Light control member

Abstract

To suppress deterioration in the appearance of a light control member due to uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules or a gap portion formed in a liquid crystal layer.SOLUTION: A light control member 20 includes a first member 30, a second member 40, a liquid crystal layer 50, a plurality of first bead spacers 60, and a plurality of second bead spacers 70. The first member 30 includes a first base material 31. The second member 40 includes a second base material 41 facing the first base material 31. The liquid crystal layer 50 is disposed between the first member 30 and the second member 40. The plurality of first bead spacers 60 and the plurality of second bead spacers 70 are arranged between the first member 30 and the second member 40 to maintain the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50. The average grain diameter of the second bead spacer 70 is 110% or more and 120% or less than the average grain diameter of the first bead spacer 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to 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 molecules. 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 the advantage that the visible light transmittance changes quickly. A light control component is used in the transparent portion of a partition member such as a window.

[0003] The liquid crystal layer is disposed between a pair of plate-like members having a base material. In order to appropriately adjust the thickness of the liquid crystal layer, bead spacers are disposed between the pair of plate-like members. The bead spacers suppress the movement of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-5040 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When the light control component is exposed to high temperatures, the liquid crystal layer expands due to the heat. The gap between the bead spacers and the plate-like member widens. Liquid crystal molecules may move in the liquid crystal layer between the bead spacers and the plate-like member. 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 due to gravity, and the liquid crystal molecules may become unevenly distributed on the lower side in the vertical direction. The unevenly distributed liquid crystal molecules are clearly visible from the outside of the light control component. The appearance of the light control component may be impaired.

[0006] In order to suppress the movement of the liquid crystal molecules, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the liquid crystal layer, in other words, to reduce the amount of liquid crystal molecules. If the amount of liquid crystal molecules is reduced, the liquid crystal layer may deform when the light control component is subjected to an impact or when the light control component is squeezed with a roller or the like during the manufacturing process of the light control component, and air bubbles or voids due to vacuum may occur in the liquid crystal layer. The voids may impair the appearance of the light control component.

[0007] The present disclosure aims to suppress deterioration of the appearance of a light control component caused by uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules and voids occurring in the liquid crystal layer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to the following [1] to

[11] . [1] A first member including a first base material; a second member including a second base material facing the first base material; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first member and the second member; a plurality of first bead spacers and a plurality of second bead spacers arranged between the first member and the second member so as to maintain a thickness of the liquid crystal layer; A light-adjusting component, wherein the average particle diameter of the second spacer beads is 110% or more and 120% or less of the average particle diameter of the first spacer beads. [2] The light-adjusting component described in [1], wherein when the light-adjusting component is exposed to an environment having a temperature of 23°C±2°C for 16 hours or more, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer at the position where the first bead spacer is arranged is thinner than the thickness of the liquid crystal layer at the position where the second bead spacer is arranged. [3] A first member including a first base material; a second member including a second base material facing the first base material; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first member and the second member; A light control member comprising: a plurality of first bead spacers and a plurality of second bead spacers arranged between the first member and the second member so as to maintain a thickness of the liquid crystal layer; the average particle size of the second bead spacers is larger than the average particle size of the first bead spacers; A light-adjusting component, wherein when the light-adjusting component is exposed to an environment having a temperature of 23°C±2°C for 16 hours or more, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer at the position where the first bead spacer is arranged is thinner than the thickness of the liquid crystal layer at the position where the second bead spacer is arranged. [4] A light-adjusting component as described in any of [1] to [3], wherein immediately after the light-adjusting component is exposed to an environment having a temperature of 100°C±5°C for one hour or more, the first bead spacer is separated from at least one of the first member and the second member, and the second bead spacer is in contact with both the first member and the second member. [5] The light control component according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the number of the first bead spacers is greater than the number of the second bead spacers. [6] the first bead spacer is held by the first member, The light-adjusting component according to any one of [3] to [5], wherein the second bead spacer is held by the second component. [7] The light-adjusting component according to [6], wherein the average particle diameter of the second bead spacers is 10% to 40% of the average particle diameter of the first bead spacers. [8] The light-adjusting component according to [6] or [7], wherein at least a portion of the first bead spacers overlap with the second bead spacers. [9] The light-adjusting component according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the second bead spacer has adhesive properties.

[10] The light-adjusting component according to [9], wherein the second bead spacer is more flexible than the first bead spacer.

[11] The light-adjusting component according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the first bead spacer and the second bead spacer are black in color. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the appearance of the light control component caused by uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules and voids occurring in the liquid crystal layer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [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 cross-sectional view showing the space between the first member and the second member of the light adjusting member at room temperature. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the space between the first member and the second member of the light adjusting member, in a state where the light adjusting member is heated to a high temperature. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing a light adjusting member. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing a light adjusting member. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing a light adjusting member. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing a light adjusting member. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing a light adjusting member. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion between a first member and a second member of a light adjusting member in a first modified example at room temperature. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion between a first member and a second member of the light adjusting member in the first modified example, in a state where the light adjusting member is heated to a high temperature. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the gap between the first member and the second member of the light adjusting member in the second modified example at room temperature. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion between a first member and a second member of a light adjusting member in a second modified example, the portion being heated to a high temperature. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the gap between the first member and the second member of a conventional light adjusting member at room temperature. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion between a first member and a second member of a conventional light adjusting member, in a state where the member is heated to a high temperature. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the gap between the first member and the second member of a conventional light-adjusting member, illustrating how the first member is deformed when an impact is applied to the first member. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view showing a gap between a first member and a second member of a conventional light adjusting member, and is a cross-sectional view showing how the deformation of the first member in FIG. 18 returns to its original state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the laminated plate 10 is used as a sun visor 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. By adjusting the visible light transmittance by the light control member 20, the sun visor adjusts the sunlight entering the inside of the automobile, and provides a good view to the passengers of the automobile. The laminated plate 10 may be used for a side window, 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.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the light control member 20 and the lamination plate 10 in a state where the visible light transmittance is adjusted to be high. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the light control member 20 and the lamination plate 10 in a state where the visible light transmittance is adjusted to be low. The plan view of the lamination plate 10 and the lamination plate 20 is a plan view of the lamination plate 10 and the lamination plate 20. The plan view of the lamination plate 10 and the lamination plate 20 is a plan view of the lamination plate 10 and the lamination plate 20 from the normal direction of the plate surface. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the lamination plate 10 and the lamination plate 20 along the line IV-IV in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the lamination plate 10 has a first substrate 11 and a second substrate 12, a first bonding layer 13 and a second bonding layer 14, and a light 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 adjusting member 20 is disposed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The first bonding layer 13 is disposed between the first substrate 11 and the light adjusting member 20. The second bonding layer 14 is disposed between the second substrate 12 and the light adjusting member 20.

[0017] 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, 45% or more, 80% or more, or 85% or more. The material of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 may be soda-lime glass. 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 may be different from each other in at least one of the material and the configuration.

[0018] 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°.

[0019] 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 preferably 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 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 first bonding layer 13 and second bonding layer 14 may be 0.15 mm or more, or 1 mm or less. First bonding layer 13 and 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, the light control member 20 includes a first member 30, a second member 40, a liquid crystal layer 50, and a sealant 55. The liquid crystal layer 50 is disposed between the first member 30 and the second member 40. The sealant 55 circumferentially surrounds the liquid crystal layer 50. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the space between the first member 30 and the second member 40 of the light control member 20. In FIG. 5, the configurations of the first member 30 and the second member 40 are omitted for the sake of simplicity. As shown in FIG. 5, the light control member 20 further includes a plurality of first bead spacers 60 and a plurality of second bead spacers 70. The light control member 20 may include other members, not shown, intended to perform a specific function.

[0022] The first member 30 and the second member 40 are plate-shaped. The first member 30 and the second member 40 are arranged so that their plate surfaces face each other. The first member 30 and the second member 40 sandwich a liquid crystal layer 50 therebetween. The first member 30 includes a first substrate 31, a first electrode 33, and a first alignment film 35, in this order. The second member 40 includes a second substrate 41, a second electrode 43, and a second alignment film 45, in this order. The second substrate 41 faces the first substrate 31. In the illustrated example, the first alignment film 35 of the first member 30 and the second alignment film 45 of the second member 40 face each other.

[0023] The first substrate 31 supports the first electrode 33 and the first alignment film 35. The second substrate 41 supports the second electrode 43 and the second alignment film 45. The first substrate 31 and the second substrate 41 are thin 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 may be a resin such as an acetyl cellulose-based resin such as triacetyl cellulose (TAC), a polyester-based resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), a polyolefin-based resin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polymethylpentene or EVA, a vinyl-based resin such as polyvinyl chloride or polyvinylidene chloride, an acrylic resin, a polyurethane-based resin, polysulfone (PSF), polyethersulfone (PES), polycarbonate (PC), polyether, polyetherketone (PEK), (meth)acrylonitrile, cycloolefin polymer (COP), or cycloolefin copolymer, with resins such as polycarbonate or polyethylene terephthalate being particularly preferred.

[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 extends along the first substrate 31. The second electrode 43 extends along the second substrate 41. The first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43 are not directly electrically connected in the light control member 20. 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 control 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 may be a transparent conductive film made of indium tin oxide (ITO), a mesh made of copper, a carbon nanotube, or a silver nanowire.

[0026] The first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 regulate the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 50. The first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 are thin films. The thickness of the first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 may be 10 nm or more, 45 nm or more, 1000 nm or less, or 150 nm or less. The first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 may be produced by subjecting a resin layer such as polyimide to a rubbing treatment, or may be produced based on a photo-alignment method in which a polymer film is irradiated with linearly polarized ultraviolet light to selectively react with polymer chains in the polarization direction, or may be produced by producing a fine line-shaped uneven shape produced by a rubbing treatment through a molding treatment. The first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 may be produced by other methods. The first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 may be produced without a rubbing treatment.

[0027] The liquid crystal layer 50 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 50. 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 50, and therefore by changing the voltage applied to the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43. The visible light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer 50 can be changed depending on the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules. The driving method of the liquid crystal molecules is not particularly limited, and may be a VA (Vertical Alignment) method, a TN (Twisted Nematic) method, an IPS (In Plane Switching) method, a GH (Guest Host) method, or an application method of these methods. It is preferable that the liquid crystal layer 50 does not include a polymerizable compound.

[0028] Depending on the driving method adopted for the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 50, the light adjusting member 20 may further include two polarizing plates disposed with the liquid crystal layer 50 disposed therebetween. Each of the first member 30 and the second member 40 may further include a polarizing plate. Depending on the driving method for the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 50, the first alignment film 35 of the first member 30 and the second alignment film 45 of the second member 40 may be omitted.

[0029] As an example, a case where the driving method of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 50 is the GH method will be described. In the GH method, the liquid crystal layer 50 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 becomes a horizontal alignment when no voltage is applied to the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43. The visible light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer 50 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 direction to the first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 due to an electric field. The visible light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer 50 is increased. By changing the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules and the dichroic dye composition, the visible light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer 50 can be changed as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0030] The liquid crystal molecules and the dichroic dye composition may be oriented vertically as 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 due to the electric field when a voltage is applied between the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43. That is, the liquid crystal layer 50 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.

[0031] Even when the driving method of the liquid crystal molecules is other than the GH method, the liquid crystal layer 50 may contain a dichroic dye composition.

[0032] The liquid crystal layer 50 has a low haze value when its visible light transmittance is low. The light control member 20 including the liquid crystal layer 50 may have a haze value of 30% or less, or 15% or less when its visible light transmittance is low.

[0033] 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, NDH7000 manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd.).

[0034] The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 may be 1 μm or more, 10 μm or more, 20 μm or less, or 15 μm or less. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 is maintained by the first bead spacers 60 and the second bead spacers 70. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 may change depending on the temperature. For example, when the temperature of the liquid crystal layer 50 increases from 23° C. to 100° C., the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 increases by about 6%.

[0035] The sealant 55 extends so as to circumferentially surround the liquid crystal layer 50. The sealant 55 prevents leakage of the liquid crystal layer 50, and adheres to the first member 30 and the second member 40 to fix them to each other. The material of the sealant 55 may be a thermosetting resin, an ultraviolet curing resin, or a thermal ultraviolet curing resin. Specifically, the material of the sealant 55 may be an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, or an epoxy-acrylic resin.

[0036] The first bead spacers 60 and the second bead spacers 70 are disposed between the first member 30 and the second member 40 so as to maintain the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50. In other words, the first bead spacers 60 and the second bead spacers 70 prevent the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 from becoming less than a predetermined thickness. In other words, the first bead spacers 60 and the second bead spacers 70 ensure a certain amount of space between the first member 30 and the second member 40. The first bead spacers 60 and the second bead spacers 70 are preferably spherical so that an appropriate space can be ensured between the first member 30 and the second member 40 regardless of the orientation of the first bead spacers 60 and the second bead spacers 70. The average particle size of the second bead spacers 70 is larger than that of the first bead spacers 60. The average particle size of the second bead spacers 70 may be 110% or more, or 120% or less, of the average particle size of the first bead spacers 60. The average particle size of the first bead spacers 60 may be 1 μm or more, 10 μm or more, 20 μm or less, or 15 μm or less. The difference between the average particle size of the first bead spacers 60 and the average particle size of the second bead spacers 70 may be 1 μm or more, or 4 μm or less.

[0037] The average particle diameter of the first spacer beads 60 and the average particle diameter of the second spacer beads 70 are specified by the following method. The side surface of the liquid crystal layer 50 in the thickness direction is scanned with a scanning electron microscope (Hitachi High-Technologies S-4800) at an acceleration voltage of 3.0 kV and a magnification of 50,000 to obtain a diameter of 1 mm. 2 The area of ​​the bead spacers is observed. The number of observed bead spacers is counted. The side surface of the liquid crystal layer 50 in the thickness direction is observed under the same conditions. 2 The particle size of the bead spacers is measured for 1.5 times the number of bead spacers observed in an area of ​​1 mm. 2When 100 bead spacers are observed in an area of ​​150 bead spacers, the particle size is measured for 150 bead spacers. The particle size of a bead spacer is the value obtained by measuring the distance between two parallel lines that are the maximum distance between the two lines when the observed bead spacer is sandwiched between the two lines. The average particle size (arithmetic mean diameter) of the smallest 30% of the bead spacers among the bead spacers whose particle size has been measured is the average particle size of the first bead spacer 60, and the average particle size (arithmetic mean diameter) of the largest 30% of the bead spacers is the average particle size of the second bead spacer 70. When measuring the particle size of a bead spacer, even if the bead spacers are aggregated, that is, when multiple bead spacers are in a mass, or in other words, even if multiple bead spacers are in contact with each other, the particle size of each bead spacer in the aggregate of bead spacers, that is, the mass of bead spacers, is measured. When measuring the particle size of a bead spacer, the aggregate of bead spacers is not considered as one bead spacer.

[0038] The coefficient of variation of the particle size of the first bead spacer 60 and the coefficient of variation of the particle size of the second bead spacer 70 are small. Specifically, the coefficient of variation of the particle size of the first bead spacer 60 may be 5% or less, or 3% or less. The coefficient of variation of the particle size of the second bead spacer 70 may be 5% or less, or 3% or less. The coefficient of variation of the particle size of the first bead spacer 60 is a value obtained by dividing the standard deviation of the particle size of the smallest 30% of the bead spacers among the bead spacers whose particle size is measured by the above-mentioned method by the average particle size (arithmetic mean diameter) of the smallest 30% of the bead spacers. The coefficient of variation of the particle size of the second bead spacer 70 is a value obtained by dividing the standard deviation of the particle size of the largest 30% of the bead spacers among the bead spacers whose particle size is measured by the above-mentioned method by the average particle size (arithmetic mean diameter) of the largest 30% of the bead spacers.

[0039] The number of the first bead spacers 60 is greater than the number of the second bead spacers 70. The number of the second bead spacers 70 may be 60% or more, 65% or more, 80% or less, or 75% or less of the number of the first bead spacers 60. Specifically, the first bead spacers 60 are spaced apart from each other by 1 mm in a plan view of the light-adjusting member 20. 2 The number of second bead spacers 70 may be 30 or more, or 160 or less per unit area. 2 The number of bead spacers per bead spacer may be 25 or more, or 130 or less. When counting the number of bead spacers, if the bead spacers are aggregated, i.e., if multiple bead spacers are in a cluster, or in other words, if multiple bead spacers are in contact with each other, the aggregate of bead spacers, i.e., the cluster of bead spacers, is regarded as one bead spacer and the number is counted.

[0040] The first bead spacer 60 is hard so that the first bead spacer 60 can appropriately maintain the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50. The first bead spacer 60 is not easily plastically deformed. Specifically, the ratio of the magnitude of plastic deformation occurring in the first bead spacer 60 to the grain size of the first bead spacer 60 after applying a load of 0.29 mN / s to 5 mN using a 50 μm square flat indenter using a hardness tester conforming to ISO14577 is 0.03 or less. In one embodiment, the second bead spacer 70 may also be hard. The ratio of the magnitude of plastic deformation occurring in the second bead spacer 70 to the grain size of the second bead spacer 70 after applying a load of 0.29 mN / s to 5 mN using a 50 μm square flat indenter may be 0.03 or less.

[0041] The material of the first bead spacer 60 and the material of the second bead spacer 70 may be an inorganic material such as silica, silicone, acrylic resin, or an organic material, or may be formed by a core-shell structure combining these. The color of the first bead spacer 60 and the color of the second bead spacer 70 may be a color between the color of the liquid crystal layer 50 in a state where the visible light transmittance is reduced and the color of the liquid crystal layer 50 in a state where the visible light transmittance is increased, or may be a color closer to the color of the liquid crystal layer 50 in a state where the visible light transmittance is reduced than the color between the colors, or may be a color darker than the color of the liquid crystal layer 50 in a state where the visible light transmittance is reduced. For example, the color of the first bead spacer 60 and the color of the second bead spacer 70 may be black.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first bead spacer 60 and the second bead spacer 70 are held by the second member 40. The first bead spacer 60 and the second bead spacer 70 may be fixed to the second alignment film 45 of the second member 40. The first bead spacer 60 and the second bead spacer 70 may be held by the second member 40 by an adhesive layer (not shown) provided on the second member 40. The first bead spacer 60 and the second bead spacer 70 are restricted from moving between the first member 30 and the second member 40.

[0043] FIG. 5 shows the light control member 20 at room temperature. The state at room temperature means a state in which the light control member 20 is exposed to an environment at a temperature of 23° C.±5° C. for 16 hours or more. As shown in FIG. 5, at room temperature, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 is maintained by both the first bead spacer 60 and the second bead spacer 70. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 is sufficiently thin. In other words, the amount of liquid crystal molecules is sufficiently small. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 is thinner than the average particle diameter of the second bead spacer 70. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 may be thinner than the average particle diameter of the first bead spacer 60. Both the first bead spacer 60 and the second bead spacer 70 are in contact with both the first member 30 and the second member 40. Since the average particle diameter of the second bead spacer 70 is larger than the average particle diameter of the first bead spacer 60, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 at the position where the first bead spacer 60 is arranged is thinner than the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 at the position where the second bead spacer 70 is arranged. At room temperature, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 is not constant.

[0044] When the temperature around the light control member 20 changes, the temperature of the light control member 20 may also change. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the light control member 20 is used as a sun visor of an automobile, the temperature of the light control member 20 also changes with the change in the temperature inside the automobile. When the temperature of the light control member 20 rises, the liquid crystal layer 50 expands due to heat. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 changes. FIG. 6 shows the light control member 20 in a state heated to a high temperature. The state heated to a high temperature means a state immediately after being exposed to an environment of a temperature of 100° C.±5° C. for one hour or more. As shown in FIG. 6, in the state heated to a high temperature, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 is maintained only by the second bead spacer 70. Only the second bead spacer 70 is in contact with both the first member 30 and the second member 40. The first bead spacer 60 is separated from at least one of the first member 30 and the second member 40. When the first bead spacers 60 are held by the second member 40, the first bead spacers 60 are separated from the first member 30. In a state heated to a high temperature, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 is approximately equal to the average grain size of the second bead spacers 70. Even in a state heated to a high temperature, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 does not have to be constant.

[0045] 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 producing a first member and a second member, a step of applying a seal material to the second member, a step of forming a liquid crystal layer, a step of overlapping the first member and the second member, and a step of cutting a part of the first member and the second member. 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.

[0046] The first member 30 and the second member 40 are produced. The process of producing the second member 40 will be described. The second electrode 43 is formed on the second substrate 41 by sputtering or the like. A coating liquid produced by dispersing the first bead spacer 60 and the second bead spacer 70 in a solvent together with a resin component that will form the second alignment film 45 is partially coated on the second electrode 43. The resin component is dried and baked in sequence, so that the resin component hardens. The first bead spacer 60 and the second bead spacer 70 are fixed and held by the resin component. The solidified resin component is given an alignment control force by rubbing, photoalignment, or the like, to form the second alignment film 45. The second alignment film 45 may be formed without rubbing. The second alignment film 45 holds the first bead spacer 60 and the second bead spacer 70. Part of the outer periphery of the first bead spacer 60 and the second bead spacer 70 may be covered with the second alignment film 45. The first bead spacers 60 and the second bead spacers 70 may be adhered to the second alignment film 45 with an adhesive or the like. Through the above steps, the second member 40 as shown in Fig. 7 is produced. The first member 30 is produced by the same process as the second member 40, except that the first bead spacers 60 and the second bead spacers 70 are dispersed in the coating liquid.

[0047] A sealing material 55A is printed in a circumferential shape on the surface of the second member 40 on which the second alignment film 45 is provided. The sealing material 55A is a viscous liquid material having adhesive or cohesive properties. The sealing material 55A hardens to become the sealing material 55. The sealing material 55A hardens, for example, when exposed to ultraviolet light. As shown in FIG. 8, a liquid crystal material containing liquid crystal molecules is supplied to the portion surrounded by the sealing material 55A to form a liquid crystal layer 50.

[0048] 9, under reduced pressure, the first member 30 is placed on the surface of the second member 40 on which the sealing material 55A has been applied. When placing the first member 30 on the second member 40, a roller or the like may be used to rub them together. The sealing material 55A is deformed and hardened to become the sealing material 55. The first member 30 and the second member 40 are joined together by the sealing material 55.

[0049] Part of the first member 30 and the second member 40 are cut along the dotted lines shown in FIG. 10. The peripheral parts of the first member 30 and the second member 40 are removed. At least a part of the cutting of the first member 30 and the second member 40 may be performed on the sealing material 55. The peripheral part of the sealing material 55 may also be removed. The cutting of the first member 30 and the second member 40 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.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 11, 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.

[0051] 16 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion between a first member 130 and a second member 140 of a conventional light control member 120 at room temperature. A liquid crystal layer 150 is sandwiched between the first member 130 and the second member 140. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 150 is maintained by bead spacers 160.

[0052] The light control component may be exposed to high temperatures for a long time. For example, when the light control component is installed in a car, the temperature inside the car rises, and the light control component is exposed to high temperatures for a long time. When the temperature of the light control component rises, the liquid crystal layer expands due to heat. FIG. 17 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view between the first member 130 and the second member 140 of the conventional light control component 120 in a state heated to a high temperature. As shown in FIG. 17, in the conventional light control component 120, when the liquid crystal layer 150 expands, the gap between the bead spacer 160 and the first member 130 widens, and the liquid crystal molecules may move between the bead spacer 160 and the first member 130. In the conventional light control component, when the light control component 120 is arranged at an angle to the horizontal direction, the liquid crystal molecules may move in the liquid crystal layer 150 due to gravity, and the liquid crystal molecules may be unevenly distributed on the lower side in the vertical direction. The unevenly distributed liquid crystal molecules are clearly visible from the outside of the light control component 120. The appearance of the light control member 120 may be marred.

[0053] In the conventional light control member 120, in order to suppress the movement of the liquid crystal molecules, it is considered to reduce the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 150, in other words, to reduce the amount of liquid crystal molecules. FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the light control member 120 in which the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 150 is reduced. In such a light control member 120, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 150 is thinner than the thickness of the bead spacers 160 in the portion of the liquid crystal layer 150 between the bead spacers 160. Even if the liquid crystal layer 150 expands due to heat, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 150 can be equal to or smaller than the thickness of the bead spacers 160. The space between the bead spacers 160 and the first member 130 is unlikely to widen, and liquid crystal molecules are unlikely to move in the liquid crystal layer 150 between the bead spacers 160 and the first member 130.

[0054] When the light control component is subjected to an impact or when the first and second components are rubbed with a roller or the like during the manufacturing process of the light control component, the first and second components are deformed, and the liquid crystal layer is also deformed. FIG. 18 shows a state in which an impact force F is applied to the first component 130 in a conventional light control component 120. The impact force F causes the first component 130 to deform. As shown in FIG. 19, the deformation of the first portion 130 may cause air bubbles or voids S due to vacuum between the liquid crystal layer 150 and the first and second components 130 and 140. If the amount of liquid crystal molecules is small, the inside of the light control component 120 is likely to be negatively pressurized, and the liquid crystal molecules are unlikely to enter the voids S. The liquid crystal molecules do not return to the voids S, and the voids S remain. The voids S may impair the appearance of the light control component.

[0055] Conventional light control components are unable to suppress both the deterioration of the appearance of the light control component due to uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules and the deterioration of the appearance of the light control component due to voids occurring in the liquid crystal layer.

[0056] The light control member 20 of the embodiment has a plurality of first bead spacers 60 and a plurality of second bead spacers 70. The average particle diameter of the second bead spacers 70 is 110% or more and 120% or less of the average particle diameter of the first bead spacers 60. When the temperature changes from 23°C to 100°C, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 increases by about 6% due to thermal expansion. Since the average particle diameter of the second bead spacers 70 is within an appropriate range relative to the average particle diameter of the first bead spacers 60, when heated to a high temperature, the liquid crystal layer 50 expands, and the first bead spacers 60 move away from one of the first member 30 and the second member 40, but the second bead spacers 70 tend to remain in contact with both the first member 30 and the second member 40. When heated to a high temperature, the second bead spacers 70 suppress the movement of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 50. This suppresses the deterioration of the appearance of the light control member 20 due to uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules. Since the average particle diameter of the second bead spacers 70 is within an appropriate range relative to the average particle diameter of the first bead spacers 60, both the first bead spacers 60 and the second bead spacers 70 contact both the first member 30 and the second member 40 at room temperature. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 can be maintained by both the first bead spacers 60 and the second bead spacers 70. The first bead spacers 60 support the first member 30 and the second member 40 between the second bead spacers 70. Even if the light control member 20 is subjected to an impact or is rubbed with a roller or the like during the manufacturing process of the light control member 20, the first bead spacers 60 suppress deformation of the first member 30 and the second member 40. Deformation of the liquid crystal layer 50 is also suppressed. Air gaps are less likely to occur between the liquid crystal layer 50 and the first member 30 and the second member 40. Deterioration of the appearance of the light control member 20 due to air gaps occurring in the liquid crystal layer 50 is suppressed.

[0057] In the light control member 20 of one embodiment, the average particle size of the second bead spacers 70 is larger than that of the first bead spacers 60. When heated to a high temperature, the liquid crystal layer 50 expands, and the first bead spacers 60 move away from at least one of the first member 30 and the second member 40, but the second bead spacers 70 tend to remain in contact with both the first member 30 and the second member 40. The second bead spacers 70 suppress the movement of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 50. The deterioration of the appearance of the light control member 20 due to uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules can be suppressed. When the light control member 20 is exposed to an environment of 23°C ± 5°C for 16 hours or more, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 at the position where the first bead spacers 60 are arranged is thinner than the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 at the position where the second bead spacers 70 are arranged. At room temperature, both the first bead spacers 60 and the second bead spacers 70 are in contact with both the first member 30 and the second member 40. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 can be maintained by both the first bead spacer 60 and the second bead spacer 70. Between the second bead spacers 70, the first bead spacer 60 supports the first member 30 and the second member 40. Even if the light control member 20 is subjected to an impact or is rubbed with a roller or the like during the manufacturing process of the light control member 20, the first bead spacer 60 suppresses deformation of the first member 30 and the second member 40. Deformation of the liquid crystal layer 50 is also suppressed. Voids are less likely to occur between the liquid crystal layer 50 and the first member 30 and the second member 40. Deterioration of the appearance of the light control member 20 due to voids occurring in the liquid crystal layer 50 is suppressed.

[0058] Immediately after exposing the light control member 20 to an environment at a temperature of 100°C ± 5°C for one hour or more, the first bead spacers 60 are separated from at least one of the first member 30 and the second member 40, and the second bead spacers 70 are in contact with both the first member 30 and the second member 40. Even in a state heated to a high temperature, the second bead spacers 70 suppress the movement of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 50. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the appearance of the light control member 20 due to uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules.

[0059] The number of the first bead spacers 60 is greater than the number of the second bead spacers 70. The first bead spacers 60 are easily positioned between the second bead spacers 70. The first bead spacers 60 are easily able to support the first member 30 and the second member 40 between the second bead spacers 70. Even if the first member 30 and the second member 40 are deformed when the light control member 20 is subjected to an impact or when the light control member 20 is rubbed with a roller or the like during the manufacturing process of the light control member 20, the inside of the light control member 20 is unlikely to become negative pressure. Even if voids are generated between the liquid crystal layer 50 and the first member 30 and the second member 40 due to the deformation of the first member 30 and the second member 40, the liquid crystal molecules return to the voids, and the voids are likely to disappear. Voids are unlikely to be generated between the liquid crystal layer 50 and the first member 30 and the second member 40. The deterioration of the appearance of the light control member 20 due to voids generated in the liquid crystal layer 50 is suppressed.

[0060] The color of the first bead spacer 60 and the color of the second bead spacer 70 are black. When the visible light transmittance of the light adjusting member 20 is adjusted to be low, the first bead spacer 60 and the second bead spacer 70 can prevent the transmittance from becoming high. When the visible light transmittance of the light adjusting member 20 is adjusted to be high, the first bead spacer 60 and the second bead spacer 70 are less noticeable. The first bead spacer 60 and the second bead spacer 70 are less likely to deteriorate the appearance of the light adjusting member.

[0061] The light control member 20 of one embodiment includes a first member 30 including a first base material 31, a second member 40 including a second base material 41 facing the first base material 31, a liquid crystal layer 50 disposed between the first member 30 and the second member 40, and a plurality of first bead spacers 60 and a plurality of second bead spacers 70 disposed so as to maintain the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 between the first member 30 and the second member 40. The average particle size of the second bead spacers 70 is 110% or more and 120% or less of the average particle size of the first bead spacers 60, or the average particle size of the second bead spacers 70 is larger than the average particle size of the first bead spacers 60, and when the light control member 20 is exposed to an environment of 23° C.±2° C. for 16 hours or more, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 at the position where the first bead spacers 60 are disposed is thinner than the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 at the position where the second bead spacers 70 are disposed. Even when heated to a high temperature, the second bead spacers 70 suppress the movement of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 50. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the appearance of the light control component 20 due to uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules. At room temperature, the first bead spacers 60 suppress deformation of the first member 30 and the second member 40. Deformation of the liquid crystal layer 50 is also suppressed. Voids are less likely to occur between the liquid crystal layer 50 and the first member 30 and the second member 40. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the appearance of the light control component 20 due to voids occurring in the liquid crystal layer 50. According to the light control component 20 of one embodiment, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the appearance of the light control component due to uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules and voids occurring in the liquid crystal layer.

[0062] Various modifications can be made to the embodiment described above.

[0063] 12 and 13 are enlarged views showing the gap between the first member 30 and the second member 40 of the light control member 20 in the first modified example. FIG. 12 shows the light control member 20 at room temperature. FIG. 13 shows the light control member 20 heated to a high temperature. In the first modified example, as shown in FIG. 13, the first bead spacer 60 is held by the first member 30, and the second bead spacer 70 is held by the second member 40. The first bead spacer 60 may be fixed to the first alignment film 35 of the first member 30. The first bead spacer 60 may be held by the first member 30 by an adhesive layer (not shown) provided on the first member 30. The second bead spacer 70 may be fixed to the second alignment film 45 of the second member 40. The second bead spacer 70 may be held by the second member 40 by an adhesive layer (not shown) provided on the second member 40. The first bead spacers 60 and the second bead spacers 70 are restricted from moving between the first member 30 and the second member 40.

[0064] When the first bead spacer 60 is held by the first member 30 and the second bead spacer 70 is held by the second member 40, at least a part of the first bead spacer 60 may overlap with the second bead spacer 70 as shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 increases in the portion where the first bead spacer 60 and the second bead spacer 70 overlap. Even if the liquid crystal layer 50 expands when heated to a high temperature, the portion where the first bead spacer 60 and the second bead spacer 70 overlap tends to remain in contact with both the first member 30 and the second member 40 as shown in FIG. 13. The portion where the first bead spacer 60 and the second bead spacer 70 overlap suppresses the movement of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 50. This suppresses the deterioration of the appearance of the light control member 20 due to uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules.

[0065] In the first modification, the average particle size of the second bead spacers 70 may be 10% or more, or 40% or less, of the average particle size of the first bead spacers 60. This allows the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 in the portion where the first bead spacers 60 and the second bead spacers 70 overlap and in the portion where the second bead spacers 70 are arranged to be appropriately adjusted.

[0066] 14 and 15 are enlarged views showing the gap between the first member 30 and the second member 40 of the light control member 20 in the second modified example. FIG. 14 shows the light control member 20 at room temperature. FIG. 15 shows the light control member 20 heated to a high temperature. In the second modified example, the second bead spacer 70 has adhesive properties. The material of the second bead spacer 70 may be a spacer with hot melt coating. The second bead spacer 70 adheres to the first member 30 and the second member.

[0067] When the liquid crystal layer 50 expands in a state where it is heated to a high temperature, the first bead spacers 60 separate from the second member 40, as shown in Fig. 15. The second bead spacers 70 are bonded to the first member 30 and the second member 40, and therefore do not easily separate from the first member 30 and the second member 40 even in a state where it is heated to a high temperature. The second bead spacers 70 suppress the movement of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 50. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the appearance of the light control member 20 due to uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules.

[0068] In the second modified example, the second bead spacer 70 may be more flexible than the first bead spacer 60. In the example shown in Figs. 14 and 15, the second bead spacer 70 is deformed by being sandwiched between the first member 30 and the second member 40. The deformation of the second bead spacer 70 increases the area of ​​adhesion to the first member 30 and the second member 40. The second bead spacer 70 is more firmly adhered to the first member 30 and the second member. The second bead spacer 70 is less likely to separate from the first member 30 and the second member 40. The movement of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 50 is suppressed. The deterioration of the appearance of the light control member 20 due to uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules can be suppressed.

[0069] The flexibility of the first bead spacer 60 and the second bead spacer 70 is compared based on the total displacement measured by an indentation test using a hardness tester conforming to ISO14577. A load of up to 5 mN is applied at 0.29 mN / s using a 50 μm square flat indenter to measure the elastic displacement and plastic deformation of the first bead spacer 60 and the second bead spacer 70. The one with the larger total displacement, which is the sum of the elastic deformation and the plastic deformation, is considered to have higher flexibility.

[0070] Although one embodiment and modified examples have been described, the above-mentioned one embodiment and modified examples do not limit the present disclosure. The above-mentioned one embodiment and modified examples can be implemented in other modes, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, additions, etc. can be made within the scope of the gist of the embodiment and modified examples. Each modified example can also be combined. EXAMPLES

[0071] 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.

[0072] As samples of the embodiment and comparative example, a plurality of light control components including a first member, a second member, a liquid crystal layer, a first bead spacer, and a second bead spacer were prepared. In each sample, the types of the first bead spacer and the second bead spacer were different, but the other configurations were similar. The first member included a first base material made of polyethylene terephthalate and having a thickness of 125 μm. The second member included a second base material made of polyethylene terephthalate and having a thickness of 125 μm. The dimensions of the light control component were a square with a side length of 100 mm in a plan view. The first bead spacer and the second bead spacer were held by the second member. The first bead spacer was 1 mm in a plan view of the light control component. 2 The second bead spacer was 1 mm in plan view of the light control component. 2 There were 30 per

[0073] Each sample of light control component was placed at an angle to the horizontal and exposed to an environment at a temperature of 100°C ± 5°C for two hours, and immediately thereafter visually checked to see if the liquid crystal molecules were unevenly distributed. Areas where the liquid crystal molecules are unevenly distributed are visible from the outside as they discolor the light control component. For each sample, those where it was not confirmed that the liquid crystal molecules were unevenly distributed were rated as A, and those where it was confirmed that the liquid crystal molecules were unevenly distributed were rated as B.

[0074] For each sample of light control component, the side surface in the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer was observed using a scanning electron microscope (Hitachi High-Technologies S-4800) under conditions of an acceleration voltage of 3.0 kV and a magnification of 50,000 times. On the observed side surface, the particle diameters of the first bead spacers and the second bead spacers were measured. The average of the measured particle diameters of the first bead spacers was taken as the average particle diameter of the first bead spacers, and the average of the measured particle diameters of the second bead spacers was taken as the average particle diameter of the second bead spacers.

[0075] The ratio [%] of the average particle size of the second spacer to the average particle size of the first spacer was calculated from the average particle size of the first spacer and the average particle size of the second spacer in each sample. The results are shown in Table 1 below, along with the results of confirming that the liquid crystal molecules are unevenly distributed.

[0076] [Table 1]

[0077] From Table 1, the following can be understood.

[0078] When the average particle size of the second bead spacers is sufficiently larger than that of the first bead spacers, specifically, when the average particle size of the second bead spacers is 110% or more of the average particle size of the first bead spacers, the second bead spacers tend to remain in contact with both the first and second members even when heated to a high temperature. The second bead spacers suppress the movement of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the appearance of the light control component due to uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules.

[0079] If the average particle size of the second bead spacers is not too large compared to the average particle size of the first bead spacers, specifically, if the average particle size of the second bead spacers is 120% or less of the average particle size of the first bead spacers, the difference between the average particle size of the first bead spacers and the average particle size of the second bead spacers is unlikely to cause unevenness in the thickness of the liquid crystal layer at room temperature. Liquid crystal molecules are unlikely to be unevenly distributed at room temperature. Even if the liquid crystal molecules unevenly distributed at room temperature are not observed at room temperature, they tend to move in the liquid crystal layer when heated to a high temperature. Since the liquid crystal molecules are unlikely to be unevenly distributed at room temperature, the movement of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer is suppressed even when heated to a high temperature. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the appearance of the light control component due to uneven distribution of liquid crystal molecules. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1. Mobile 10 Laminated board 11 First board 12 Second board 13 1st bonding layer 14 Second bonding layer 20 Light control components 30 First member 31 First base material 33 1st electrode 35 First alignment film 40 Second member 41 Second base material 43 2nd electrode 45 Second alignment film 50 Liquid crystal layer 55 Sealing material 60 First Bead Spacer 70 Second Bead Spacer

Claims

1. A first member including a first substrate; a second member including a second base material facing the first base material; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first member and the second member; a plurality of first bead spacers and a plurality of second bead spacers arranged between the first member and the second member so as to maintain a thickness of the liquid crystal layer; A light-adjusting component, wherein the average particle diameter of the second bead spacers is 110% or more and 120% or less of the average particle diameter of the first bead spacers.

2. 2. The light-adjusting component of claim 1, wherein when the light-adjusting component is exposed to an environment having a temperature of 23°C ± 2°C for 16 hours or more, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer at the position where the first bead spacer is arranged is thinner than the thickness of the liquid crystal layer at the position where the second bead spacer is arranged.

3. A first member including a first substrate; a second member including a second base material facing the first base material; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first member and the second member; A light control member comprising: a plurality of first bead spacers and a plurality of second bead spacers arranged so as to maintain a thickness of the liquid crystal layer between the first member and the second member, the average particle size of the second bead spacers is larger than the average particle size of the first bead spacers; A light-adjusting component, wherein when the light-adjusting component is exposed to an environment having a temperature of 23°C±2°C for 16 hours or more, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer at the position where the first bead spacer is arranged is thinner than the thickness of the liquid crystal layer at the position where the second bead spacer is arranged.

4. 4. The light-adjusting component according to claim 1 or 3, wherein immediately after the light-adjusting component is exposed to an environment having a temperature of 100°C±5°C for one hour or more, the first bead spacer is separated from at least one of the first member and the second member, and the second bead spacer is in contact with both the first member and the second member.

5. The light-adjusting member according to claim 1 , wherein the number of the first bead spacers is greater than the number of the second bead spacers.

6. the first bead spacer is held by the first member, The light control member according to claim 3 , wherein the second bead spacer is held by the second member.

7. The light-adjusting component according to claim 6 , wherein an average particle size of the second spacer beads is 10% to 40% of an average particle size of the first spacer beads.

8. The light control member according to claim 6 , wherein at least a portion of the first bead spacers overlaps with the second bead spacers.

9. The light control member according to claim 1 , wherein the second bead spacers have adhesive properties.

10. The light control member according to claim 9 , wherein the second bead spacer is more flexible than the first bead spacer.

11. The light-adjusting member according to claim 1 , wherein the first bead spacer and the second bead spacer are black in color.

Images