Transmittance variable optical laminate, method for manufacturing the same and smart window including the same

Abstract

To provide a transmittance variable optical laminate which removes noise through on-surface vibration using an anti-phase frequency emitted by external noise and simplifies the manufacturing process by not including a separate base material for forming a conductive layer, and to provide a smart window including the transmittance variable optical laminate and a vehicle or a building fixture to which the smart window is applied.SOLUTION: A transmittance variable optical laminate 10 includes: a light control panel 100; an on-surface vibration part 200; and a noise control part 300. The noise control part 300 includes: a noise reception part 310; a noise analysis part 320; and a frequency transmission part 330. The noise control part 300 converts external noise received through the noise reception part 310 in the noise analysis part 320, transmits the anti-phase frequency through the frequency transmission part 330, and cancels and removes noise by vibrating the on-surface vibration part 200 and / or the light control panel 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a variable transmittance optical laminate, a method for manufacturing the same, and a smart window including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, an external light blocking coating is often applied to the glass window of a moving means such as a vehicle. However, the glass window of a conventional moving means has a fixed transmittance, and the external light blocking coating also has a fixed transmittance. Therefore, the overall transmittance of such a conventional window of a moving means is fixed, which may induce an accident. For example, when the overall transmittance is set low, there is no problem during the daytime when the light amount around is sufficient. However, at night when the light amount around is not sufficient, there is a problem that it is only difficult for a driver or the like to properly check the periphery of the moving means. Or when the overall transmittance is set high, there is a problem that it may cause glare to a driver or the like during the daytime when the light amount around is sufficient. Accordingly, a variable transmittance optical laminate capable of changing the light transmittance when a voltage is applied has been developed.

[0003] Recently, there has been an increasing need for smart windows including not only light transmittance but also a noise control function for noise shielding outside an automobile and / or a building.

[0004] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2347298 discloses a shield window having excellent sound insulation and soundproofing performance, including a pair of noise shielding laminated glasses and an electromagnetic wave shielding material provided above the laminated glasses. However, when applying this to a structure, it is difficult to adjust both the light transmittance variability by voltage application and the soundproofing performance according to the noise level.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a transmissivity-variable optical laminate that uses an inverse-phase frequency emitted by external noise and removes the noise through surface vibration in order to solve the above-described problems.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a transmissivity-variable optical laminate with a simplified manufacturing process by not including a separate base material for forming a conductive layer.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a smart window including the transmissivity-variable optical laminate and an automobile or architectural fitting to which the same is applied.

[0009] However, the problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned should be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] To achieve the above object, the present invention relates to a transmissivity-variable optical laminate including a dimming panel, a surface vibration unit, and a noise control unit, and the noise control unit includes a noise receiving unit, a noise analysis unit, and a frequency transmitting unit.

[0011] The present invention may be for removing, controlling, canceling and reducing, and / or blocking external noise by converting the noise received through the noise receiving unit of the noise control unit in the noise analysis unit and sending out the inverse-phase frequency thereof through the frequency transmitting unit to vibrate the surface vibration unit and the dimming panel.

[0012] The inverse phase frequency sent out by the frequency sending unit of the present invention may be in the range of 500 to 5000 Hz.

[0013] The surface vibration part of the present invention may include at least one polymer material selected from polyester (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polypropylene (PP), polymethylpentene (TPX), polyimide (PI), polyetherimide (PEI), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

[0014] The present invention may be characterized in that the surface vibration part is arranged at the peripheral part of the dimming panel.

[0015] The surface vibration part of the present invention may be included with an area of 5 to 30% of the total area of the dimming panel.

[0016] The present invention may be characterized in that the noise control part is connected to the surface vibration part and a separate power supply part, and operates when the window is closed in conjunction with the opening and closing of the window.

[0017] The dimming panel of the present invention includes a first polarizing plate, a first transparent conductive layer formed on one surface of the first polarizing plate, a second polarizing plate facing the first polarizing plate, a second transparent conductive layer formed on one surface of the second polarizing plate and facing the first transparent conductive layer, and a liquid crystal layer provided between the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer. At least one of the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer may be formed in direct contact with one of the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate.

[0018] At least one of the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer of the present invention may include one or more selected from the group consisting of transparent conductive oxides, metals, carbon-based substances, conductive polymers, conductive inks, and nanowires.

[0019] In the present invention, at least one of the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer may be formed in direct contact without including a separate base material between the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer and one of the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate.

[0020] In the present invention, at least one of the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer may be formed in direct contact including an easy adhesion layer between the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer and one of the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate.

[0021] In the present invention, at least one of the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate may include one or more selected from the group consisting of a functional coating layer, a protective layer, a retardation adjustment layer, and a refractive index adjustment layer.

[0022] In the present invention, at least one of the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate may have a thickness of 30 μm to 200 μm.

[0023] In the present invention, the dimming panel may further include one or more selected from the group consisting of an adhesive layer, an ultraviolet absorption layer, and an impact resistant layer.

[0024] In the present invention, the liquid crystal layer may include one or more spacers selected from the group consisting of a ball spacer and a column spacer.

[0025] In the present invention, the height of the spacer may be 1 μm to 10 μm.

[0026] In the present invention, the occupied area of the spacer in the liquid crystal layer may be 0.01% to 10% of the liquid crystal layer area.

[0027] The present invention may further include a sealant and an alignment film in the liquid crystal layer. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the variable transmittance optical laminate.

[0028] The present invention also relates to a smart window including the variable transmittance optical laminate.

[0029] The present invention also relates to a means of transportation including the smart window. The present invention also relates to an automobile in which the smart window is applied to any one or more of a front window, a rear window, a side window, a sunroof window, and an interior partition.

[0030] The present invention also relates to a wearable device including the smart window.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a building fitting including the smart window.

Advantages of the Invention

[0032] According to the variable transmittance optical laminate of the present invention, by including a noise control unit having a surface vibration unit and a separate power supply unit in the dimming panel, not only can the light transmittance be adjusted by applying a voltage, but also external noise can be effectively removed, controlled, canceled, reduced, and / or blocked.

[0033] Also, according to the variable transmittance optical laminate of the present invention, steps such as forming a conductive layer on a substrate and bonding it to other members for forming a conventional optical laminate can be substantially omitted, and the manufacturing process can be simplified compared to a conventional optical laminate.

[0034] Further, according to the variable transmittance optical laminate of the present invention, a conductive layer is formed directly on one surface of a polarizing plate, and by not including a separate substrate for forming the conductive layer, the thickness may be significantly reduced compared to a conventional optical laminate. This can solve the problem of reduced efficiency that conventionally occurs when incorporating a surface vibration part into a display device including a liquid crystal layer.

[0035] Further, according to the variable transmittance optical laminate of the present invention, a conductive layer is formed directly on one surface of a polarizing plate, and by not including a separate substrate for forming the conductive layer, the transmittance in the light transmission mode can be improved compared to a conventional optical laminate.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036]

Figure 1

Figure 2a

Figure 2b

Figure 2c

Figure 3

Figure 4

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0037] The present invention relates to a variable transmittance optical laminate and a method for manufacturing the same, and a smart window including the same, which include a dimming panel, a surface vibration part, and a noise control part, and the noise control part includes a noise receiving part, a noise analyzing part, and a frequency transmitting part.

[0038] More specifically, a surface vibration part is formed in contact with the dimming panel, and the noise control part includes a separate power supply part, so that the noise received through the noise receiving part of the noise control part is converted by the noise analysis part at the frequency of the noise, and the inverted-phase frequency is sent out through the frequency sending part to vibrate the surface vibration part and the dimming panel at the noise inverted-phase frequency, thereby canceling the noise. The present invention relates to a variable transmittance optical laminate for reducing external noise.

[0039] Further, the dimming panel includes a first polarizing plate, a first transparent conductive layer formed on one surface of the first polarizing plate, a second polarizing plate facing the first polarizing plate, a second transparent conductive layer formed on one surface of the second polarizing plate and facing the first transparent conductive layer, and a liquid crystal layer provided between the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer. At least one of the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer is formed in direct contact with one of the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate. By this feature, the variable transmittance optical laminate of the present invention is particularly suitable for the technical field of changing the light transmittance by applying a voltage, and can be used, for example, in a smart window. Further, by significantly reducing the thickness of the laminate compared with a conventional display device including a liquid crystal layer, the noise reduction effect due to the incorporation of the surface vibration part can be maximized.

[0040] A smart window means an optical structure that controls the amount of light or heat transmitted by changing the light transmittance by applying an electrical signal. That is, a smart window is provided so that it can be changed to a transparent, opaque or translucent state by a voltage, and is also called variable transmittance glass, dimming glass or smart glass.

[0041] A smart window may be used for partitioning the interior space of vehicles and buildings or as a privacy-protecting partition, or may be used as a daylighting window arranged in the openings of buildings. It may also be used for highway signs, bulletin boards, scoreboards, clocks, or advertising screens, and can replace the glass of transportation means such as windows or sunroofs of automobiles, buses, airplanes, ships, or trains.

[0042] The variable transmittance optical laminate of the present invention can also be used for smart windows in the various technical fields described above. However, since the conductive layer is directly formed on the polarizing plate, it does not include a separate substrate for forming the conductive layer, so it has a thin thickness and is advantageous in bending characteristics, and can be particularly preferably used for smart windows for vehicles or buildings. In one or more embodiments, the smart window to which the variable transmittance optical laminate of the present invention is applied can be used for transportation means, such as the front window, rear window, side window, and sunroof window of an automobile, or building fixtures. In addition to the use of blocking external light, it can also be used for partitioning the interior space of automobiles or buildings or for privacy protection, such as internal partitions, and can also be used for wearable devices such as helmets, glasses, or watches.

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to the drawings. However, the following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the above-described content of the invention, serve to better understand the technical idea of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited only to the matters described in these drawings.

[0044] The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular form also includes the plural form unless otherwise specifically mentioned in the text. For example, the "polarizing plate" used in this specification may mean at least one polarizing plate of the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate, and the "transparent conductive layer" may mean at least one transparent conductive layer of the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer.

[0045] As used in this specification, "comprises" and / or "comprising" are used in the sense of not excluding the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations and / or elements other than the recited components, steps, operations and / or elements. The same reference numerals throughout the specification refer to the same components.

[0046] Spatially relative terms such as "lower", "bottom surface", "lower part", "upper", "upper surface", "upper part", etc. can be used to easily describe the correlation between one element or component and another element or component as shown in the drawings. Spatially relative terms should be understood as terms including different directions of the elements relative to each other during use or operation in addition to the directions shown in the drawings. For example, when covering the element shown in the drawing, the element described as "lower" or "lower part" of another element may be placed "above" the other element. Therefore, the exemplary term "lower" may include both the lower and upper directions. The element can also be oriented in other directions, and thus the spatially relative terms can be interpreted according to the orientation.

[0047] As used herein, "inner side" or "inside" can mean the side visible to the main user. For example, when a variable transmittance optical laminate is applied to a vehicle, it can mean the inside of the vehicle, which is the side visible to the passengers. When a variable transmittance optical laminate is applied to a building, it can mean the inside of the building, which is the visible layer for the users inside the building, but is not limited thereto. "Outer side" or "outside" is a concept contrasted with the indoor side and can mean the opposite side of the side visible to the main user with respect to the variable optical laminate.

[0048] As used herein, "plane direction" can be interpreted as the direction orthogonal to the polarizing plate and / or the transparent conductive layer, that is, the direction viewed from the side visible to the user.

[0049] As used herein, "substantially" can be interpreted to include not only being physically completely identical or matching, but also being within the error range in the measurement or manufacturing process. For example, it can be interpreted as being within an error range of 0.1% or less.

[0050] <Variable Transmittance Optical Laminate and Method for Manufacturing the Same> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram briefly showing the structure of the variable transmittance optical laminate of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the variable transmittance optical laminate 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a dimming panel 100 and a surface vibration unit 200, and may further include a noise control unit 300 connected to a separate external power source. The noise control unit 300 may include a noise receiving unit 310, a noise analysis unit 320, and a frequency transmitting unit 330. The present invention is characterized in that the noise controlled by the noise control unit 300 is canceled by the vibration of the surface vibration unit 200 at an anti-phase frequency opposite to the noise. Such a technical feature of the present invention is maximized by a configuration in which a conductive layer is directly formed on one surface of the polarizing plate of the dimming panel 100 and no separate base material for forming the conductive layer is included, resulting in a significantly reduced thickness compared to conventional optical laminates.

[0051] Noise control unit Referring to FIG. 1, the noise control unit 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a noise receiving unit 310, a noise analysis unit 320, and a frequency transmitting unit 330, and may further include additional configurations as long as the object of the present invention is not impaired.

[0052] The noise control unit 300 converts the external noise received through the noise receiving unit 310 by the noise analysis unit 320, transmits the inverse-phase frequency thereof through the frequency transmitting unit 330, and cancels and removes the noise by vibrating the surface vibration unit 200 and / or the dimming panel 100 described later.

[0053] The noise receiving unit 310 is not particularly limited as long as it can receive external noise and its frequency, and may include any one or more of a sound listening device and a noise sensor, and preferably includes a sound listening device and a noise sensor. The sound listening device is not particularly limited as long as it can collect external noise. As an example, it may be a device that receives the transmission of sound transmitted by external air conduction, and specifically, it may be a microphone. The sound listening device may be provided singly or in plurality, and is preferably provided on the outermost side of the variable transmittance optical laminate of the present invention so as to facilitate external noise collection. When a plurality of the sound listening devices are provided, they may be arranged in different directions so as to collect noises in different directions. The noise sensor may be composed of a sensor that receives the transmission of sound using a substance with fast sound transmission (for example, beryllium, etc.). In addition, the noise receiving unit 310 of the present invention may be provided with an additional sound listening device and / or a noise sensor inside the variable transmittance optical laminate in order to monitor the noise reduction effect of the present invention.

[0054] The noise analysis unit 320 is a means for analyzing the frequency of external noise received by the noise reception unit 310, and discriminates and transmits the noise inverse phase frequency to be sent out by the frequency transmission unit 330. Specifically, when the external noise received by the noise reception unit 310 is higher or lower than a preset noise standard, the frequency to be sent to the frequency transmission unit 330 can be controlled and transmitted. At this time, the frequency of the external noise is discriminated in consideration of the noise direction at the time of noise reception, the presence or absence of running, the running speed, etc., and the noise inverse phase frequency to be sent to the frequency transmission unit 330 may also be discriminated in consideration of the presence or absence of running, the running speed, the internal noise, etc. at the time of transmission. Further, the noise analysis unit 320 of the present invention may continuously accumulate external noise information and learn the change in noise due to the inverse phase frequency sent to the frequency transmission unit 330. Thereby, depending on the type of external noise, the noise inverse phase frequency can be corrected so that the external noise can be most effectively removed, controlled, cancel-reduced and / or blocked, and sent to the frequency transmission unit 330.

[0055] The frequency transmission unit 330 is a means for sending out the noise inverse phase frequency received from the noise analysis unit 320 to the surface vibration unit. The inverse phase frequency sent out by the frequency transmission unit 330 may, for example, be in the range of 500 to 5000 Hz, but is not limited thereto. Specifically, the frequency transmission unit 330 stores, transmits and / or sends out the inverse phase information of sound source information such as the pitch, beat, speed, repetition pattern, etc. of the sound source analyzed by the noise analysis unit 320. For example, the pitch of the sound source can be extracted and calculated using the autocorrelation method or the cepstrum analysis method.

[0056] The noise control unit 300 may be connected to a surface vibration unit 200 and a separate power supply unit (not shown), and may operate when the window is closed in conjunction with the opening and closing of the window.

[0057] Surface vibration unit The surface vibration unit 200 vibrates both the surface vibration unit 200 and the dimming panel 100 at the reverse-phase frequency of the noise received through the noise control unit 300, so as to cancel out the external noise and prevent it from flowing into the interior.

[0058] In the present invention, the vibration for canceling out external noise is not due to a configuration arranged on one side of the dimming panel and / or at a point source, but is realized by the dimming panel itself by the surface vibration unit 200. Therefore, the effects of removing, controlling, canceling, reducing, and / or blocking external noise are maximized. Also, in order to achieve both the purpose of ensuring visibility in the dimming area and canceling out external noise, it is most preferable that the vibrator is located at the peripheral edge of the panel, but it is not limited thereto. For example, when applying a film-type surface vibration unit such as coating an electrode on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) using a transparent piezoelectric element to vibrate, it can also be arranged in a patterned form as shown in Fig. 2c and / or a deformed form thereof.

[0059] Referring to Figs. 2a and 2b, in the present invention, the surface vibration unit 200 is characterized by being arranged at the peripheral portion of the dimming panel 100.

[0060] The surface vibration unit may be manufactured from a polymer film as described later, and the polymer film may be opaque. Therefore, it is preferable that the central portion is open with respect to the dimming panel for ensuring visibility. That is, as shown in Fig. 2a, it may be manufactured in a form arranged at the peripheral portions of the four sides of the dimming panel described later, or arranged at one or more edge portions, or as shown in Fig. 2b, it may also be manufactured in a form arranged at the both-side peripheral portions of the two sides of the dimming panel, but it is not limited thereto as long as the central portion is open. Also, when the surface vibration unit is transparent (for example, a film-type speaker using transparent PVDF), it may be arranged in a form patterned horizontally or vertically in the plane as shown in Fig. 2c.

[0061] The surface vibration part may include a film capable of emitting the inverse-phase frequency of noise, which is not particularly limited. As an example, it may include at least one polymer film selected from polyester (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polypropylene (PP), polymethylpentene (TPX), polyimide (PI), polyetherimide (PEI), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

[0062] The film capable of emitting the inverse-phase frequency of noise may be a single layer or a multi-layer of two or more layers depending on the purpose. As an example, by laminating the same or different polymer films on top of each other, it can be designed to improve the vibration damping property.

[0063] Also, a diaphragm material may be further included on one or both sides of the film capable of emitting the inverse-phase frequency of noise. As an example, the diaphragm material may be aluminum.

[0064] The surface vibration part of the present invention or its manufacturing method, in addition to the above-described content, the known content regarding the means capable of emitting a frequency can be applied without being limited within the scope of the object of the present invention. Also, there is no frequency limitation as long as the vibration frequencies passing through the surface vibration part do not interfere with each other, but the noise in the frequency band of 500 to 5000 Hz, which is the frequency range transmitted through the frequency transmission part 330 of the noise control part 300, can be removed.

[0065] It is preferable that the surface vibration part is included in an area of 5 to 30% of the total area of the dimming panel in terms of effectively reducing noise while simultaneously securing a wide dimming area. When the area of the surface vibration part is less than 5% of the total area of the dimming panel, it may be difficult to obtain a sufficient inverse-phase vibration generation effect as desired. When it is more than 30%, it may reduce the transmittance of the dimming area and interfere with the field of view.

[0066] Dimming panel Figures 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views showing in detail the laminated structure of the dimming panel and the surface vibration part according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The dimming panel 100 of the present invention has a conductive layer directly formed on one surface of a polarizing plate and does not include a separate base material for forming the conductive layer, so that the thickness is significantly reduced compared to a conventional optical laminate. As a result, the surface vibration part 200 vibrates at an anti-phase frequency opposite to the noise, and external noise can be efficiently removed, controlled, canceled, reduced, and / or blocked.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the dimming panel 100 includes a first polarizing plate 110-1, a first transparent conductive layer 120-1 formed on one surface of the first polarizing plate, a second polarizing plate 110-2 facing the first polarizing plate, a second transparent conductive layer 120-2 formed on one surface of the second polarizing plate and facing the first transparent conductive layer, and a liquid crystal layer 130 provided between the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer. At least one of the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer may be formed in direct contact with one of the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate, so that the transmittance can be adjusted by applying a voltage. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the surface vibration part 200 described above may be formed on one surface of the dimming panel 100 and can be applied without being limited to the indoor side or the outdoor side based on the viewing direction. In practice, the indoor side is more preferable in terms of being located close to the user's ear and effectively reducing noise.

[0068] In addition, the dimming panel 100 may further include one or more selected from the group consisting of an adhesive layer (not shown), an ultraviolet absorption layer (not shown), and an impact resistant layer (not shown). The liquid crystal layer 130 may include an alignment film 140 and a sealant 150.

[0069] Polarizing plate The polarizing plate 110 includes a polarizer, and at least one of the first polarizing plate 110-1 and the second polarizing plate 110-2 may further include a functional layer such as a functional coating layer, a protective layer, a retardation adjustment layer, and / or a refractive index adjustment layer. For example, the polarizing plate may include a polarizer and a protective layer laminated on one or both surfaces of the polarizer, or may include a polarizer, a protective layer laminated on one surface of the polarizer, and a retardation adjustment layer laminated on the other surface opposite to the one surface of the polarizer, or may include a polarizer, a protective layer laminated on one surface of the polarizer, and a retardation adjustment layer and a refractive index adjustment layer laminated in sequence on the other surface opposite to the one surface of the polarizer, or may include a polarizer, a protective layer laminated on one surface of the polarizer, and a protective layer and a retardation adjustment layer laminated in sequence on the other surface opposite to the one surface of the polarizer.

[0070] As the polarizer, a conventionally or newly developed polarizer can be used. For example, a stretched polarizer or a coating polarizer can be used.

[0071] In one embodiment, the stretched polarizer may include a stretched polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) - based resin. The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) - based resin may be a polyvinyl alcohol - based resin obtained by saponifying a polyvinyl acetate - based resin. Examples of the polyvinyl acetate - based resin include polyvinyl acetate which is a homopolymer of vinyl acetate, and copolymers of vinyl acetate and other monomers copolymerizable therewith. Examples of the other monomers may include unsaturated carboxylic acid - based, unsaturated sulfonic acid - based, olefin - based, vinyl ether - based, acrylamide - based monomers having an ammonium group, etc. The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) - based resin also includes modified ones, for example, polyvinyl formal or polyvinyl acetal modified with aldehydes.

[0072] In one embodiment, the coated polarizer may be formed of a liquid crystal coating composition. At this time, the liquid crystal coating composition may contain a reactive liquid crystal compound, a dichroic dye, and the like.

[0073] The reactive liquid crystal compound can mean, for example, a compound containing a mesogen skeleton and further containing one or more polymerizable functional groups. Such reactive liquid crystal compounds are variously known under the name of so-called RM (Reactive Mesogen). The reactive liquid crystal compound can form a cured film in which a polymer network is formed while being polymerized by light or heat to maintain a liquid crystal alignment.

[0074] The reactive liquid crystal compound may be a monofunctional or polyfunctional reactive liquid crystal compound. The monofunctional reactive liquid crystal compound is a compound having one polymerizable functional group, and the polyfunctional reactive liquid crystal compound can mean a compound containing two or more polymerizable functional groups.

[0075] The dichroic dye is a component contained in the liquid crystal coating composition and imparting polarization characteristics, and has a property that the absorbance in the long axis direction of the molecule is different from the absorbance in the short axis direction. The dichroic dye may be a conventional or newly developed dichroic dye, and for example, may contain one or more selected from the group consisting of azo dyes, anthraquinone dyes, perylene dyes, merocyanine dyes, azomethine dyes, phthaloperylene dyes, indigo dyes, dioxazine dyes, polythiophene dyes, and phenoxazine dyes.

[0076] The composition for liquid crystal coating may further contain a solvent capable of dissolving the reactive liquid crystal compound and the dichroic dye. For example, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA), methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), xylene, chloroform, etc. may be used. Further, the composition for liquid crystal coating may further contain a leveling agent, a polymerization initiator, etc. within a range that does not impair the polarization characteristics of the coating film.

[0077] The functional coating layer 110 may be provided to improve the hardness of the polarizing plate 110. For example, in order to further improve the mechanical durability, it may further include an overcoat layer and / or a hard coating layer, etc.

[0078] As the hard coating layer, a conventionally or newly developed hard coating layer can be used. In one or more embodiments, the hard coating layer may be manufactured using a hard coating composition. The composition may contain an acrylate-based compound or an epoxy-based compound, and may further contain inorganic fine particles, a photoinitiator, etc.

[0079] The acrylate-based compound may contain a monomer or oligomer containing a (meth)acrylate group. As used herein, the term "(meth)acryl-" is used to mean "methacryl-", "acryl-", or both of them.

[0080] Non-limiting examples of the acrylate compound include neopentyl glycol acrylate, 1,6-hexanediol (meth)acrylate, propylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, triethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, dipropylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, polyethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, polypropylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, trimethylolethane tri(meth)acrylate, 1,2,4-cyclohexanetetra(meth)acrylate, pentaglycerol tri(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, tripentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, tripentaerythritol hexatri(meth)acrylate, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate di(meth)acrylate, hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, isooctyl (meth)acrylate, iso-decyl (meth)acrylate, stearyl (meth)acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl (meth)acrylate, phenoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, isobornyl (meth)acrylate, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The acrylate compound may contain an epoxy (meth)acrylate compound and / or a urethane (meth)acrylate compound.

[0081] Further, the epoxy compound may contain a monomer or oligomer having at least one epoxy group in the molecule. The epoxy group may be an alicyclic epoxy group. The number of carbon atoms of the alicyclic ring contained in the epoxy group may be 3 to 7, for example, an alicyclic epoxy group containing a cyclohexane ring (cyclohexyl epoxy) may be used. The alicyclic ring may have a substituent. For example, the alicyclic ring may contain an alkyl substituent having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. When the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl substituent exceeds 20, it may be disadvantageous in terms of the curing rate. The alkyl substituent includes a linear or branched type, and in the case of a branched type, the number of carbon atoms may be 3 or more.

[0082] In the method for producing the hard coating layer of the present invention, the hard coating composition may contain inorganic fine particles. According to an embodiment of the present invention, inorganic fine particles having a particle size in the nanoscale, for example, nano fine particles having a particle size of 100 nm or less, or 10 to 100 nm, or 10 to 50 nm may be used as the inorganic fine particles. Further, as the inorganic fine particles, for example, silica fine particles, aluminum oxide particles, titanium oxide particles, zinc oxide particles, or the like may be used. By including the inorganic fine particles, the hardness of the hard coating film can be further improved. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inorganic fine particles may be contained in an amount of 10 to 60 parts by weight, or 20 to 50 parts by weight based on the total weight parts of the hard coating composition. By including the inorganic fine particles within the above range, the effect of improving the hardness of the hard coating film by adding the inorganic fine particles can be achieved within a range where the physical properties of the hard coating composition are not deteriorated.

[0083] In the method for manufacturing the hard coating layer of the present invention, the hard coating composition may contain a photoinitiator. According to an embodiment of the present invention, examples of the photoinitiator include 1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl ketone, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl-1-propanone, 2-hydroxy-1-[4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]-2-methyl-1-propanone, methyl benzoylformate, α,α-dimethoxy-α-phenylacetophenone, 2-benzoyl-2-(dimethylamino)-1-[4-(4-morpholinyl)phenyl]-1-butanone, 2-methyl-1-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-2-(4-morpholinyl)-1-propanone diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phosphine oxide, bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphine oxide, etc., but are not limited thereto. Also, commercially available products currently include Irgacure 184, Irgacure 500, Irgacure 651, Irgacure 369, Irgacure 907, Darocur 1173, Darocur MBF, Irgacure 819, Darocur TPO, Irgacure 907, Esacure KIP 100F, etc. These photoinitiators may be used alone or in combination of two or more different ones.

[0084] In the present invention, the photoinitiator may be contained in an amount of 0.5 to 10 parts by weight, preferably 1 to 5 parts by weight, based on the total parts by weight of the hard coating composition. When the photoinitiator is within the above range, sufficient crosslinking photopolymerization can be achieved without degrading the physical properties of the hard coating film.

[0085] On the one hand, in the method for manufacturing the hard coating layer of the present invention, the hard coating composition may further contain additives commonly used in the technical field to which the present invention pertains, such as surfactants, anti-yellowing agents, leveling agents, or antifouling agents, in addition to the aforementioned components. Also, since its content can be variously adjusted within the range that does not deteriorate the physical properties of the hard coating composition according to the present invention, it is not particularly limited.

[0086] The low refractive index layer may be provided to also play a role in improving the hardness of the polarizing plate within the range that does not impair the object of the present invention. The low refractive index layer may contain, for example, one or more low refractive index agents selected from the group consisting of SiO 2 、Al 2 O 3 、MgF 2 、CaF and cryolite, and may contain a compound or resin used in the hard coating layer in some embodiments.

[0087] The hard coating layer and the low refractive index layer may each be used alone, and in some embodiments, they may be used as a multilayer structure. The functional coating layer may be formed in direct contact with one surface of the polarizer, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the polarizing plate includes a retardation adjusting layer and / or a refractive index adjusting layer, the functional coating layer is formed on one surface of the retardation adjusting layer and / or the refractive index adjusting layer described later, and the functional coating layer, the retardation adjusting layer, the refractive index adjusting layer, and the polarizer may be laminated in this order. The functional coating layer is preferably formed on the liquid crystal layer side of the polarizer, that is, on the inner side of the polarizer. For example, the first functional coating layer and the second functional coating layer may be provided on the inner sides of the first polarizer and the second polarizer, respectively, and may be arranged to face each other. In this case, the functional coating layer can not only minimize cracks or scratches generated during the manufacturing or processing process of the optical laminate by imparting a level of hardness suitable for forming members such as a transparent conductive layer to the polarizing plate, but also more effectively suppress the substrate surface from being pressed by the sealant, and has advantages in terms of reducing the sealant thickness.

[0088] The protective layer is for preserving the polarization characteristics of the polarizer from subsequent processes and the external environment, and can be embodied in the form of a protective film or the like. The protective layer may be formed in direct contact with one or both surfaces of the polarizer, but is not limited thereto. For example, the protective layer may be used as a multilayer structure in which one or more protective layers are continuously laminated, or may be formed in direct contact with other members.

[0089] In one or more embodiments, the protective layer may include one or more selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene isophthalate (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), diacetyl cellulose, triacetyl cellulose (TAC), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polymethyl acrylate (PMA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethyl acrylate (PEA), polyethyl methacrylate (PEMA), and cyclic olefin polymer (COP). The thickness of the protective layer may be 10 to 100 μm, and more preferably, 20 to 80 μm.

[0090] In addition, the protective layer may further contain an ultraviolet absorber on the outermost surface to prevent the deterioration of the optical laminate. The ultraviolet absorption layer is not particularly limited as long as it can prevent the deterioration of the optical laminate by ultraviolet rays. For example, salicylic acid-based ultraviolet absorbers (such as phenyl salicylate, p-tert-butyl salicylate), benzophenone-based ultraviolet absorbers (such as 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone, 2,2'-dihydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxybenzophenone), benzotriazole-based ultraviolet absorbers (such as 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(2'-hydroxy-3',5'-di-tert-butylphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(2'-hydroxy-3'-tert-butyl-5'-methylphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(2'-hydroxy-3',5'-di-tert-butylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole, 2-(2'-hydroxy-3'-(3'',4'',5'',6''-tetrahydrophthalimidomethyl)-5'-methylphenyl)benzotriazole, 2,2-methylenebis(4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-6-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)phenol), 2-(2'-hydroxy-3'-tert-butyl-5'-methylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole, 2-(2'-hydroxy-3'-tert-butyl-5'-(2-octyloxycarbonylethyl)-phenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole, 2-(2'-hydroxy-3'-(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)-5'-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-phenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-6-(linear and branched dodecyl)-4-methylphenol, a mixture of octyl-3-[3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-(chloro-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)phenyl]propionate and 2-ethylhexyl-3-[3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)phenyl]propionate, etc.), cyanoacrylate-based ultraviolet absorbers (such as 2'-ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate, ethyl-2-cyano-3-(3',(4’-methylenedioxyphenyl)-acrylate, etc.), triazine-based ultraviolet absorbers, etc. may be used. A benzotriazole-based ultraviolet absorber or a triazine-based ultraviolet absorber having high transparency and excellent effect of preventing deterioration of a polarizing plate and a transmittance variable layer is preferable, and a benzotriazole-based ultraviolet absorber having a more appropriate spectral absorption spectrum is particularly preferable. The benzotriazole-based ultraviolet absorber may be bis-converted, for example, 6,6’-methylenebis(2-(2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)-4-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl)phenol), 6,6’-methylenebis(2-(2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenol), etc. may also be used.,

[0091] The retardation adjustment layer is for complementing the optical characteristics of the optical laminate, and may be embodied in the form of a retardation film or the like, and a conventional or later-developed retardation film or the like may be used. For example, a quarter-wave plate (1 / 4 wave plate) or a half-wave plate (1 / 2 wave plate) for delaying the phase of light may be used, and these may be used alone or in combination. The retardation adjustment layer may be formed in direct contact with one surface of the polarizer, but is not limited thereto. For example, the retardation adjustment layer may be formed on one surface of the protective layer, and the polarizer, the protective layer, and the retardation adjustment layer may be sequentially laminated.,

[0092] The retardation adjustment layer may use a polymer stretched film or a liquid crystal polymer film obtained by stretching a polymer film capable of imparting optical anisotropy by stretching in an appropriate manner. In one embodiment, the polymer stretched film is a polyolefin such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), a cyclic olefin polymer (COP) such as polynorbornene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polysulfone (PSU), an acrylic resin, a polyester such as polycarbonate (PC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polyacrylate, a cellulose ester polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or triacetyl cellulose (TAC), or a copolymer of two or more monomers among the monomers forming the polymer. A polymer layer containing such a material may also be used.

[0093] The method for obtaining the polymer stretched film is not particularly limited. For example, it can be obtained by stretching the polymer material after forming it into a film shape. The method for forming it into a film shape is not particularly limited, and it can be formed into a film by known methods such as injection molding, sheet molding, blow molding, injection blow molding, inflation molding, extrusion molding, foam molding, and cast molding. Secondary processing molding methods such as pressure air molding and vacuum molding may also be used. Among them, extrusion molding and cast molding are preferably used. At this time, for example, an unstretched film can be extrusion molded using an extruder equipped with a T-die, a circular die, etc. When obtaining a molded product by extrusion molding, a material obtained by previously melt-kneading various resin components, additives, etc. can be used, or it can also be molded through melt-kneading during extrusion molding. Also, after dissolving various resin components using a solvent common to various resin components, such as a solvent such as chloroform or methylene dichloride, an unstretched film may be cast-molded by cast drying and solidifying.

[0094] The polymer stretched film may be uniaxially stretched in the machine flow direction (MD; Mechanical Direction, longitudinal direction or length direction) of the formed film, or uniaxially stretched in the direction perpendicular to the machine flow direction (TD; Transverse Direction, transverse direction or width direction). Also, a biaxially stretched film may be manufactured by stretching by a sequential biaxial stretching method of roll stretching and tenter stretching, a simultaneous biaxial stretching method by tenter stretching, a biaxial stretching method by tubular stretching, etc.

[0095] The liquid crystal polymer film can contain the reactive liquid crystal compound in a polymerized state. The content regarding the reactive liquid crystal compound of the coating type polarizer described above can be similarly applied to the reactive liquid crystal compound.

[0096] In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the retardation adjustment layer may be 10 to 100 μm in the case of a polymer stretched film, and may be 0.1 to 5 μm in the case of a liquid crystal polymer film.

[0097] The refractive index adjustment layer is provided to compensate for the refractive index difference of the optical laminate by the transparent conductive layer described later, and may serve to improve visual recognition characteristics and the like by reducing the refractive index difference. Further, the refractive index adjustment layer may be provided to correct the hue caused by the transparent conductive layer 120 described later. On the other hand, when the transparent conductive layer has a pattern, it is possible to compensate for the transmittance difference between the pattern region where the pattern is formed and the non-pattern region where the pattern is not formed through the refractive index adjustment layer. Specifically, the transparent conductive layer 120 may be laminated adjacent to another member (for example, a polarizer) having a different refractive index from it, and a difference in light transmittance may be induced by the refractive index difference with the adjacent other layer. In particular, when a pattern is formed on the transparent conductive layer, a problem may occur in that it can be visually recognized so as to distinguish between the pattern region and the non-pattern region. Therefore, by including the refractive index adjustment layer, the refractive index is compensated so that the difference in light transmittance of the optical laminate can be reduced. In particular, when a pattern is formed on the transparent conductive layer, the pattern region and the non-pattern region are not distinguished and visually recognized. In one embodiment, the refractive index of the refractive index adjustment layer may be appropriately selected depending on the material of the adjacent other member, but is preferably 1.4 to 2.6, and more preferably 1.4 to 2.4. In this case, it is possible to prevent light loss due to a sharp refractive index difference between the other member such as a polarizer and the transparent conductive layer 120. The refractive index adjustment layer is not particularly limited as long as it can prevent a sharp refractive index difference between the transparent conductive layer 120 and other members such as a polarizer, and a compound used for forming a conventional or later-developed refractive index adjustment layer may be used. For example, it may be formed from a refractive index adjustment layer forming composition containing a polymerizable isocyanurate compound.

[0098] In one or more embodiments, the polarizing plate 110 may further include other configurations for assisting or enhancing the characteristics of the polarizer in addition to the above-described components. For example, in order to further improve mechanical durability, it may further include an overcoat layer or the like. In one or more embodiments, the polarizing plate 110 may have a thickness of 30 to 200 μm, preferably 30 to 170 μm, and more preferably 50 to 150 μm. In this case, the polarizing plate 110 enables the production of an optical laminate with a thin thickness while maintaining optical characteristics.

[0099] Transparent conductive layer The transparent conductive layer 120 is provided for driving the liquid crystal layer 130 and may be formed in direct contact with the polarizing plate 110. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first transparent conductive layer 120-1 and the second transparent conductive layer 120-2 may be formed in direct contact with the first polarizing plate 110-1 and the second polarizing plate 110-2, respectively.

[0100] Optical laminates used in the manufacture of conventional smart windows and the like are manufactured by forming a conductive layer for liquid crystal driving on one surface of a substrate and bonding the other surface of the substrate to a polarizing plate. However, the transmittance variable optical laminate according to the present invention directly forms a conductive layer on one surface of a polarizing plate without including a separate substrate for forming the conductive layer, thereby reducing the thickness of the laminate and improving the transmittance and bending characteristics in the light transmission mode. Further, the dimming panel 100 of the present invention has a conductive layer directly formed on one surface of a polarizing plate and does not include a separate substrate for forming the conductive layer, so that the thickness is significantly reduced compared to conventional optical laminates. As a result, the surface vibration unit 200 can vibrate at an anti-phase frequency opposite to the noise to efficiently remove, control, cancel, reduce, and / or block external noise.

[0101] In one embodiment, the transparent conductive layer 120 may be formed by directly depositing on one surface of the polarizing plate 110. At this time, in order to improve the adhesion between the transparent conductive layer 120 and the polarizing plate 110, after performing a pretreatment such as corona treatment or plasma treatment on one surface of the polarizing plate 110, it may be formed in direct contact with the pretreated surface of the polarizing plate 110. The pretreatment is not limited to corona treatment or plasma treatment, and pretreatment processes that are conventional or developed in the future may be used within the scope that does not impair the object of the present invention.

[0102] In another embodiment, in order to improve the adhesion between the transparent conductive layer 120 and the polarizing plate 110, it may be formed in direct contact with the polarizing plate 110 with an easy-adhesion layer (not shown) provided on one surface of the polarizing plate 110 interposed therebetween.

[0103] The transparent conductive layer 120 preferably has a transmittance of 50% or more with respect to visible light. For example, it may include one or more selected from the group consisting of transparent conductive oxides, metals, carbon-based substances, conductive polymers, conductive inks, and nanowires, but is not limited thereto, and materials of conventional or future-developed transparent conductive layers may be used.

[0104] In one or more embodiments, the transparent conductive oxide may include one or more selected from the group consisting of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO), aluminum zinc oxide (AZO), gallium zinc oxide (GZO), fluorine tin oxide (FTO), and zinc oxide (ZnO). Also, the metal may include one or more selected from the group consisting of gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), vanadium (V), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and alloys containing at least one of these, for example, it may include a silver - palladium - copper (APC) alloy or a copper - calcium (CuCa) alloy. The carbon - based material may include one or more selected from the group consisting of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene. The conductive polymer may include one or more selected from the group consisting of polypyrrole, polythiophene, polyacetylene, PEDOT, and polyaniline. The conductive ink may be an ink in which a metal powder and a curable polymer binder are mixed, and the nanowire may be, for example, a silver nanowire (AgNW).

[0105] Also, the conductive layer may be configured in a structure of two or more layers by combining the above substances. For example, the conductive layer may include a two - layer structure of a metal layer and a transparent conductive oxide layer, so that the reflectivity of incident light can be reduced and the transmittance can be increased. When the metal layer is used alone, the visibility of the screen may be reduced because of its high reflectivity, but by laminating the transparent conductive oxide layer, the reflectivity can be reduced and the transmittance can be improved.

[0106] The transparent conductive layer 120 may be formed by a method commonly used in the art. For example, coating processes such as spin coating, roller coating, bar coating, dip coating, gravure coating, curtain coating, die coating, spray coating, doctor blade coating, and kneader coating; printing processes such as screen printing, spray printing, inkjet printing, letterpress printing, gravure printing, and lithographic printing; deposition processes such as IML (In-Mold Labeling) injection and CVD (chemical vapor deposition), PVD (physical vapor deposition), PECVD (plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition), and dry or wet plating processes. An appropriate process may be selected and formed therefrom.

[0107] Liquid crystal layer The liquid crystal layer 130 can change the driving mode of the optical laminate by adjusting the transmittance of light incident from one or more directions by an electric field. The liquid crystal layer 130 may include a liquid crystal compound and a spacer. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, it can be located within a space provided by a sealant 150 and a spacer 160 provided between the first polarizing plate 110-1 and the second polarizing plate 110-2 in the light control region. Further, the liquid crystal layer 130 may optionally further include an alignment film 140, and the alignment film 140 may be formed, for example, on both surfaces of the liquid crystal layer 130 containing a liquid crystal compound.

[0108] The liquid crystal compound is driven by an electric field and is not particularly limited as long as it can control the light transmittance. Conventional or later-developed liquid crystal compounds can be used. For example, the content regarding the reactive liquid crystal compound of the coating type polarizer described above can be similarly applied.

[0109] The liquid crystal behavior mode of the liquid crystal layer 130 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be driven in a TN (Twisted nematic) mode. In addition, it may also be driven by an STN (Super twisted nematic) mode, a VA (Vertical alignment) mode, an ECB (Electrically controlled birefringence) mode, etc.

[0110] The alignment film 140 is not particularly limited as long as it can add alignment properties to the liquid crystal compound. Preferably, it may contain a photo-alignable or photocurable polymer, etc. For example, the alignment film 140 can be fabricated by applying and curing an alignment film coating composition containing a photo-alignable or photocurable polymer, a photopolymerization initiator, and a solvent.

[0111] The photo-alignable or photocurable polymer is not particularly limited. For example, a cinnamate-based polymer, a polyimide-based polymer, etc. may be used. For example, poly(vinyl cinnamate) (PVCi), poly(siloxane cinnamate) (PSCN), poly(ω(4-chalconyloxy)alkoxyphenylmaleimide), 6-FDA-HAB-Cl, etc. may be used. Also, a polymer that can exhibit alignment properties, whether conventional or developed in the future, may be used.

[0112] The sealant 150 may be located between the first polarizing plate 110-1 and the second polarizing plate 110-2 in the non-active region. The sealant serves to bond the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate, and may be provided to secure the space where the liquid crystal layer 130 is provided between the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate together with the spacer.

[0113] The sealant 150 may contain a curable resin as a base resin. As the base resin, an ultraviolet curable resin or a thermosetting resin known to be used in the sealant in the art may be used. The ultraviolet curable resin may be a polymer of an ultraviolet curable monomer. The thermosetting resin may be a polymer of a thermosetting monomer. As the base resin of the sealant 150, for example, an acrylate resin, an epoxy resin, a urethane resin, a phenol resin, or a mixture of the resins may be used. In one embodiment, the base resin may be an acrylate resin, and the acrylate resin may be a polymer of an acrylic monomer. The acrylic monomer may be, for example, a polyfunctional acrylate. In another embodiment, the sealant may further contain a monomer component in the base resin. The monomer component may be, for example, a monofunctional acrylate. In this specification, the monofunctional acrylate can mean a compound having one acrylic group, and the polyfunctional acrylate can mean a compound having two or more acrylic groups. The curable resin can be cured by irradiation with ultraviolet rays and / or heating. The ultraviolet irradiation conditions or heating conditions may be appropriately carried out within a range that does not impair the object of the present application. The sealant may further contain an initiator, for example, a photoinitiator or a thermal initiator, if necessary.

[0114] The sealant 150 may be formed by a method commonly used in the art. For example, it may be formed by drawing the sealant onto the outer contour (i.e., the inactive region) of the liquid crystal layer using a dispenser equipped with a nozzle.

[0115] The sealant preferably has a height after curing that is substantially the same as the height of the liquid crystal layer, and may be, for example, 2 to 20 μm. In this case, not only does the light leakage phenomenon in the liquid crystal layer region adjacent to the sealant not occur, but the spacer reliability can be further improved.

[0116] The spacer (160) serves to keep the liquid crystal gap of the liquid crystal layer constant, and may include at least one or more spacers among ball spacers and column spacers. In particular, it is preferably a ball spacer as shown in FIG. 4. The spacer may be one or more. The spacer may have a height of 2 to 20 μm, and more preferably 1 to 10 μm. This is preferable for serving to support the liquid crystal layer. Also, when viewed from the planar direction, the area occupied by the spacer in the liquid crystal layer 130 is preferably 0.01 to 10% of the area of the liquid crystal layer 130 in terms of the user's visibility and improvement of the transmittance in the transmissive mode.

[0117] Other functional layers The variable transmittance optical laminate of the present invention may further include other members within a range not impairing the object of the present invention. For example, it may further include an adhesive layer, and may further include an ultraviolet absorption layer and an impact resistant layer.

[0118] The adhesive layer (not shown) may be formed using an adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and preferably has an appropriate adhesive force so that peeling, bubbles, etc. do not occur during handling of the optical laminate, and also has transparency and thermal stability, and can have point elastic characteristics applicable to a smart window. The adhesive may use a conventional or later-developed adhesive, for example, a photocurable adhesive may be used. The photocurable adhesive is one that undergoes crosslinking and curing upon receiving active energy rays such as ultraviolet rays (UV) or electron beams (EB) to exhibit a strong adhesive force, and may be composed of a reactive oligomer, a reactive monomer, a photoinitiator, etc. The reactive oligomer is an important component that determines the characteristics of the adhesive, and forms a polymer bond through a photopolymerization reaction to form a cured film. Examples of usable reactive oligomers include polyester-based resins, polyether-based resins, polyurethane-based resins, epoxy-based resins, polyacrylic-based resins, and silicone-based resins. The reactive monomer serves as a crosslinking agent and a diluent for the aforementioned reactive oligomer, and affects the adhesive characteristics. Examples of usable reactive monomers include monofunctional monomers, polyfunctional monomers, epoxy-based monomers, vinyl ethers, and cyclic ethers. The photoinitiator serves to absorb light energy to generate radicals or cations to initiate photopolymerization, and an appropriate one may be selected and used depending on the photopolymer resin. The pressure-sensitive adhesive may use a conventional or later-developed pressure-sensitive adhesive, and in one or more embodiments, an acrylic-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, a rubber-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, a silicone-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, a urethane-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, a polyvinyl alcohol-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, a polyvinyl pyrrolidone-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, a polyacrylamide-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, a cellulose-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, a vinyl alkyl ether-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, etc. may be used.

[0119] The pressure-sensitive adhesive is not particularly limited as long as it has adhesive strength and viscoelasticity. In terms of availability, etc., it may preferably be an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive, and may, for example, contain a (meth)acrylate copolymer, a crosslinking agent, a solvent, etc. The crosslinking agent may be a conventionally known or newly developed crosslinking agent, and may, for example, contain a polyisocyanate compound, an epoxy resin, a melamine resin, a urea resin, a dialdehyde, a methylol polymer, etc., and preferably may contain a polyisocyanate compound. The solvent may contain a normal solvent used in the resin composition field, and may, for example, be an alcohol-based compound such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether; a ketone-based compound such as methyl ethyl ketone, methyl butyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, diethyl ketone, dipropyl ketone; an acetate-based compound such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, propylene glycol monomethyl acetate; a cellosolve-based compound such as methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, propyl cellosolve; a hydrocarbon-based compound such as hexane, heptane, benzene, toluene, xylene, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0120] The thickness of the adhesive layer may be appropriately determined depending on the type of resin that serves as the pressure-sensitive adhesive, the adhesive strength, the environment in which the pressure-sensitive adhesive is used, etc. In one embodiment, the adhesive layer may be 0.1 to 500 μm, preferably 0.5 to 450 μm, more preferably 1 to 400 μm in thickness in order to ensure sufficient adhesive strength and minimize the thickness of the optical laminate. In the case of the adhesive layer, it may be 2 to 30 μm, preferably 3 to 20 μm, more preferably 5 to 10 μm in thickness. In one embodiment, the adhesive layer (not shown) may be formed on one or both surfaces of the polarizing plate by a lamination or vacuum bonding method.

[0121] The above ultraviolet absorption layer (not shown) is not particularly limited as long as it can prevent the deterioration of the optical laminate due to ultraviolet rays, and the content regarding the ultraviolet absorber described for the above protective layer can be directly applied, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0122] The above impact-resistant layer (not shown) is located in the inner direction and is not particularly limited as long as it can mitigate the impact and prevent the damage of the internal components when an impact is applied to the entire window surface. Preferably, a material with a large tolerance for deformation energy, for example, a thermoplastic resin with high toughness, is preferred. Examples of such resins include polycarbonate-based resins, polyimide-based resins, polyamide-based resins, polyamideimide-based resins, polyester-based resins, and the like. Further, since the present invention is intended for use in a display device, it is preferable to use a resin with excellent light transmittance, preferably an optically transparent resin.

[0123] <Smart Window> In addition to the above transmittance variable optical laminate, the present invention includes a smart window including the same, and includes an automobile in which the smart window is applied to at least one of a front window, a rear window, a side window, a sunroof window, and an internal partition, and a building fixture for a building including the smart window.

[0124] For example, an automobile including the smart window of the present invention may be one in which vehicle glass (not shown) is joined onto both surfaces of a dimming panel including a polarizing plate 110, a transparent conductive layer 120, a liquid crystal layer 130, and an adhesive layer (not shown). For example, after placing an adhesive film and vehicle glass onto both surfaces of the dimming panel, it may be manufactured by heating at a temperature of 90° C. and a vacuum state of about 1 bar for 10 to 20 minutes using a press machine. The adhesive film may include an EVA film, a PVB film, etc., and may be a variable transmittance optical laminate in which a surface vibration part is joined onto the glass. Also, building fixtures may be joined onto both surfaces or one surface of the optical laminate. After applying a UV adhesive onto building glass on both surfaces of the optical laminate and joining them, it may be UV-cured to manufacture a smart window product for building fixtures. Or, it may be a smart window product for building fixtures manufactured by joining building glass onto one surface of the optical laminate by a laminating method.

[0125] In addition, the smart window may be applied to transportation means and wearable devices generally used in this field.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0126] 10: Variable transmittance optical laminate 100: Dimming panel 110-1 and 110-2: First polarizing plate and second polarizing plate 120-1 and 120-2: First transparent conductive layer and second transparent conductive layer 130: Liquid crystal layer 140: Alignment film 150: Sealant 160: Spacer 200: Surface vibration part 300: Noise control part 310: Noise receiving part 320: Noise analysis part 330: Frequency transmitting part

Claims

1. A dimming panel, A surface vibration portion; A noise control unit, The noise control unit is a variable transmittance optical laminate including a noise receiving unit, a noise analyzing unit, and a frequency transmitting unit.

2. The variable transmittance optical laminate according to claim 1, which is used for reducing external noise by converting the noise received through the noise receiving unit of the noise control unit in a noise analysis unit and sending out an inverse phase frequency through the frequency sending unit to vibrate the planar vibration unit and the light control panel, thereby canceling out the noise.

3. The variable transmittance optical laminate according to claim 2 , wherein the opposite phase frequency sent out by the frequency sending unit is in the range of 500 to 5000 Hz.

4. 2. The variable transmittance optical laminate according to claim 1, wherein the on-surface vibration portion includes at least one polymer material selected from polyester (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polypropylene (PP), polymethylpentene (TPX), polyimide (PI), polyetherimide (PEI), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

5. The variable transmittance optical laminate according to claim 1 , wherein the on-plane vibration portion is disposed on the periphery of the light control panel.

6. The variable transmittance optical laminate according to claim 5 , wherein the on-plane vibration portion is included in an area of ​​5 to 30% of the entire area of ​​the light control panel.

7. The noise control unit is connected to the surface vibration unit and a separate power supply unit, The variable transmittance optical laminate according to claim 1 , which operates when the window is closed in conjunction with opening and closing of the window.

8. The light control panel includes a first polarizing plate and a first transparent conductive layer formed on one surface of the first polarizing plate; a second polarizing plate facing the first polarizing plate; a second transparent conductive layer formed on one surface of the second polarizing plate and facing the first transparent conductive layer; a liquid crystal layer provided between the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer; 2. The variable transmittance optical laminate of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer is formed in direct contact with one of the first polarizer and the second polarizer.

9. 9. The variable transmittance optical laminate of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of transparent conductive oxides, metals, carbon-based materials, conductive polymers, conductive inks, and nanowires.

10. 9. The variable transmittance optical laminate of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer is formed in direct contact with one of the first polarizer and the second polarizer without a separate substrate between the transparent conductive layer and the first polarizer and the second polarizer.

11. The variable transmittance optical laminate of claim 8 , wherein at least one of the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer includes an easy-adhesion layer between the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate and is formed in direct contact with the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate.

12. 9. The variable transmittance optical laminate according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a functional coating layer, a protective layer, a phase difference control layer, and a refractive index control layer.

13. The variable transmittance optical laminate of claim 8 , wherein at least one of the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate has a thickness of 30 μm to 200 μm.

14. The variable transmittance optical laminate according to claim 8 , wherein the light control panel further comprises one or more layers selected from the group consisting of an adhesive layer, an ultraviolet absorbing layer, and an impact resistant layer.

15. The variable transmittance optical laminate according to claim 8, wherein the liquid crystal layer includes at least one spacer selected from the group consisting of a ball spacer and a column spacer.

16. The variable transmittance optical stack according to claim 15, wherein the spacer has a height of 1 to 10 μm.

17. The variable transmittance optical laminate according to claim 15, wherein the area of ​​the spacer in the liquid crystal layer is 0.01 to 10% of the area of ​​the liquid crystal layer.

18. The variable transmittance optical stack according to claim 8 , further comprising a sealant and an alignment film in the liquid crystal layer.

19. A method for producing the variable transmittance optical laminate according to claim 1 .

20. A smart window comprising the variable transmittance optical stack according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

21. 21. A mode of transportation comprising the smart window of claim 20.

22. 21. A car comprising the smart window of claim 20 applied to at least one of a front window, a rear window, a side window, a sunroof window, and an interior partition.

23. A wearable device comprising the smart window of claim 20.

24. 21. An architectural fixture comprising the smart window of claim 20.

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