Light control member and laminated plate

Abstract

To suppress the uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules in a liquid crystal layer.SOLUTION: A light control member 20 can adjust visible light transmittance. The light control member 20 includes a first laminate 30, a second laminate 40, a liquid crystal layer 21, a sealing material 25, and a wall portion 27. The first laminate 30 has a first electrode 33 and a first base material 31 supporting the first electrode 33. The second laminate 40 has a second electrode 43 separated from the first electrode 33 and a second base material 41 supporting the second electrode 43. The liquid crystal layer 21 is disposed between the first laminate 30 and the second laminate 40. The sealing material 25 surrounds the liquid crystal layer 21 circumferentially. The wall portion 27 divides the liquid crystal layer 21 into a plurality of sections A in a plan view of the light control member 20. The area of section A is 2500 mm2 or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light control member and a laminate having a light control member. [Background technology]

[0002] A light control component capable of adjusting visible light transmittance is known, as shown in Patent Document 1. The light control component shown in Patent Document 1 has, for example, a liquid crystal layer containing liquid crystal. A light control component having a liquid crystal layer can change the visible light transmittance by applying a voltage. A light control component having a liquid crystal layer has an advantage that the visible light transmittance changes quickly. A light control component is used in a transparent portion of a partition member such as a window. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-350111 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional liquid crystal layers, liquid crystal molecules may become unevenly distributed. For example, when a light control component having a liquid crystal layer is processed at high temperature and high pressure, the liquid crystal molecules may move in the liquid crystal layer and become unevenly distributed due to thermal expansion of the light control component and deformation due to pressure. For example, when a light control component having a liquid crystal layer is arranged at an angle to the horizontal direction, the liquid crystal molecules may move in the liquid crystal layer and become unevenly distributed due to gravity. The unevenly distributed liquid crystal molecules are clearly visible from the outside of the light control component, and the appearance of the light control component may be impaired.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to suppress uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules in a liquid crystal layer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to the following [1] to

[12] . [1] A light control member capable of adjusting visible light transmittance, A first laminate including a first electrode and a first base material supporting the first electrode; a second laminate including a second electrode spaced from the first electrode and a second substrate supporting the second electrode; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first stack and the second stack; A sealant that circumferentially surrounds the liquid crystal layer; a wall portion that divides the liquid crystal layer into a plurality of regions in a plan view of the light adjusting component; The area of ​​the largest of the above areas is 2500 mm 2 Below are the dimming components. [2] A light control member capable of adjusting visible light transmittance, are arranged to extend in at least a vertical direction, A first laminate including a first electrode and a first base material supporting the first electrode; a second laminate including a second electrode spaced from the first electrode and a second substrate supporting the second electrode; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first stack and the second stack; A sealant that circumferentially surrounds the liquid crystal layer; a wall portion that divides the liquid crystal layer into a plurality of regions in a plan view of the light adjusting component; The area of ​​the largest area among the above areas [mm 2 A dimming component in which the value obtained by dividing the horizontal length of the area by the maximum horizontal length of the area [mm] is 50 or less. [3] The area of ​​the largest of the above areas is 2500 mm 2 The light control component according to [2], [4] The area of ​​the largest of the above areas is 13 mm 2 The above-mentioned light control component is described in [1] or [3]. [5] The light-adjusting component according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the width of the wall portion is 10 μm or more and 1000 μm or less. [6] A dimming component described in any of [1] to [5], wherein the length of a projection of a line segment connecting the centers of gravity of two areas divided by the same wall portion in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the wall portion is 1 mm or more and 50 mm or less. [7] The area of ​​the largest area among the above areas [mm 2 The light-adjusting component according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the value obtained by dividing the width [μm] of the wall portion defining the region by the average width [μm] of the wall portion defining the region is 250 or less. [8] The light-adjusting component according to any one of [1] to [7], further comprising a support portion provided in the area. [9] A first substrate; A substrate with a light control member comprising: a light control member according to any one of [1] to [8] supported by the first substrate.

[10] a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other; A laminate comprising: a dimming member according to any one of [1] to [8] that is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[11] At least one of the first substrate and the second substrate is curved.

[12] The laminate described in

[10] , wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are flat. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules in a liquid crystal layer can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a moving body having a light adjusting member. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state in which the visible light transmittance of the light adjusting member is adjusted to be high. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which the visible light transmittance of the light adjusting member is adjusted to be low. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the light control member taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view showing a part of the light adjusting member. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a modified example of the light adjusting member. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a modified example of the light adjusting member. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a modified example of the light adjusting member. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a modified example of the light adjusting member. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a modified example of the light adjusting member. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a modified example of the light adjusting member. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a modified example of the light adjusting member. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a modified example of the light adjusting member. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a modified example of the light adjusting member. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a modified example of the light adjusting member. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a modified example of the light adjusting member. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a plan view of a modified example of the light adjusting member. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a plan view of a modified example of the light adjusting member. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a plan view of a modified example of the light adjusting member. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a plan view of a modified example of the light adjusting member. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a plan view of a modified example of the light adjusting member. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a plan view of a modified example of the light adjusting member. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining an example of a manufacturing method for a light adjusting member. [Figure 24]FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining an example of a manufacturing method for a light adjusting member. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining an example of a manufacturing method for a light adjusting member. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining an example of a manufacturing method for a light adjusting member. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a substrate having a light control member. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a plan view of a modified example of the light adjusting member. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIX-XXIX in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] 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 the aspect ratio are appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual objects for the convenience of illustration and understanding. Configurations shown in some drawings may be omitted in other drawings.

[0010] In this specification, terms specifying 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.

[0011] In this specification, the normal direction of a plate-like member refers to the normal direction to the plate surface of the plate-like member. Also, the "plate surface" refers to the surface that coincides with the plate-like member when the plate-like member is viewed overall and globally. The same applies when "plate" is read as "film" or "sheet", etc.

[0012] In this specification, when multiple upper limit candidates and multiple lower limit candidates are listed for a parameter, the parameter may be a numerical range that combines any one of the upper limit candidates and any one of the lower limit candidates.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a moving body 1 including a laminated plate 10 according to an embodiment. The laminated plate 10 can be applied to a member for dividing a space, for example. The laminated plate 10 is used as a transparent portion of a partition member such as a window or windshield device of a moving body such as an automobile, train, ship, or airplane, a window in an outer wall, an inner wall, or a door of a building, or a part of a partition, or a sun visor provided on a moving body such as an automobile. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the laminated plate 10 is used as a sunroof 5 and a side window 6 of an automobile. The laminated plate 10 may have any shape according to the member to which it is applied. The laminated plate 10 has a light control member 20 capable of adjusting the visible light transmittance. The sunroof 5 and the side window 6 reduce sunlight entering the inside of the automobile, and provide a good view to the passengers of the automobile. The laminated plate 10 may be used for a sun visor, a rear window, a side mirror, or the like of the moving body 1, without being limited to the example shown in the figure. The moving body 1 may be a ship, a railroad vehicle, an aircraft, or the like, without being limited to the example shown in the figure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the laminated plate 10 and the light control member 20 in a state where the visible light transmittance is adjusted to be high. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the laminated plate 10 and the light control member 20 in a state where the visible light transmittance is adjusted to be low. The plan view of the laminated plate 10 and the light control member 20 is a view of the laminated plate 10 and the light control member 20 observed from the normal direction of the plate surface. In the plan view, the laminated plate 10 and the light control member 20 extend in a first direction d1 and a second direction d2. The first direction d1 and the second direction d2 are non-parallel directions and may be perpendicular to each other. When the laminated plate 10 is used as a side window 6 or the like, the second direction d2 is arranged so as to be horizontal. The first direction d1 may be inclined with respect to the vertical direction, but includes a vertical component. In this case, the light control member 20 extends at least in the vertical direction. When the laminated plate 10 is used as a sunroof 5 or the like, both the first direction d1 and the second direction d2 may be horizontal.

[0015] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the laminated plate 10 and the light control member 20 taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the laminated plate 10 includes a first substrate 11 and a second substrate 12, a first bonding layer 13 and a second bonding layer 14, and a light control member 20. The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 face each other. The plate surface of the first substrate 11 faces the plate surface of the second substrate 12. The light control member 20 is disposed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The first bonding layer 13 is disposed between the first substrate 11 and the light control member 20. The second bonding layer 14 is disposed between the second substrate 12 and the light control member 20.

[0016] The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 preferably have a high visible light transmittance so that the visible light transmittance of the laminated plate 10 can be increased when the visible light transmittance of the light control member 20 is adjusted to be high. The visible light transmittance of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 may be 20% or more, 30% or more, 40% or more, 45% or more, 80% or more, or 85% or more. The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 are flat. The material of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 may be soda-lime glass, for example. The thickness of the first substrate 11 and the thickness of the second substrate 12 may be 1 mm or more, 2 mm or more, 3 mm or more, 3.5 mm or more, 10 mm or less, 8 mm or less, or 5 mm or less. The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 having such a thickness are excellent in strength and optical properties. The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 may be made of the same material and configured in the same manner, or may be different from each other in at least one of the material and the configuration. For example, the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 may be different from each other in thickness or visible light transmittance.

[0017] In this specification, the visible light transmittance is specified as the average value of the total light transmittance at each wavelength when measured at 1 nm intervals within a measurement wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm using a spectrophotometer (Shimadzu Corporation's "UV-3600i Plus", compliant with JIS K0115). The angle of incidence when measuring the 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°.

[0018] The first bonding layer 13 bonds the first substrate 11 and the light control member 20 together. The second bonding layer 14 bonds the second substrate 12 and the light control member 20 together. The first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 may have a high visible light transmittance so that the visible light transmittance of the laminate 10 can be increased when the visible light transmittance of the light control member 20 is adjusted to be high. The first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 may have a visible light transmittance of 90% or more. The material of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 may have various adhesive properties or adhesion properties. The material of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 may be, for example, polyvinyl butyral, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, cycloolefin polymer, ionomer, OCA (Optically Clear Adhesive) or OCR (Optically Clear Resin), a combination of OCA and OCR, or a combination of polyvinyl butyral and OCR. The thickness of the first bonding layer 13 and the thickness of the second bonding layer 14 may be 0.05 mm or more, 0.15 mm or more, or 1 mm or less. The first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 may be made of the same material and configured in the same manner, or may be different from each other in at least one of the material and the configuration. For example, the thickness or visible light transmittance of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 may be different from each other.

[0019] The light control member 20 is capable of adjusting the visible light transmittance. The visible light transmittance that the light control member 20 can have may be 0.5% or more, 1% or more, 10% or more, 20% or more, 75% or less, 70% or less, 45% or less, or 40% or less. The light control member 20 is a plate-shaped member. The thickness of the light control member 20 may be 0.1 mm or more, or 0.5 mm or less.

[0020] 2 to 4, the light control member 20 includes a first stack 30, a second stack 40, a liquid crystal layer 21, a sealant 25, and a wall portion 27. The liquid crystal layer 21 is disposed between the first stack 30 and the second stack 40. The sealant 25 circumferentially surrounds the liquid crystal layer 21. The light control member 20 may include other functional layers (not shown) intended to perform specific functions.

[0021] The first laminate 30 includes a first electrode 33, a first substrate 31 supporting the first electrode 33, and a first alignment film 35. The first electrode 33 extends along the first substrate 31. The first electrode 33 is provided so as to face the liquid crystal layer 21.

[0022] The second laminate 40 includes a second electrode 43, a second substrate 41 supporting the second electrode 43, and a second alignment film 45. The second electrode 43 extends along the second substrate 41. The second electrode 43 is provided so as to face the liquid crystal layer 21.

[0023] The first substrate 31 and the second substrate 41 appropriately support the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43, respectively. The first substrate 31 and the second substrate 41 are thin plate-shaped. The first substrate 31 and the second substrate 41 are transparent. The thickness of the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 41 may be 30 μm or more and 250 μm or less. The first substrate 31 and the second substrate 41 with such a thickness are excellent in strength and optical properties. The material of the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 41 is, for example, glass, polyethylene terephthalate, triacetyl cellulose, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, and cycloolefin polymer.

[0024] By transparent it is meant that the visible light transmittance is 40% or more, 70% or more, or 80% or more.

[0025] The first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43 are separated from each other. The first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43 are not directly electrically connected. A voltage is applied to the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43 via wiring (not shown). The visible light transmittance of the light adjusting member 20 can be adjusted by changing the voltage applied to the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43. The first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43 are transparent. The first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43 are, for example, a transparent conductive film made of indium tin oxide (ITO), a copper mesh, a carbon nanotube, or a silver nanowire.

[0026] The first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 regulate the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 21. The first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 may be produced, for example, by performing a rubbing process on a resin layer such as polyimide, or may be produced based on a photo-alignment method in which linearly polarized ultraviolet light is irradiated onto a polymer film to selectively react polymer chains in the polarization direction, or may be produced by subjecting a fine line-shaped uneven shape produced by a rubbing process to a molding process.

[0027] The liquid crystal layer 21 includes a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. By applying a voltage to the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43, an electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer 21. The electric field changes the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules. The orientation of the liquid crystal molecules can be changed by changing the electric field formed in the liquid crystal layer 21, in other words, by changing the voltage applied to the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43. The visible light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer 21 can be changed depending on the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules. The driving method of the liquid crystal molecules is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a VA (Vertical Alignment) method, a TN (Twisted Nematic) method, an IPS (In Plane Switching) method, a GH (Guest Host) method, or an application method of these methods. It is preferable that the liquid crystal layer 21 does not include a polymerizable compound.

[0028] Depending on the driving method adopted for the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 21, the light adjusting member 20 may further include two polarizing plates disposed so as to interpose the liquid crystal layer 21 therebetween. Depending on the driving method for the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 21, the first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 may be omitted.

[0029] As an example, a case where the driving method of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 21 is the GH method will be described. In the GH method, the liquid crystal layer 21 further contains a dichroic dye composition. In the GH method, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules and the dichroic dye composition is regulated by the first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 and is horizontally aligned when no voltage is applied to the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43. The visible light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer 21 is low. When a voltage is applied between the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43, the liquid crystal molecules and the dichroic dye composition approach a vertical orientation to the first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 due to the electric field. The visible light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer 21 is high. By changing the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules and the dichroic dye composition, the visible light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer 21 can be changed as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Such a liquid crystal layer 21 is called normally dark.

[0030] The liquid crystal molecules and the dichroic dye composition may be oriented vertically by being regulated by the first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 when no voltage is applied to the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43, and may be oriented closer to horizontal to the first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 by the electric field when a voltage is applied between the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43. That is, the liquid crystal layer 21 may have a high visible light transmittance when no voltage is applied to the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43, and may have a low visible light transmittance when a voltage is applied to the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43. Such a liquid crystal layer 21 is called normally clear.

[0031] The liquid crystal layer 21 has a low haze value when its visible light transmittance is low. The light control member 20 including the liquid crystal layer 21 may have a haze value of 30% or less, or 15% or less when its visible light transmittance is low.

[0032] The haze value is expressed as the ratio of the diffuse transmittance to the total light transmittance of the object, and means the diffusion rate of light passing through the object. The total light transmittance is the ratio of the amount of light passing through the object to the amount of light entering the object. The diffuse transmittance is the ratio of the amount of light passing through the object in a direction other than the straight direction to the amount of light entering the object, that is, the amount of light that is diffused and transmitted. The total light transmittance and diffuse transmittance are measured using a haze meter conforming to JIS K7361 (for example, NDH-7000 manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd.).

[0033] The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 21 may be 1 μm or more, or may be 20 μm or less.

[0034] The liquid crystal layer 21 may further include a spacer (not shown). The spacer prevents the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 21 from being thinned due to external pressure or the like. The shape of the spacer may be spherical, cylindrical, elliptical, or polygonal. The length of the spacer, which is the diameter of the spacer when the spacer is spherical, or the height of the spacer when the spacer is cylindrical, corresponds to the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 21. The length of the spacer may be 1 μm or more, 3 μm or more, 20 μm or less, or 15 μm or less. The material of the spacer may be, for example, silica.

[0035] The sealant 25 extends so as to surround the liquid crystal layer 21. The sealant 25 prevents leakage of the liquid crystal layer 21, and adheres to the first laminate 30 and the second laminate 40 to fix them to each other. The width of the sealant 25 may be 100 μm or more, or 5 mm or less. The material of the sealant 25 may be, for example, a thermosetting epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyurethane, or a melamine resin, or may be an ultraviolet-curable acrylic resin, a urethane acrylate, an epoxy acrylate, an acrylate, a polyester acrylate, an amide-imide resin, a polysiloxane, a vinyl ester resin, or may be a thermal ultraviolet-curable epoxy-acrylic resin.

[0036] The width of the sealant 25 means the length at each position of the sealant 25 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the sealant 25 extends.

[0037] The wall portion 27 is provided in a portion surrounded by the sealant 25. The wall portion 27 divides the liquid crystal layer 21 into a plurality of regions A in a plan view of the light control member 20. The region A is defined by the plurality of walls 27 or by the wall portion 27 and the sealant 25. The wall portion 27 extends so as to define the region A. In the example shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the region A having a regular hexagonal shape is defined by six walls 27. The wall portions 27 are regularly arranged in the first direction d1 and a plurality of directions inclined from the first direction d1. The plurality of regions A are regularly arranged two-dimensionally in a plan view of the light control member 20. The wall portion 27 suppresses the movement of liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 21 from the region A to another region A, and adheres to the first laminate 30 and the second laminate 40 to fix them to each other. FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the light control member 20 shown in FIG. 2. The width W of the wall 27 shown in FIG. 5 may be 10 μm or more, 30 μm or more, 50 μm or more, 1000 μm or less, 500 μm or less, or 400 μm or less. The wall 27 may be transparent or a color that easily transmits light, or may be a color such as black that reduces the visible light transmittance of the light-adjusting member 20. The material of the wall 27 may be, for example, a thermosetting epoxy resin or an ultraviolet-curing acrylic resin. The wall 27 may be integrated with the sealant 25, or may be a separate body from the sealant 25.

[0038] The width W of the wall portion 27 means the length at each position of the wall portion 27 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the wall portion 27 extends.

[0039] The area of ​​the largest area in area A is 13 mm 2 May be more than 85mm 2 May be more than 2500mm 2 May be less than or equal to 1500mm 2 May be less than 400mm 2 The area of ​​the largest area among the areas A [mm 2The value obtained by dividing the horizontal length L1 [mm] of the area A by the maximum horizontal length L1 [mm] of the area A may be 50 or less, 30 or less, 15 or less, or 7.5 or less. 2 The value obtained by dividing the width [μm] of the wall portion 27 that defines the region A may be 250 or less, 150 or less, 100 or less, 50 or less, 12 or less, 6 or less, 3 or less, or 0.05 or more. The length L2 of the projection of the line segment connecting the centers of gravity of two regions A divided by the same wall portion 27 in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the wall portion 27 may be 1 mm or more, 10 mm or more, 20 mm or more, 50 mm or less, or 30 mm or less.

[0040] The shape and area of ​​area A, the length in a specific direction, the width and extension direction of wall 27, etc. can be adjusted by appropriately setting the pattern for printing wall material 27A that becomes wall 27 in the manufacturing method of dimming member 20 described later.

[0041] The width of the sealant 25, the width W of the wall 27, the area of ​​the largest area in the area A, the value obtained by dividing the area of ​​the largest area in the area A by the maximum horizontal length L1 of the area A, the value obtained by dividing the area of ​​the largest area in the area A by the average width W of the wall 27 that defines the area A, and the length L2 of the projection of the line segment connecting the centers of gravity of the two areas A divided by the same wall 27 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the wall 27 can be calculated by acquiring an image of the laminated plate 10 and the light-adjusting member 20 in a planar view and processing the image. A specific calculation method will be described. A square measurement range of 5 cm square is specified at the center of the laminated plate 10 and the light-adjusting member 20. If a square measurement range of 5 cm square cannot be specified, the entire laminated plate 10 and the light-adjusting member 20 is set as the measurement range. If the color of the wall 27 is transparent or a color that easily transmits light, the visible light transmittance of the light-adjusting member 20 is adjusted to be the lowest. When the color of the wall portion 27 is a color in which the light-adjusting member 20 has a low visible light transmittance, such as black, the visible light transmittance of the light-adjusting member 20 is adjusted to be the highest. In a state in which the lamination plate 10 and the light-adjusting member 20 in the measurement range are irradiated with white light, an image of the lamination plate 10 and the light-adjusting member 20 in the measurement range is acquired. In the acquired image, the darkest part is set to gradation 255, and the lightest part is set to gradation 0, and the density of the image is divided into gradations 0 to 255. A gradation threshold is set so that the sealing material 25, the wall portion 27, and the area A can be distinguished. For example, gradations 0 to 127 may be set as the sealing material 25 and the wall portion 27, and gradations 128 to 255 may be set as the area A to distinguish them. In the image binarized by setting a threshold, the sealing material 25, the wall portion 27, and the area A are distinguished. The measurement range includes a plurality of wall portions 27 and areas A. From the binarized image, the width of the sealing material 25, the width W of the wall 27, the area of ​​the largest area in area A, the maximum horizontal length L1 of area A, and the length L2 of the projection of the line segment connecting the centers of gravity of two areas A divided by the same wall 27 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the wall 27 are measured. From the measured values, the value obtained by dividing the area of ​​the largest area in area A by the maximum horizontal length L1 of area A, and the value obtained by dividing the area of ​​the largest area in area A by the average width W of the wall 27 that defines area A are calculated.From one measurement range, the width of sealing material 25, the width W of wall 27, the area of ​​the largest area of ​​area A, the maximum horizontal length L1 of area A, the length L2 of the projection of the line segment connecting the centers of gravity of two areas A divided by the same wall 27 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of wall 27, the value obtained by dividing the area of ​​the largest area of ​​area A by the maximum horizontal length L1 of area A, and the value obtained by dividing the area of ​​the largest area of ​​area A by the average of the widths W of the wall 27 defining area A are each measured and calculated multiple times.

[0042] Four separate measurement ranges of 5 cm squares are specified as the measurement ranges, with one side 5 cm away from each side of the square. In each measurement range, each value is measured and calculated in the same manner. If another measurement range cannot be specified, this measurement and calculation is omitted. The largest 25% and the smallest 25% of the values ​​in the five measurement ranges are excluded, and each value is averaged. The average value is specified as each value. For example, if 20 widths W of the wall portion 27 are measured from one measurement range and a total of 100 widths W of the wall portion 27 are measured from the five measurement ranges, the largest 25 and the smallest 25 of the measured widths W of the wall portion 27 are excluded, and the average value of the remaining 50 is specified as the value of the width W of the wall portion 27.

[0043] The area A may have any shape, not limited to the examples shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. For example, the area A may have the shapes shown in Fig. 6 to Fig. 22. In the examples shown in Fig. 6 to Fig. 22, similar to Fig. 2, the laminate 10 and the light control member 20 show a state in which the visible light transmittance is adjusted to be high.

[0044] In the example shown in Fig. 6, a rectangular area A extending in a first direction d1 and a second direction d2 is defined by a seal material 25 and one or more walls 27. The length of the area A extending in the second direction d2 is longer than the length of the area A extending in the first direction d1. The walls 27 are arranged in the first direction d1. The area A is regularly arranged in the first direction d1.

[0045] In the example shown in Fig. 7, a rectangular area A extending in a first direction d1 and a second direction d2 is defined by a plurality of walls 27, or by a seal material 25 and a plurality of walls 27. The length of area A extending in the second direction d2 is longer than the length of area A extending in the first direction d1. The walls 27 are arranged in the first direction d1 and the second direction d2. Area A is regularly arranged in the first direction d1 and the second direction d2.

[0046] 8, a square-shaped area A is defined by four walls 27, or by a sealant 25 and three walls 27. The walls 27 are regularly arranged in the first direction d1 and the second direction d2. The multiple areas A are regularly arranged two-dimensionally in a plan view of the light-adjusting member 20.

[0047] 9, a diamond-shaped area A is defined by four walls 27. The length of area A extending in the second direction d2 is longer than the length of area A extending in the first direction d1. The walls 27 are regularly arranged in two directions inclined from the first direction d1. The multiple areas A are regularly arranged two-dimensionally in a plan view of the light-adjusting member 20.

[0048] In the example shown in FIG. 10, two types of quadrangular areas A are defined by four wall portions 27. A diamond shape is formed by combining the two types of areas A. Two of the four wall portions 27 defining the area A extend to the same length. The other two wall portions 27 defining the area A also extend to the same length. The wall portions 27 are regularly arranged in multiple directions inclined from the first direction d1. The multiple areas A are regularly arranged two-dimensionally in a plan view of the light-adjusting member 20.

[0049] In the example shown in FIG. 11, a diamond-shaped area A is defined by four walls 27. The diamond-shaped area A has a shape in which two equilateral triangles are connected by their sides. A regular hexagon can be formed by the three areas A and the walls 27 that form the areas A. The walls 27 are regularly arranged in a plurality of directions inclined from the first direction d1. The multiple areas A are regularly arranged two-dimensionally in a plan view of the light-adjusting member 20.

[0050] 12, a parallelogram-shaped area A is defined by four walls 27. The length of area A in the second direction d2 is longer than the length of area A in the first direction d1. The walls 27 are regularly arranged in a direction inclined from the first direction d1 and in the second direction d2. The multiple areas A are regularly arranged two-dimensionally in a plan view of the light-adjusting member 20.

[0051] 13, an equilateral triangular area A is defined by three walls 27. The walls 27 are regularly arranged in the first direction d1 and in a direction inclined from the first direction d1. The multiple areas A are regularly arranged two-dimensionally in a plan view of the light-adjusting member 20.

[0052] 14, a regular hexagonal or equilateral triangular area A is defined by six or three wall portions 27. A basket weave pattern is formed by the multiple wall portions 27. The wall portions 27 are regularly arranged in the first direction d1 and multiple directions inclined from the first direction d1. The multiple areas A are regularly arranged two-dimensionally in a plan view of the light-adjusting member 20.

[0053] In the example shown in FIG. 15, a hexagonal or octagonal area A is defined by six or eight walls 27. The hexagonal area A is a shape in which a right-angled isosceles triangle with the sides of the square shape as its hypotenuse is connected to the opposite sides of the square shape. The octagonal area A is a shape in which a right-angled isosceles triangle with the sides of the square shape as its adjacent sides is connected to each side of the square shape so that the adjacent sides and the hypotenuses face each other. A plane can be filled with the two types of areas A shown in the figure. The walls 27 are regularly arranged in the first direction d1 and in multiple directions inclined from the first direction. The multiple areas A are regularly arranged two-dimensionally in a plan view of the light-adjusting member 20.

[0054] In the example shown in Fig. 16, a triphenylene-shaped area A, in which four regular hexagons are connected to one regular hexagon such that three regular hexagons are not adjacent to each other, is defined by 18 walls 27. The walls 27 are arranged in a plurality of directions inclined from the first direction d1. The area A is regularly two-dimensionally arranged in the first direction d1 and the second direction d2.

[0055] 17, an isosceles triangular area A is defined by three walls 27. A hemp leaf pattern is formed by the multiple walls 27. The walls 27 are regularly arranged in the first direction d1 and multiple directions inclined from the first direction d1. The multiple areas A are regularly arranged two-dimensionally in a plan view of the light-adjusting member 20.

[0056] In the example shown in Fig. 18, two types of diamond-shaped areas A are defined by four wall portions 27. A Penrose tile pattern is formed by the multiple wall portions 27. The wall portions 27 are irregularly arranged in multiple directions inclined from the first direction d1. The multiple areas A are irregularly arranged two-dimensionally in a plan view of the light-adjusting member 20.

[0057] In the example shown in FIG. 19, two types of quadrangular regions A are defined by four wall portions 27. The angle formed by two of the four wall portions 27 defining the region A is 72°, and the lengths over which these two wall portions 27 extend are equal. The angle formed by the other two wall portions 27 defining the region A is 144° or 216°, and the lengths over which these two wall portions 27 extend are also equal. A plane can be filled with the two types of regions A shown in the figure. The wall portions 27 are regularly arranged in a plurality of directions inclined from the first direction d1. The plurality of regions A are irregularly arranged two-dimensionally in a plan view of the light-adjusting member 20.

[0058] In the example shown in FIG. 20, the area A is defined by four wall portions 27. A mesh pattern is formed by the multiple areas A. The length of the area A extending in the second direction d2 is longer than the length of the area A extending in the first direction d1. The wall portions 27 extend in a wavy line shape. The wall portions 27 are regularly arranged. The multiple areas A are regularly arranged two-dimensionally in a plan view of the light-adjusting member 20.

[0059] In the example shown in FIG. 21 , an area A having a sector shape or a part of a ring shape is defined by three or four wall portions 27. A Seigaiha pattern is formed by the multiple wall portions 27. The length of area A extending in the second direction d2 is longer than the length of area A extending in the first direction d1. The wall portions 27 extend in an arc shape. The wall portions 27 are regularly arranged. The multiple areas A are regularly arranged two-dimensionally in a plan view of the light-adjusting member 20.

[0060] In the example shown in Fig. 22, an area A having a shape of a part of a ring is defined by three or four wall portions 27. The wall portions 27 extend in an arc shape. The wall portions 27 are arranged regularly or irregularly. The multiple areas A are two-dimensionally arranged regularly or irregularly in a plan view of the light-adjusting member 20.

[0061] An example of a method for manufacturing the light control member 20 and the laminated plate 10 will be described. The method for manufacturing the light control member 20 includes a step of preparing a first plate material and a second plate material, a step of applying a seal material to the second plate material, a step of forming a liquid crystal layer, a step of stacking the first plate material and the second plate material to form a laminate, and a step of cutting a part of the laminate. The method for manufacturing the laminated plate 10 includes a step of joining the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 to the light control member 20.

[0062] The first plate material 30A and the second plate material 40A are produced. As an example, the process of producing the second plate material 40A will be described. The second electrode 43 is formed on the second substrate 41 by sputtering or the like. A composition that will form the second alignment film 45 is applied onto the second electrode 43. The composition is evaporated and dried in a drying furnace. The dried composition hardens to form the second alignment film 45. An alignment regulating force may be imparted to the second alignment film 45 by rubbing, photoalignment, or the like. Through the above steps, the second plate material 40A as shown in FIG. 23 is produced. The first plate material 30A is produced by the same process as the second plate material 40A.

[0063] On one surface of the second plate 40A, the seal material 25A is printed in a circumferential shape, and the wall material 27A is printed in a desired pattern. The seal material 25A and the wall material 27A are viscous liquid materials having adhesive or cohesive properties. The seal material 25A becomes the seal material 25 when hardened. The wall material 27A becomes the wall 27 when hardened. The seal material 25A and the wall material 27A are hardened, for example, by being exposed to ultraviolet light. As shown in FIG. 24, a liquid crystal material containing liquid crystal molecules is supplied to each area on the second plate 40A surrounded by the seal material 25A and the wall material 27A to form a liquid crystal layer 21.

[0064] The first plate material 30A is laminated on the surface of the second plate material 40A on which the sealing material 25A and the wall material 27A have been applied. When laminating the first plate material 30A on the second plate material 40A, a roller or the like may be used to rub them. The sealing material 25A deforms and hardens to become the sealing material 25, and the wall material 27A hardens to become the wall portion 27. The first plate material 30A and the second plate material 40A are bonded together by the sealing material 25 and the wall portion 27. Through the above steps, a laminate 20A as shown in FIG. 25 is produced.

[0065] Part of the first plate material 30A and the second plate material 40A are cut along the dotted lines shown in FIG. 25. The peripheral parts of the first plate material 30A and the second plate material 40A are removed. At least a part of the cutting of the first plate material 30A and the second plate material 40A may be performed on the sealing material 25. The cutting of the first plate material 30A and the second plate material 40A may be performed using a tool such as a punching blade or a cutter, or a laser cutting device. Through the above steps, the light control member 20 is produced.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 26, a first bonding layer 13 and a first substrate 11 are laminated on one surface of the light control member 20. The first substrate 11 and the light control member 20 are bonded via the first bonding layer 13. A second bonding layer 14 and a second substrate 12 are laminated on the other surface of the light control member 20. The second substrate 12 and the light control member 20 are bonded via the second bonding layer 14. Through the above steps, the laminate 10 shown in Fig. 4 is produced.

[0067] In conventional light control components, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer may be unevenly distributed. For example, when the light control component is subjected to pressure or exposed to high temperatures during the manufacturing process of a laminated plate including the light control component, the substrate of the light control component is deformed due to expansion caused by pressure or heat. The liquid crystal layer is also deformed by being pressed by the substrate, and the liquid crystal molecules are unevenly distributed. Even if the pressure applied to the light control component is removed, the deformed liquid crystal layer does not completely return to its original state, and the liquid crystal molecules remain unevenly distributed. Alternatively, the light control component may be arranged in a state inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are biased downward in the vertical direction due to gravity. The part where the liquid crystal molecules are unevenly distributed is observed to be darker than other parts. If the liquid crystal molecules are unevenly distributed, the appearance of the light control component is impaired.

[0068] In the light control member 20 of the present embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 21 is divided into a plurality of zones A by the wall portions 27. The wall portions 27 that define the zones A suppress the movement of liquid crystal molecules beyond the wall portions 27. The movement of liquid crystal molecules throughout the entire liquid crystal layer 21 is suppressed. The uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 21 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the wall portions 27 define the zones A of the desired shape shown in Figs. 2, 6 to 22, etc., and thus the light control member 20 can be given an excellent design.

[0069] A laminated plate having a conventional light control member without walls and a laminated plate 10 having a light control member 20 of the present embodiment were heated at 100° C. for 2 hours with the first direction d1 being vertical. Immediately after heating, each laminated plate was observed. In the laminated plate having a conventional light control member without walls, the lower side in the vertical direction was darkly discolored. This was thought to be due to the deformation of the substrate and liquid crystal layer due to thermal expansion, and the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer being displaced by gravity. In the laminated plate 10 having the light control member 20 of the present embodiment, no discoloration was observed.

[0070] In the plan view of the light-adjusting member 20, the area of ​​the area A having the largest area is 2500 mm 2The reason is as follows. Because area A is not too large, uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules in area A is suppressed. When the light adjusting member 20 is arranged at an angle to the horizontal direction, there are too many liquid crystal molecules in area A, which causes the liquid crystal molecules to break through wall portion 27 due to their own weight, and the liquid crystal molecules can be prevented from moving beyond wall portion 27. This makes it possible to suppress uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 21.

[0071] In the plan view of the light adjusting member 20, the area of ​​the area A having the largest area is 13 mm 2 As the area A is sufficiently large, the wall portion 27 is not easily noticeable in the area A, and the visible light transmittance of the light adjusting member 20 can be appropriately adjusted by the liquid crystal layer 21 in the area A.

[0072] When the light control member 20 is arranged so as to be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, in other words, so as to extend in the vertical direction, the area [mm 2 ] divided by the maximum horizontal length L1 [mm] of the area A is 50 or less. 2 ] divided by the maximum horizontal length L1 [mm] of the area A is considered to be approximately equal to the vertical length [mm] of the area A. The area [mm] of the area A with the largest area 2 [mm] divided by the maximum horizontal length L1 of the region A is not too large, so that the number of liquid crystal molecules that can move due to gravity is small. This prevents the liquid crystal molecules from being unevenly distributed in the region A. This prevents the liquid crystal molecules from being too numerous in the vertical direction in the region A, causing them to break the wall 27 due to their own weight and move beyond the wall 27. This prevents the liquid crystal molecules from being unevenly distributed in the liquid crystal layer 21.

[0073] The width W of the wall 27 is 10 μm or more and 1000 μm or less. Since the width W of the wall 27 is sufficiently large, it is possible to suppress the wall 27 from being broken and the liquid crystal molecules from moving beyond the wall 27. Since the width W of the wall 27 is not too large, it is possible to suppress the wall 27 from being observed and the appearance of the light control member 20 from being damaged. When the wall 27 is transparent, since the width W of the wall 27 is not too large, it is possible to reduce the visible light transmittance of the entire light control member 20 when the visible light transmittance of the light control member 20 is adjusted to be low. When the wall 27 is opaque, since the width W of the wall 27 is not too large, it is possible to increase the visible light transmittance of the entire light control member 20 when the visible light transmittance of the light control member 20 is adjusted to be high. It is possible to suppress the wall 27 from interfering with the adjustment of the visible light transmittance of the light control member 20.

[0074] The length L2 of the projection of a line segment connecting the centers of gravity of two areas A divided by the same wall portion 27 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the wall portion 27 is 1 mm or more and 50 mm or less. The length L2 may be approximately the same as the arrangement pitch of the wall portions 27 in a plan view of the light control member 20. Since the length L2 is sufficiently long, it is possible to prevent the arrangement of the wall portions 27 from being conspicuously observed and thus damaging the appearance of the light control member 20. Since the length L2 is not too long, the area of ​​the area A can be set in an appropriate range.

[0075] The area of ​​the largest area in area A [mm 2 ] divided by the average width W [μm] of the wall 27 that defines the region A is 250 or less. The area of ​​the region A with the largest area is considered to be proportional to the mass of the liquid crystal molecules in the region A, and further to the pressure applied to the wall 27 by the liquid crystal molecules. The width W of the wall 27 is considered to be proportional to the resistance of the wall 27 to breaking. The area [mm 2 The value obtained by dividing the width W [μm] of the wall 27 that defines the region A is considered as an index of the resistance of the wall 27 to breakage by the liquid crystal molecules in the region A. 2It is considered that the wall portion 27 is less likely to break when the value obtained by dividing the width W [μm] of the wall portion 27 that defines the area A is 250 or less. The movement of the liquid crystal molecules beyond the wall portion 27 can be suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress uneven distribution of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 21.

[0076] The area of ​​the largest area in area A [mm 2 The value obtained by dividing the average width W [μm] of the wall portion 27 that defines the region A is 0.05 or more. Since the width of the wall portion 27 is not too large compared to the area of ​​the region A, the wall portion 27 is prevented from being conspicuously observed in the region A. The appearance of the light-adjusting member 20 can be maintained in a good condition.

[0077] The light control member 20 of this embodiment is capable of adjusting the visible light transmittance. The light control member 20 includes a first laminate 30, a second laminate 40, a liquid crystal layer 21 disposed between the first laminate 30 and the second laminate 40, a sealant 25 circumferentially surrounding the liquid crystal layer 21, and a wall portion 27 dividing the liquid crystal layer 21 into a plurality of regions A in a plan view of the light control member 20. The area of ​​the largest region A is 2500 mm2. 2 Since the area A is not too large, the liquid crystal molecules are prevented from being unevenly distributed in the area A. The liquid crystal molecules are prevented from moving beyond the wall portion 27. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid crystal molecules from being unevenly distributed in the liquid crystal layer 21. Alternatively, the area [mm 2 ] divided by the maximum horizontal length [mm] of the region A is 50 or less. There are few liquid crystal molecules that can move due to gravity. The liquid crystal molecules are prevented from being unevenly distributed in the region A. It is possible to prevent the liquid crystal molecules from moving beyond the wall 27 due to the weight of the liquid crystal molecules being too large in the vertical direction in the region A. This makes it possible to prevent uneven distribution of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 21.

[0078] Various modifications can be made to this embodiment.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 are flat, and therefore the laminate 10 and the light control member 20 are flat. At least one of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 may be curved. The light control member 20 has a shape corresponding to the gap formed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The light control member 20 may also be curved.

[0080] When the light adjusting member 20 is curved, a difference in pressure occurs at each position on the light adjusting member 20 due to the shape. Due to the difference in pressure, liquid crystal molecules tend to be unevenly distributed in the light adjusting member 20. When at least one of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 is curved, the effect of suppressing uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 21 by the light adjusting member 20 of the above-mentioned embodiment can be particularly effectively achieved.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, the light control member 20 is disposed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. In the laminated plate 10, the second substrate 12 may be omitted. The light control member 20 may be used as a substrate 10A with a light control member. As shown in FIG. 27, the substrate 10A with a light control member includes the first substrate 11 and the light control member 20. The light control member 20 is supported by the first substrate 11.

[0082] FIG. 28 is a plan view of the laminate 10 and the light control member 20 according to a modified example of the present embodiment. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXIX-XXIX in FIG. 28. In the example shown in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29, the light control member 20 further has a support portion 29 provided in the area A. The support portion 29 adheres to the first laminate 30 and the second laminate 40 to support both of them. The support portion 29 makes it difficult for the first base material 31 and the second base material 41 to deform. The liquid crystal molecules can be suppressed from moving due to pressure. The support portion 29 suppresses the movement of the liquid crystal molecules in the area A. When the light control member 20 is disposed at an angle to the horizontal direction, it is preferable that the support portion 29 extends in the horizontal direction rather than the vertical direction so as to suppress the movement of the liquid crystal molecules due to gravity. In the example shown in the figure, the support portion 29 is regularly arranged. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the support portion 29 is cross-shaped. The support portion 29 may have any shape. A plurality of support parts 29 may be provided in one area A. The material of support part 29 may be, for example, a thermosetting epoxy resin, a phenol resin, a polyurethane, a melamine resin, an ultraviolet-curable acrylic resin, a urethane acrylate, an epoxy acrylate, an acrylate, a polyester acrylate, an amide-imide resin, a polysiloxane, a vinyl ester resin, or a thermal ultraviolet-curable epoxy-acrylic resin. Support part 29 may be independent from wall part 27, or may be integral with wall part 27 and extend from wall part 27.

[0083] Although one embodiment and a modified example have been described, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described one embodiment and modified example. The above-described one embodiment and modified example can be implemented in other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, additions, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. EXAMPLES

[0084] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to the examples.

[0085] As examples and comparative examples, light control components were prepared in which at least one of the area S of the region and the maximum horizontal length L1 of the region was different. The light control components of the examples and comparative examples included a first laminate, a second laminate, a liquid crystal layer, a sealant, and a wall portion. In examples 1 to 5 and comparative example 1, the wall portion defined a regular hexagonal region as shown in FIG. 2 and the like. In example 6 and comparative examples 2 and 3, the wall portion defined a square region as shown in FIG. 8.

[0086] The light control components of the examples and comparative examples were arranged to extend vertically and exposed to an environment of 100° C. for 2 hours, and immediately thereafter, the appearance was checked for any change. Those in which no deterioration in appearance was observed were rated A, those in which only a minor deterioration in appearance was observed were rated B, and those in which the deterioration in appearance was noticeable were rated C. Among those in which only a minor deterioration in appearance was observed, those in which the deterioration in appearance was observed were further rated B1, B2, and B3, in order of decreasing degree of deterioration in appearance.

[0087] The area S of the region, the maximum horizontal length L1 of the region, S / L1, and the results of confirmation of changes in appearance for the examples and comparative examples are shown in Table 1 below.

[0088] [Table 1]

[0089] The following can be understood from Table 1.

[0090] The area of ​​the largest area is 2500 mm 2 If the thickness is less than this, no change in appearance is observed. This is thought to be because the area is not too large, so there are few liquid crystal molecules in the area, and even if the liquid crystal molecules move within the area, the uneven distribution of the liquid crystal molecules is not noticeable.

[0091] The area of ​​the largest area among the areas [mm 2When the value obtained by dividing the length of the horizontal direction of the area by the maximum length of the horizontal direction of the area [mm] is 50 or less, no change in appearance is observed. This is thought to be because there are few liquid crystal molecules that can move due to gravity, and therefore there are too many liquid crystal molecules in the vertical direction within the area, which causes the walls to break under their own weight, preventing the liquid crystal molecules from moving beyond the walls. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1. Mobile 10 Laminated board 11 First board 12 Second board 13 1st bonding layer 14 Second bonding layer 20 Light control components 21 Liquid crystal layer 25 Sealing material 27 Wall 29 Support part 30 First laminate 31 First base material 33 1st electrode 35 First alignment film 40 Second laminate 41 Second base material 43 2nd electrode 45 Second alignment film

Claims

1. A light control member capable of adjusting visible light transmittance, A first laminate including a first electrode and a first base material supporting the first electrode; a second stack including a second electrode spaced from the first electrode and a second substrate supporting the second electrode; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first stack and the second stack; a sealant surrounding the liquid crystal layer; a wall portion that divides the liquid crystal layer into a plurality of regions in a plan view of the light adjusting component; The area of ​​the largest area among the above areas is 2500 mm ２ Below are the dimming components.

2. A light control member capable of adjusting visible light transmittance, are arranged to extend at least vertically, A first laminate including a first electrode and a first base material supporting the first electrode; a second stack including a second electrode spaced from the first electrode and a second substrate supporting the second electrode; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first stack and the second stack; a sealant surrounding the liquid crystal layer; a wall portion that divides the liquid crystal layer into a plurality of regions in a plan view of the light adjusting component; The area of ​​the largest area among the areas [mm ２ ] divided by the maximum horizontal length of the area [mm] is 50 or less.

3. The area of ​​the largest area among the above areas is 2500 mm ２ The light control member according to claim 2 , wherein:

4. The area of ​​the largest area among the above areas is 13 mm ２ The light control member according to claim 1 or 3.

5. The light-adjusting component according to claim 1 , wherein the wall portion has a width of 10 μm or more and 1000 μm or less.

6. The light-adjusting member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a length of a projection of a line segment connecting the centers of gravity of the two sections divided by the same wall portion in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the wall portion is 1 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

7. The area of ​​the largest area among the areas [mm ２ 3. The light-adjusting member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a value obtained by dividing the width [μm] of the wall portion defining the region by the average width [μm] of the wall portion defining the region is 250 or less.

8. The light control member according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a support portion provided in the area.

9. A first substrate; A substrate with a light control member comprising: the light control member according to claim 1 or 2 supported by the first substrate.

10. a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other; A laminate comprising: the light control member according to claim 1 or 2, disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

11. The laminate of claim 10 , wherein at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate is curved.

12. The laminate according to claim 10 , wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are flat.

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