direction DT. That is, by bonding the spacer 32 to both the first layer 21 and the second layer 22, a decrease and an increase in the thickness of the seal area SA may be suppressed.

[0056] The fact that the spacer 32 is "bonded" to both the first layer 21 and the second layer 22 is specified by the following method. A sample having a length of 80 mm in the longitudinal direction and a length of 10 mm in the width direction is cut out from the first seal area SA1 of the dimming cell 20. The area ratio of the spacer 32 in the sample is 1% or more. Double-sided tape (manufactured by Teraoka Seisakusho Co., Ltd.) is attached to one surface of the first layer 21 or the second layer 22 of the cut-out sample, and the sample is attached to a support member such as glass. The layer opposite to the layer to which the double-sided tape is attached is clamped in a chuck. The sample in this state is pulled at a pulling speed of 10 mm / min so as to be folded back at 180 degrees under a condition of 25°C, and the force [N / 10 mm] required to separate the first layer 21 and the second layer 22 from each other is measured. This force [N / 10 mm] is measured for five different samples, and the average value of the five measured values ​​is taken as the bonding force [N / 10 mm]. This means that when the spacer 32 is bonded to both the first layer 21 and the second layer 22, the bonding strength measured by the above method is 0.025N / 10mm.

[0057] The spacer 32 may be a cured product of a curable resin composition. The curable resin composition may be a thermosetting resin composition or an ionizing radiation curable resin composition. The curable resin composition may contain one or more of an epoxy resin and an acrylic resin. The material of the spacer 32 may be the same as the material of the sealant 31.

[0058] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the area ratio of the spacer 32 in the first sealing region SA1 is greater than the area ratio of the spacer 32 in the second sealing region SA2.

[0059] The area ratio of the spacer 32 in the first seal area SA1 is the ratio of the area of ​​the spacer 32 to the unit area of ​​the first seal area SA1. The area ratio of the spacer 32 in the second seal area SA2 is the ratio of the area of ​​the spacer 32 to the unit area of ​​the second seal area SA2.

[0060] The area of ​​the first seal area SA1 is the area of ​​the first seal area SA1 projected onto a plane perpendicular to the facing direction DT. The area of ​​the second seal area SA2 is the area of ​​the second seal area SA2 projected onto a plane perpendicular to the facing direction DT. The area of ​​the spacer 32 is the area of ​​the spacer 32 projected onto a plane perpendicular to the facing direction DT. The unit area of ​​the first seal area SA1 and the unit area of ​​the second seal area SA2 are 1 mm 2 But 100mm 2 That's fine too.

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the total area of ​​the spacers 32 in the first seal area SA1 is larger than the total area of ​​the spacers 32 in the second seal area SA2.

[0062] The total area of ​​the spacers 32 in the first seal area SA1 is the sum of the areas of the spacers 32 in the first seal area SA1. The total area of ​​the spacers 32 in the second seal area SA2 is the sum of the areas of the spacers 32 in the second seal area SA2.

[0063] 2, the first sealing area SA1 includes a gradation area GA. In the gradation area GA, the area of ​​the spacer 32 increases downward.

[0064] The fact that "the area of ​​the spacer 32" "increases downward" is determined in the state in which the seal area SA is observed from the facing direction DT as follows. An area extending in a direction parallel to the vertical direction VD (first direction D1 in FIG. 1) and a direction perpendicular to the direction (second direction D2 in FIG. 1) is set as the area to be determined. The area to be determined is divided into five partial areas having equal lengths in the vertical direction VD. Each partial area extends in a direction parallel to the vertical direction VD and a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction VD. In each partial area, a field of view having a dimension of 20 mm square is observed, and the total area of ​​the spacer 32 in the field of view is measured. The above-mentioned values ​​are measured in five different fields of view, and the average value of the five values ​​is determined as the total area of ​​the spacer 32 in the partial area. The fact that the area of ​​the spacer 32 "increases downward" means that the total area of ​​the spacer 32 determined by the above-mentioned method increases monotonically from the partial area located at the top to the partial area located at the bottom.

[0065] 3 is a front view showing the gradation area GA. In the gradation area GA, the length of the spacer 32 in the vertical direction VD (first direction D1) may increase downward. In the gradation area GA, the length of the spacer 32 in the direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction VD and the facing direction DT (second direction D2) may increase downward.

[0066] The dimming cell 20 having the above configuration may have a maximum visible light transmittance when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 23. The dimming cell 20 may have a minimum visible light transmittance when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 23. The dimming cell 20 shown in FIG. 1 has a maximum visible light transmittance when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 23.

[0067] The light control member 10 having the above configuration is applied to various devices that require adjustment of visible light transmittance. The light control member 10 may be applied to a moving body 100. The moving body 100 is a movable device or equipment. Examples of the moving body 100 include automobiles, trains, and airplanes.

[0068] In the example shown in Fig. 4, the light-adjusting member 10 is disposed on a window 5 of an automobile 1. The window 5 may be a side window. The light-adjusting member 10 can control the amount of light entering the automobile 1. In the illustrated light-adjusting member 10, the first seal area SA1 can be observed from the outside.

[0069] The function of the illustrated light adjusting member 10 will now be described.

[0070] When no voltage is applied to the dimming cell 20, the liquid crystal molecules and dichroic pigment in the liquid crystal layer 23 are aligned so that the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal molecules and dichroic pigment is parallel to the facing direction DT. When a voltage is applied to the dimming cell 20, the liquid crystal molecules and dichroic pigment in the liquid crystal layer 23 are aligned so that the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal molecules and dichroic pigment is parallel to the direction perpendicular to the facing direction DT due to the electric field formed in the liquid crystal layer 23. The dichroic pigment aligned in the direction perpendicular to the facing direction DT is more likely to absorb light that has entered the liquid crystal layer 23 than the dichroic pigment aligned in the facing direction DT. The light that has entered the liquid crystal layer 23 is absorbed, and the visible light transmittance of the dimming cell 20 is reduced. Therefore, in the dimming cell 20 shown in the figure and the dimming member 10 including the dimming cell 20, the visible light transmittance can be adjusted by adjusting the voltage applied to the dimming cell 20.

[0071] However, a dimming cell arranged vertically may have a problem of forming a liquid crystal pool. When a dimming cell is arranged upright, gravity acts on the liquid crystal contained in the liquid crystal layer. Gravity causes the liquid crystal to flow downward within the sealing area. The liquid crystal flowing downward accumulates at the lower end of the sealing area, forming a liquid crystal pool. In the liquid crystal pool, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer increases significantly. Even if a voltage is applied to a dimming cell including a liquid crystal pool, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer increases significantly, which may result in a problem of not being able to adjust the visible light transmittance as intended.

[0072] A spacer is disposed in the sealing region to suppress an increase in the thickness of the liquid crystal layer. The spacer functions as a resistance against the downward flow of the liquid crystal in the sealing region. The spacer can weaken the flow of the liquid crystal that tries to descend to the lower end of the sealing region. This can reduce the amount of liquid crystal that reaches the lower end of the dimming cell, and suppress a large increase in the thickness of the liquid crystal layer at the lower end of the sealing region.

[0073] However, the spacer arranged in the sealing region can be easily observed from the outside. Furthermore, if the light passing through the dimming cell is diffused by the spacer, the dimming cell and the dimming member including the dimming cell can be observed as being cloudy in the sealing region. Therefore, if the spacer is arranged to prevent the liquid crystal from accumulating, the appearance of the dimming member can be impaired.

[0074] In contrast, the light control cell 20 according to the present embodiment includes a first layer 21 including a first substrate 24 and a first electrode 25, a second layer 22 including a second substrate 26 and a second electrode 27, a sealant 31 disposed between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22, and a liquid crystal layer 23 and spacers 32 disposed in a seal area SA surrounded by the sealant 31 between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22. The seal area SA includes a first seal area SA1 and a second seal area SA2 adjacent to the first seal area SA1. The area ratio of the spacers 32 in the first seal area SA1 is greater than the area ratio of the spacers 32 in the second seal area SA2.

[0075] The dimming cell 20 according to the present embodiment includes a first layer 21 including a first substrate 24 and a first electrode 25, a second layer 22 including a second substrate 26 and a second electrode 27, a sealant 31 disposed between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22, and a liquid crystal layer 23 and spacers 32 disposed in a seal area SA surrounded by the sealant 31 between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22. The seal area SA includes a first seal area SA1 and a second seal area SA2 adjacent to the first seal area SA1. The total area of ​​the spacers 32 in the first seal area SA1 is larger than the total area of ​​the spacers 32 in the second seal area SA2.

[0076] According to this embodiment, as described above, the spacer 32 arranged in the first sealing area SA1 can weaken the flow of liquid crystal that tries to descend to the lower end of the sealing area SA. This can reduce the amount of liquid crystal that reaches the lower end of the sealing area SA, and can prevent the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 23 from increasing significantly at the lower end of the sealing area SA. Therefore, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 23 is prevented from increasing significantly, and the light control cell 20 can exhibit excellent light control performance.

[0077] On the other hand, by reducing the area ratio or the total area of ​​the spacers 32 in the second sealing region SA2, it is possible to prevent the spacers 32 from being observed in the second sealing region SA2. Also, by reducing the area ratio or the total area of ​​the spacers 32, it is possible to prevent the diffusion of transmitted light by the spacers 32 in the second sealing region SA2. As a result, it is possible to prevent the dimming cell 20 from being observed as cloudy in the second sealing region SA2.

[0078] Therefore, according to this embodiment, accumulation of liquid crystal due to gravity in the first sealing area SA1 can be suppressed, and the appearance of the light control cell 20 can be improved in the second sealing area SA2.

[0079] 1 to 4, the area of ​​the first sealing region SA1 is smaller than the area of ​​the second sealing region SA2. This makes it possible to make the spacer 32 arranged in the first sealing region SA1 less noticeable. This effectively prevents the spacer 32 from impairing the appearance of the dimming cell 20.

[0080] 1 to 4, the spacer 32 is not disposed in the second sealing area SA2. According to this specific example, the appearance of the second sealing area SA2 is not impaired by the spacer 32. This makes it possible to more effectively improve the appearance of the light adjusting member 10.

[0081] 1 to 3, the spacer 32 is bonded to both the first layer 21 and the second layer 22. According to this specific example, the spacer 32 can suppress an increase or decrease in the distance between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22. This can suppress the occurrence of a gap in the sealing area SA. Therefore, the occurrence of liquid crystal accumulation in the dimming cell 20 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0082] In the example shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the first sealing area SA1 includes a gradation area GA. In the gradation area GA, the area of ​​the spacers 32 increases downward. According to this specific example, it is possible to prevent the spacers 32 from being conspicuously observed in the upper part of the first sealing area SA1. Also, according to this specific example, the area through which the liquid crystal can pass gradually decreases downward. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid crystal from staying in the boundary part between the first sealing area SA1 and the second sealing area SA2. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 23 from increasing significantly due to gravity.

[0083] In the embodiment described above, the light control cell 20 includes a first layer 21 including a first substrate 24 and a first electrode 25, a second layer 22 including a second substrate 26 and a second electrode 27, a sealant 31 disposed between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22, and a liquid crystal layer 23 and a spacer 32 disposed in a seal area SA surrounded by the sealant 31 between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22. The seal area SA includes a first seal area SA1 and a second seal area SA2 adjacent to the first seal area SA1. The area ratio of the spacer 32 in the first seal area SA1 is larger than the area ratio of the spacer 32 in the second seal area SA2.

[0084] In the embodiment described above, the light-controlling cell 20 includes a first layer 21 including a first substrate 24 and a first electrode 25, a second layer 22 including a second substrate 26 and a second electrode 27, a sealant 31 disposed between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22, and a liquid crystal layer 23 and spacers 32 disposed in a seal area SA surrounded by the sealant 31 between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22. The seal area SA includes a first seal area SA1 and a second seal area SA2 adjacent to the first seal area SA1. The total area of ​​the spacers 32 in the first seal area SA1 is larger than the total area of ​​the spacers 32 in the second seal area SA2.

[0085] According to this embodiment, in the first sealing region SA1, the spacers 32 can weaken the downward flow of liquid crystal. In the second sealing region SA2, the spacers 32 can be prevented from being easily observed. In the second sealing region SA2, the diffusion of transmitted light by the spacers 32 can be suppressed, and the light control cell 20 can be prevented from being observed as cloudy. As a result, the occurrence of liquid crystal accumulation due to gravity in the light control cell 20 can be suppressed, and the appearance can be improved.

[0086] Although one embodiment has been described with reference to a specific example, the above-mentioned specific example does not limit the embodiment. The above-mentioned embodiment can be embodied in various other specific examples, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, additions, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the embodiment.

[0087] In the above-described specific example of the light-controlling cell 20, the spacer 32 has a columnar shape. However, the spacer 32 is not limited to this, and may have a frustum shape such as a truncated cone or a truncated pyramid. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1: automobile, 10: light control member, 11: first substrate, 12: second substrate, 20: light control cell, 21: first layer, 22: second layer, 23: liquid crystal layer, 24: first base material, 25: first electrode, 26: second base material, 27: second electrode, 31: sealing material, 32: spacer, 100: moving body, SA: sealing area, SA1: first sealing area, SA2: second sealing area, GA: gradation area

Claims

1. a first layer including a first substrate and a first electrode; a second layer comprising a second substrate and a second electrode; a sealant disposed between the first layer and the second layer; a liquid crystal layer and a spacer disposed in a sealing region surrounded by the sealing material between the first layer and the second layer, The sealing area includes a first sealing area and a second sealing area located above the first sealing area, A light-controlling cell, wherein an area ratio of the spacer in the first sealing region is greater than an area ratio of the spacer in the second sealing region.

2. The light-control cell of claim 1 , wherein an area of ​​the first sealing region is smaller than an area of ​​the second sealing region.

3. a first layer including a first substrate and a first electrode; a second layer comprising a second substrate and a second electrode; a sealant disposed between the first layer and the second layer; a liquid crystal layer and a spacer disposed in a sealing region surrounded by the sealing material between the first layer and the second layer, The sealing area includes a first sealing area and a second sealing area located above the first sealing area, The area of ​​the first sealing area is smaller than the area of ​​the second sealing area, A dimming cell, wherein a total area of ​​the spacers in the first sealing region is greater than a total area of ​​the spacers in the second sealing region.

4. the first seal area includes a gradation area, The light-controlling cell according to claim 1 , wherein an area of ​​the spacer in the gradation region increases downward.

5. The light-controlling cell according to claim 1 , wherein the spacers are arranged in a two-dimensional array.

6. The dimming cell of claim 1 , wherein the spacer is bonded to the first layer and the second layer.

7. The dimming cell according to claim 1 or 3, wherein a distance between an upper end and a lower end of the first sealing region is 25% or less of a distance between an upper end and a lower end of the dimming cell.

8. The dimming cell according to claim 1 , wherein the spacer is not disposed in the second sealing region.

9. a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other; A light-adjusting component comprising: the light-adjusting cell according to claim 1 or 3, which is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

10. A moving body comprising the light control member according to claim 9.

11. The moving body according to claim 10 , wherein the first sealing area is externally observable.

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