Electronic dimmer device

Abstract

To provide an electronic dimmer device with which it is possible to suppress variation in dimming characteristics during a color developing period in a plurality of electrochromic devices.SOLUTION: An electronic dimmer device according to the present invention comprises: a first electrochromic element and a second electrochromic element; a voltage measurement unit for measuring a first open-circuit voltage and a second open-circuit voltage after a color developing period has expired; a voltage determination unit for determining a first color developing voltage applied to the first electrochromic element and a second color developing voltage applied to the second electrochromic element on the basis of the result of comparison between the first open-circuit voltage and the second open-circuit voltage so that the difference between the transmittance of the first electrochromic element and the transmittance of the second electrochromic element during the next color developing period is reduced; and a voltage application unit for applying the first color developing voltage and the second color developing voltage to the first electrochromic element and the second electrochromic element in the next round of the color developing period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic dimming devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a polarizing laminate that functions as an optical lens and is made up of two protective sheets and a polarizer sheet sandwiched between them. This polarizing laminate can add anti-glare functionality to the optical lens function provided by the polarizer sheet. For this reason, polarizing laminates are used in eyewear such as goggles and sunglasses.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an electrochromic element having a pair of substrates and an electrochromic medium disposed between them. When a voltage is applied to the electrodes provided on the pair of substrates, the transmittance of the compound in the electrochromic medium changes. This makes it possible to adjust the amount of light passing through the electrochromic element.

[0004] When eyeglasses are produced by applying the electrochromic element described in Patent Document 2 to the polarizing laminate described in Patent Document 1, the electrochromic element for the right eye and the electrochromic element for the left eye are required to have the same dimming characteristics. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-294445 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-167317 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, due to differences in the initial characteristics of each electrochromic element and the rate of deterioration over time, the photochromic characteristics can differ between the left and right lenses. Photochromic characteristics refer to the rate at which transmittance decreases when a certain voltage is applied. When photochromic characteristics differ, the quality and usability of eyewear deteriorates.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic light-adjusting device that can suppress variations in the light-adjusting characteristics during the color-developing operation period among a plurality of electrochromic elements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] These objects can be achieved by the present invention as set forth in (1) to (7) below. (1) a first electrochromic element and a second electrochromic element that are optically transparent and whose transmittance changes depending on a voltage applied during a color-producing operation period; a voltage measurement unit that measures a first open-circuit voltage of the first electrochromic element and a second open-circuit voltage of the second electrochromic element after the color-developing operation period has ended; a voltage determination unit that determines a first color-producing operation voltage to be applied to the first electrochromic element and a second color-producing operation voltage to be applied to the second electrochromic element based on a comparison result between the first open-circuit voltage and the second open-circuit voltage so that a difference between the transmittance of the first electrochromic element and the transmittance of the second electrochromic element in the next color-producing operation period becomes small; a voltage application unit that applies the first color-producing operation voltage and the second color-producing operation voltage to the first electrochromic element and the second electrochromic element in the next color-producing operation period; An electronic dimming device comprising:

[0009] (2) the comparison result is a difference between the first open-circuit voltage and the second open-circuit voltage; The electronic dimming device according to (1) above, wherein the voltage determination unit determines the first color-emitting operating voltage and the second color-emitting operating voltage so that a difference between the first open-circuit voltage and the second open-circuit voltage becomes small.

[0010] (3) The electronic dimming device according to (1) or (2), wherein the voltage measurement unit acquires the first open circuit voltage and the second open circuit voltage after a predetermined time has elapsed after the color-developing operation period has ended.

[0011] (4) The voltage determination unit a first correlation between the first color-producing operating voltage, the first open-circuit voltage, and the transmittance of the first electrochromic element; and a second correlation between the second color-producing operating voltage, the second open-circuit voltage, and the transmittance of the second electrochromic element; Remember, The electronic dimming device according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the voltage determination unit determines the next first color-emitting operating voltage based on the first correlation, and determines the next second color-emitting operating voltage based on the second correlation.

[0012] (5) The electronic light control device according to (4), wherein the voltage determination unit has a function of changing the first correlation and the second correlation in accordance with an accumulated driving time.

[0013] (6) The electronic light control device according to any one of (1) to (5) above, which is used as glasses. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, an electronic light-adjusting device can be obtained that can suppress variations in the light-adjusting characteristics during the color-developing operation period among a plurality of electrochromic elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing sunglasses (eyeglasses) to which an electronic light adjusting device according to an embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first lens shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first lens shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the EC function unit shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control unit shown in FIG. [Figure 6] This is a graph showing an example of the voltage applied to the first electrochromic element (first coloring operation voltage) and the voltage applied to the second electrochromic element (second coloring operation voltage) during the coloring operation period, as well as the voltage measured at the first electrochromic element and the voltage measured at the second electrochromic element during the coloring retention period. [Figure 7] 7 is a graph showing changes in transmittance of the first electrochromic element and the second electrochromic element during the coloring operation period and the coloring maintenance period shown in FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An electronic light control device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0017] 1. Configuration of electronic dimming device FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing sunglasses 100 (eyeglasses) to which an electronic light adjusting device according to an embodiment is applied.

[0018] The sunglasses 100 shown in Fig. 1 include a frame 20, a first lens 31, a second lens 32, and a control unit 40. In the following description, when the sunglasses 100 are worn on the head of a user, the user side of the first lens 31 and the second lens 32 is referred to as the "back" and the opposite side is referred to as the "front." In the following description, the term "lens" includes not only optical elements that have the function of focusing or diverging light, but also optical elements that simply have the function of transmitting light.

[0019] Frame The frame 20 shown in FIG. 1 has two rim portions 21, 21, a bridge portion 22, two temple portions 23, 23, and two nose pad portions 24, 24.

[0020] The frame 20 is worn on the user's head, and the first lens 31 and the second lens 32 are positioned near the user's eyes.

[0021] Each rim portion 21 is ring-shaped. A first lens 31 is fitted inside one rim portion 21, and a second lens 32 is fitted inside the other rim portion 21.

[0022] The bridge portion 22 is rod-shaped and connects the rim portions 21 together. Each temple portion 23 is shaped like a temple, with one end connected to each rim portion 21 and the other end being a free end.

[0023] In addition, a control unit 40 is provided on the temple portion 23. The control unit 40 applies voltage to the first lens 31 and the second lens 32 to control their operation.

[0024] The nose pad portion 24 is provided on the edge of each rim portion 21 and is supported on the nose of the user of the sunglasses 100.

[0025] The constituent material of the frame 20 is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include various metal materials, various resin materials, etc. Also, it may be a composite material containing these materials.

[0026] The shape of the frame 20 is not limited to the shape shown in the drawings, as long as it can be worn on the user's head. For example, the rim portion 21 and the temple portion 23 may be omitted. Furthermore, the entire frame 20 may be omitted, and the first lens 31 and the second lens 32 may be used separately.

[0027] Furthermore, the electronic light adjusting device according to the present invention may be applied to eyeglasses other than sunglasses, such as prescription eyeglasses, fashion eyeglasses, goggles, etc. Furthermore, the electronic light adjusting device according to the present invention may be provided with one or more additional lenses similar to the first lens 31 and the second lens 32.

[0028] 1.2. First and second lenses Next, the first lens 31 and the second lens 32 will be described.

[0029] 1, the first lens 31 has a first electrochromic element 1. The second lens 32 has a second electrochromic element 2 that is separate from the first electrochromic element 1. The configurations of the second lens 32 and the second electrochromic element 2 are similar to the configurations of the first lens 31 and the first electrochromic element 1, and therefore will not be described.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first lens 31 shown in FIG. The first lens 31 shown in FIG. 2 has a first electrochromic element 1 and a resin layer 35 provided on the rear surface thereof.

[0031] The first electrochromic element 1 is optically transparent and has the function of developing color when a voltage is applied. Furthermore, by switching the state of applied voltage, it is possible to reversibly switch between color development and decolorization. The power required for the operation of the first electrochromic element 1 is supplied from a control unit 40. The control unit 40 is also responsible for switching the state of applied voltage.

[0032] For example, when the sunglasses 100 are used, the amount of light passing through the first lens 31 (transmittance) can be controlled by switching the coloring and decoloring of the first electrochromic element 1 or by changing the color density. The period during which a voltage is applied to the first electrochromic element 1 to change the color density is referred to as the "coloring operation period." Furthermore, when the coloring operation period ends, the application of voltage is stopped and the electrochromic circuit provided in the first electrochromic element 1 is opened. In the following description, opening the electrochromic circuit may be referred to as "opening the element." Furthermore, shorting the electrochromic circuit may be referred to as "short-circuiting the element."

[0033] After the color-forming operation period ends, the color density is maintained due to the memory effect of the first electrochromic element 1. This period is called the "color-forming retention period." After that, if necessary, the color-forming state can be canceled and the element can be decolored by short-circuiting the first electrochromic element 1. The period during which the element is decolored is called the "decoloring period."

[0034] Although sunglasses 100 have been exemplified as this embodiment, the electronic light-adjusting device according to the present invention may also be applied to various types of eyeglasses, such as prescription eyeglasses, fashion eyeglasses, and goggles that protect the eyes from wind, rain, dust, chemicals, etc.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first lens 31 shown in FIG. The first electrochromic element 1 shown in Figure 3 includes a first substrate 11, a second substrate 12, a first electrode 13, a second electrode 14, an EC functional part 60, a sealing part 55, a first auxiliary electrode 15, and a second auxiliary electrode 16.

[0036] 1.2.1. First board The first substrate 11 supports other components such as the EC function section 60. The first substrate 11 also serves as the outermost layer of the first electrochromic element 1, protecting the EC function section 60 and the like.

[0037] The material for forming the first substrate 11 is not particularly limited as long as it is a transparent resin material, but a material containing a transparent resin with thermoplastic properties is preferred.

[0038] The transparent resin is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include acrylic resins, polystyrene resins, polyethylene resins, polypropylene resins, polyester resins (such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN)), polycarbonate resins, polyamide resins, cycloolefin resins, vinyl chloride resins, and polyacetal resins, and a mixture of one or more of these resins is used. Among these, the transparent resin is preferably a polycarbonate resin or a polyamide resin, and more preferably a polycarbonate resin. These resins have excellent transparency (translucency) and mechanical properties, as well as excellent heat resistance and moldability. This can improve the transparency and shape precision of the first substrate 11, as well as the impact resistance and heat resistance of the first substrate 11.

[0039] Furthermore, the polycarbonate resin is preferably an aromatic polycarbonate resin, which has an aromatic ring in the main chain and contributes to improving the mechanical strength of first substrate 11.

[0040] The first substrate 11 may contain various additives such as dyes, pigments, antioxidants, fillers, plasticizers, light stabilizers, ultraviolet absorbers, heat ray absorbers, and flame retardants, as needed.

[0041] The thickness of the first substrate 11 is preferably 0.1 mm to 10.0 mm, more preferably 0.3 mm to 5.0 mm. If the thickness of the first substrate 11 is within this range, the first electrochromic element 1 can be made thin while maintaining its mechanical strength.

[0042] 1.2.2. Second board The second substrate 12 is disposed opposite the first substrate 11 with the EC functional unit 60 interposed therebetween, and supports other components such as the EC functional unit 60. The second substrate 12 also serves as the outermost layer of the first electrochromic element 1, protecting the EC functional unit 60 and the like. In the following description, the space between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 is also referred to as the "inside."

[0043] The material of the second substrate 12 is not particularly limited as long as it is a transparent material, but a material containing a transparent resin with thermoplasticity is preferable. The transparent resin is the same as the material of the first substrate 11.

[0044] The thickness of the second substrate 12 may be the same as the thickness of the first substrate 11, or may be different.

[0045] The thickness of the second substrate 12 is preferably 0.1 mm to 10.0 mm, more preferably 0.3 mm to 5.0 mm. If the thickness of the second substrate 12 is within this range, the first electrochromic element 1 can be made thin while maintaining its mechanical strength.

[0046] 1.2.3.EC Functional Department FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the EC function unit 60 shown in FIG.

[0047] The EC functional unit 60 (electrochromic circuit) shown in Figure 4 has a first electrode 13 and a first electrochromic layer 63 stacked in sequence on the inside of a first substrate 11, a second electrode 14 and a second electrochromic layer 64 stacked in sequence on the inside of a second substrate 12, and an electrolyte layer 65 filled between the first electrochromic layer 63 and the second electrochromic layer 64.

[0048] The first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 are electrically connected to the control unit 40. The control unit 40 controls the potentials of the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14, and injects and extracts charges into and from the first electrochromic layer 63 and the second electrochromic layer 64. This allows the EC function unit 60 to perform coloring, color retention, and color erasing operations.

[0049] The constituent materials of the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 are not particularly limited as long as they are transparent conductive materials, and examples thereof include oxides such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), FTO (F-doped Tin Oxide), ATO (Antimony Tin Oxide), IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide), In2O3, SnO2, Sb-containing SnO2, and Al-containing ZnO, as well as Au, Pt, Ag, Cu, and alloys containing these, and one or more of these may be used in combination.

[0050] The thickness of each of the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 is set appropriately depending on the required conductivity. For example, when ITO is used as the constituent material of each of the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14, the thickness is preferably about 50 nm or more and 200 nm or less, and more preferably about 100 nm or more and 150 nm or less.

[0051] The first electrochromic layer 63 contains a material that develops color through an oxidation reaction. The material that develops color through an oxidation reaction is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polymers obtained by polymerizing a composition containing a radically polymerizable compound having triarylamine, triarylamine derivatives such as triphenylamine, bisacridan compounds, Prussian blue complexes, benzidine, nickel oxide, and the like, and one or more of these may be used in combination.

[0052] An example of a Prussian blue-type complex is a material made of Fe(III)4[Fe(II)(CN)6]3.

[0053] Among these, a polymer obtained by polymerizing a composition containing a radically polymerizable compound having triarylamine is particularly preferably used, since it can be operated at a constant voltage, has excellent durability against repeated use, and can provide an electrochromic element with high contrast.

[0054] The composition containing the radical polymerizable compound having a triarylamine may contain a radical polymerizable compound other than the radical polymerizable compound having a triarylamine, and a polymer obtained by polymerizing such a composition may be composed of a crosslinked product in which these radical polymerizable compounds are crosslinked.

[0055] The thickness of the first electrochromic layer 63 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 0.1 μm or more and 30 μm or less, and more preferably about 0.4 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

[0056] The second electrochromic layer 64 contains a material that develops color through a reduction reaction. The material that develops color through a reduction reaction is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include inorganic electrochromic compounds, organic electrochromic compounds, conductive polymers, etc., and one or more of these can be used in combination.

[0057] Examples of inorganic electrochromic compounds include tungsten oxide, molybdenum oxide, iridium oxide, and titanium oxide, with tungsten oxide being particularly preferred. Tungsten oxide has a low reduction potential, resulting in a low coloring / fading potential, and is also excellent in durability due to being an inorganic material.

[0058] Examples of organic electrochromic compounds include low molecular weight organic electrochromic compounds such as azobenzenes, anthraquinones, diarylethenes, dihydroprenes, dipyridines, styryls, styrylspiropyrans, spirooxazines, spirothiopyrans, thioindigo, tetrathiafulvalenes, terephthalic acid, triphenylmethanes, triphenylamines, naphthopyrans, viologens, pyrazolines, phenazines, phenylenediamines, phenoxazines, phenothiazines, phthalocyanines, fluorans, fulgides, benzopyrans, and metallocenes. Viologen compounds and dipyridine compounds are particularly preferred. These compounds have low color development / discoloration potentials and good color values.

[0059] Examples of viologen compounds include compounds described in Japanese Patent No. 3955641 and JP-A-2007-171781.

[0060] Examples of dipyridine compounds include compounds described in JP-A Nos. 2007-171781 and 2008-116718.

[0061] Examples of conductive polymers include polypyrrole, polythiophene, polyaniline, and derivatives thereof.

[0062] Furthermore, it is preferable to use a material that develops color in the same tone as the material that develops color in the oxidation reaction described above as a material that develops color in the reduction reaction, which increases the maximum color density and, as a result, improves the contrast during color development.

[0063] On the other hand, when a material that develops color by an oxidation reaction and a material that develops color by a reduction reaction, which have different color tones, are used, it becomes possible to control the color development by mixing colors.

[0064] In addition, either the first electrochromic layer 63 or the second electrochromic layer 64 may be set not to develop color, but by having both develop color, the color density can be increased. This makes it possible to reduce the driving voltage applied to the EC function section 60 and improve the durability of the first electrochromic element 1 as the color development operation is repeated.

[0065] The thickness of the second electrochromic layer 64 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 0.2 μm or more and 5.0 μm or less, and more preferably about 1.0 μm or more and 4.0 μm or less.

[0066] The electrolyte layer 65 is filled between the first electrochromic layer 63 and the second electrochromic layer 64, and contains an electrolyte having ion conductivity.

[0067] The electrolyte is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include inorganic ion salts such as alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts, quaternary ammonium salts, and supporting salts of acids and alkalis. Specific examples include LiClO4, LiBF4, LiAsF6, LiPF6, LiCF3SO3, LiCF3COO, KCl, NaClO3, NaCl, NaBF4, NaSCN, KBF4, Mg(ClO4)2, Mg(BF4)2, etc., and these may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0068] Ionic liquids can also be used as the electrolyte material. Among ionic liquids, organic ionic liquids are easy to handle because they remain liquid over a wide temperature range, including room temperature.

[0069] As for the molecular structure of organic ionic liquids, examples of the cationic component include imidazole derivatives such as N,N-dimethylimidazole salt, N,N-methylethylimidazole salt, and N,N-methylpropylimidazole salt; pyridinium derivatives such as N,N-dimethylpyridinium salt and N,N-methylpropylpyridinium salt; and aliphatic quaternary ammonium salts such as trimethylpropylammonium salt, trimethylhexylammonium salt, and triethylhexylammonium salt. Furthermore, in consideration of stability in the atmosphere, it is preferable to use a fluorine-containing compound as the anionic component, such as BF4. - , CF3SO3 - , PF4 - , (CF3SO2)2N - , (SO2F)2N - etc.

[0070] Such an electrolyte material may be an ionic liquid containing any combination of cationic and anionic components.

[0071] The ionic liquid may be directly dissolved in any of the photopolymerizable monomer, oligomer, and liquid crystal material. If the ionic liquid has poor solubility in these materials, it may be dissolved in a small amount of solvent to obtain a solution, and then this solution may be mixed with any of the photopolymerizable monomer, oligomer, and liquid crystal material to dissolve the ionic liquid.

[0072] Examples of the solvent include propylene carbonate, acetonitrile, γ-butyrolactone, ethylene carbonate, sulfolane, dioxolane, tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,2-ethoxymethoxyethane, polyethylene glycol, alcohols, and the like, or mixed solvents containing two or more of these.

[0073] The electrolyte may be in the form of a low viscosity liquid, a gel, a polymer cross-linked type, or a liquid crystal dispersion type. Of these, the electrolyte is preferably in the form of a gel or a solid, which can improve the mechanical strength and reliability of the EC functional unit 60.

[0074] The thickness of the electrolyte layer 65 is not particularly limited, but is preferably set to about 10 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and more preferably about 20 μm or more and 80 μm or less.

[0075] Between the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14, an intermediate layer such as an insulating porous layer or a protective layer may be provided as needed.

[0076] In this embodiment, the EC function section 60 has the first electrochromic layer 63 and the second electrochromic layer 64, but either one of these may be omitted.

[0077] 1.2.4.Sealing Part 3, the sealing portion 55 is disposed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, and defines a colored region 70. This allows the EC functional portion 60 to be encapsulated in the colored region 70. The first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 shown in FIG. 3 extend beyond the sealing portion 55 to the outside of the colored region 70.

[0078] The constituent material of the sealing portion 55 is not particularly limited as long as it is an insulating material having transparency, and examples thereof include resin materials such as acrylic resin and epoxy resin, and inorganic oxides such as silicon oxide (SiO), silicon oxynitride (SiON), and aluminum oxide (AlO).

[0079] The thickness of the sealing portion 55 is adjusted depending on the thickness of the EC function portion 60, and is preferably, for example, about 20 μm to 100 μm, and more preferably about 40 μm to 80 μm.

[0080] 1.2.5.1st auxiliary electrode The first auxiliary electrode 15 is laminated on the first electrode 13, which extends to the outside of the colored region 70. The first auxiliary electrode 15 is made of a material having a higher conductivity than the first electrode 13. This improves the efficiency of controlling the potential of the first electrode 13.

[0081] The material of the first auxiliary electrode 15 is not particularly limited as long as it has a higher conductivity than the first electrode 13, but examples thereof include silver, aluminum, copper, chromium, molybdenum, etc., and one or a combination of two or more of these may be used. The first auxiliary electrode 15 may be provided as needed, and may be omitted.

[0082] 1.2.6.Second auxiliary electrode The second auxiliary electrode 16 is laminated on the second electrode 14, which extends to the outside of the colored region 70. The second auxiliary electrode 16 is made of a material having a higher conductivity than the second electrode 14. This improves the efficiency of controlling the potential of the second electrode 14.

[0083] The material of the second auxiliary electrode 16 is not particularly limited as long as it has a higher conductivity than the second electrode 14, but examples thereof include silver, aluminum, copper, chromium, molybdenum, etc., and one or more of these may be used in combination. The second auxiliary electrode 16 may be provided as needed, and may be omitted.

[0084] 1.3.Control Unit The control unit 40 is provided in the temple portion 23 and controls the operation of each of the first electrochromic element 1 and the second electrochromic element 2.

[0085] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 40 shown in FIG. The control unit 40 shown in FIG. 5 has a voltage measurement unit 42, a voltage determination unit 44, and a voltage application unit 46 as functional units.

[0086] The voltage measurement unit 42 measures the open-circuit voltage (first open-circuit voltage) of the first electrochromic element 1 and the open-circuit voltage (second open-circuit voltage) of the second electrochromic element 2. The first open-circuit voltage and the second open-circuit voltage are the voltages (open-circuit voltages) between the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 measured when the first electrochromic element 1 and the second electrochromic element 2 are respectively open-circuited.

[0087] Based on the comparison result between the first open circuit voltage and the second open circuit voltage, the voltage determination unit 44 determines the voltage (first coloring operation voltage) to be applied to the first electrochromic element 1 and the voltage (second coloring operation voltage) to be applied to the second electrochromic element 2 during the coloring operation period.

[0088] The functions of voltage determination unit 44 are realized by hardware including, for example, a CPU, memory, and an interface. An example of such hardware is a microcomputer. The CPU is a central processing unit. Examples of memory include any non-volatile memory element (ROM), any volatile memory element (RAM), and a removable external memory element. Examples of interfaces include digital input / output ports such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB). The functions of voltage determination unit 44 are realized by the CPU executing a program that is pre-loaded in memory. Note that instead of or in addition to a method in which a CPU executes a program to realize the above functions, a method in which hardware such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) realizes the above functions may be used.

[0089] The voltage application unit 46 applies the determined first and second color-forming operating voltages to the first and second electrochromic elements 1 and 2 during the next color-forming operation period. The voltage application unit 46 includes, for example, a DC power supply, a voltage converter, and a switch. The DC power supply generates a predetermined DC voltage and may be, for example, a primary battery, a secondary battery, or an external power supply. The voltage converter converts the DC voltage generated by the DC power supply to a desired value. The voltage converter may also generate a pulse-width modulated voltage from the DC voltage and change its duty ratio to bring the effective voltage closer to the desired value. The switch switches between the color-forming operation period, color retention period, and bleaching period in response to a user operation.

[0090] 2. Operation of electronic dimming devices 6 is a graph showing an example of the voltage V1 (first coloring operation voltage SV1) applied to the first electrochromic element 1 and the voltage V2 (second coloring operation voltage SV2) applied to the second electrochromic element 2 during the coloring operation period T1, as well as the voltage V1 measured at the first electrochromic element 1 and the voltage V2 measured at the second electrochromic element 2 during the coloring maintenance period T2. The horizontal axis of FIG. 6 represents time, and the vertical axis represents voltage.

[0091] Fig. 7 is a graph showing changes in the transmittances TR1 and TR2 of the first electrochromic element 1 and the second electrochromic element 2 during the coloring operation period T1 and the coloring maintenance period T2 shown in Fig. 6. The horizontal axis of Fig. 7 represents time, and the vertical axis represents transmittance.

[0092] During the coloring operation period T1 shown in FIG. 6, voltages V1 and V2 of 1.6 V each are applied for approximately 15 seconds. With the application of these voltages V1 and V2, charges are injected into the first electrochromic element 1 and the second electrochromic element 2, respectively. During the coloring maintenance period T2 shown in FIG. 6, the voltages V1 and V2 are measured when the first electrochromic element 1 and the second electrochromic element 2 are open-circuited. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the voltages V1 and V2 values ​​5 seconds after the start of the coloring maintenance period T2 are designated as the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 and the second open-circuit voltage OCV2.

[0093] 7, the color density increases as the charge is injected, and the transmittance TR1 of the first electrochromic element 1 and the transmittance TR2 of the second electrochromic element 2 gradually decrease. Furthermore, during the color retention period T2 shown in FIG. 7, the transmittances TR1 and TR2 are retained due to the memory effect.

[0094] 7, there is a difference in transmittance TR1, TR2 at the end of the color-producing operation period T1 between the first electrochromic element 1 and the second electrochromic element 2. This difference is due to differences in the photochromic characteristics of each element, and can cause a decrease in the quality and usability of the sunglasses 100.

[0095] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 40 operates as follows to solve the above problem.

[0096] First, the voltage measurement unit 42 measures the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 and the second open-circuit voltage OCV2. Through investigations by the present inventors, it has been found that the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 and the second open-circuit voltage OCV2 reflect the respective dimming characteristics of the first electrochromic element 1 and the second electrochromic element 2. Therefore, the voltage measurement unit 42 acquires the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 and the second open-circuit voltage OCV2 as indices representing the dimming characteristics.

[0097] The first open-circuit voltage OCV1 and the second open-circuit voltage OCV2 are voltages V1 and V2 measured by the voltage measurement unit 42 when the first electrochromic element 1 and the second electrochromic element 2 are open, i.e., during the coloring retention period T2. However, immediately after opening, the voltages V1 and V2 may not be stable. Therefore, the voltage measurement unit 42 may measure the voltages V1 and V2 (open-circuit voltages) a predetermined time after the coloring operation period T1 ends (the coloring retention period T2 begins), and use the measured values ​​as the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 and the second open-circuit voltage OCV2. This allows the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 and the second open-circuit voltage OCV2 to be obtained with fewer abnormal values.

[0098] The predetermined time is preferably, for example, from 1 to 500 seconds, and more preferably from 5 to 300 seconds, which allows for measurement values ​​to be obtained with particularly few abnormal values ​​and with reduced instability due to changes over time.

[0099] Next, the voltage determination unit 44 compares the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 with the second open-circuit voltage OCV2. Based on the comparison result, the voltage determination unit 44 determines the first color-generation operating voltage SV1 and the second color-generation operating voltage SV2 to be applied during the next color-generation operating period T1. The inventors' research has revealed that the open-circuit voltage of each electrochromic element has a positive correlation with the rate of decrease in transmittance TR1 and TR2. For example, comparing the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 and the second open-circuit voltage OCV2 shown in FIG. 6, the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 is relatively low. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 is 1.15 V and the second open-circuit voltage OCV2 is 1.20 V. On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the rate of decrease in transmittance TR1 is slower than the rate of decrease in transmittance TR2. As a result, the minimum value of transmittance TR1 reached in a predetermined time is 13.1%, which is higher than the minimum value of transmittance TR2, 11.3%. This indicates that the first electrochromic element 1 deteriorated more rapidly than the second electrochromic element 2, and the rate at which the transmittance TR1 decreased was relatively slower, resulting in the inability to reach sufficient color density within the specified time.

[0100] Furthermore, the dimming characteristics of the electrochromic element are such that the higher the voltage applied during the coloring operation period T1, the higher the color density. Therefore, it can be said that the first coloring operation voltage SV1 is positively correlated with the rate of decrease in transmittance TR1. It can also be said that the second coloring operation voltage SV2 is positively correlated with the rate of decrease in transmittance TR2.

[0101] Therefore, based on the above correlation, the voltage determination unit 44 determines the first coloring operation voltage SV1 and the second coloring operation voltage SV2 to be applied in the next coloring operation period T1 so that the difference between the transmittance TR1 of the first electrochromic element 1 and the transmittance TR2 of the second electrochromic element 2 is small.

[0102] The determination method is not particularly limited, but for example, the voltage determination unit 44 may store the above correlation in advance in the form of a formula, a database, etc. In this case, the first color-emitting operating voltage SV1 and the second color-emitting operating voltage SV2 can be determined by comparing the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 and the second open-circuit voltage OCV2 with the stored correlation.

[0103] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the difference (OCV2-OCV1) is 0.05 V. In this case, the voltage measurement unit 42 acquires the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 and the second open-circuit voltage OCV2, and the voltage determination unit 44 compares them. Here, the difference (OCV2-OCV1) is calculated as an example of the comparison result. Next, the voltage determination unit 44 estimates the difference (TR1-TR2) between the transmittance TR1 and the transmittance TR2 based on the correlation between the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 and the transmittance TR1 and the correlation between the second open-circuit voltage OCV2 and the transmittance TR2. Then, based on the correlation between the first color-emitting operating voltage SV1 and the transmittance TR1, the next first color-emitting operating voltage SV1 is determined so as to reduce this transmittance difference. Note that in this example, the second electrochromic element 2 is considered to be not degraded, and the second color-emitting operating voltage SV2 is maintained at the same level as the previous time.

[0104] The comparison results may include, for example, the difference between the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 and the second open-circuit voltage OCV2 (OCV2-OCV1), the ratio of the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 to the second open-circuit voltage OCV2 (OCV1 / OCV2), the difference between the reference value OCV0 and the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 and the second open-circuit voltage OCV2 (OCV1-OCV0, OCV2-OCV0), the ratio of the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 and the second open-circuit voltage OCV2 to the reference value OCV0 (OCV1 / OCV0, OCV2 / OCV0), and other calculations.

[0105] Of these, the difference between the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 and the second open-circuit voltage OCV2 (OCV2-OCV1) is preferably used as the comparison result. This allows the dimming characteristics to be matched with a simple calculation. Furthermore, for example, in the above example, it is only necessary to calculate the first coloring operating voltage SV1 applied to the first electrochromic element 1, which is considered to be relatively deteriorated, thereby reducing the amount of calculation required.

[0106] Next, the voltage application unit 46 applies the determined first color-producing operation voltage SV1 and second color-producing operation voltage SV2 to the first electrochromic element 1 and the second electrochromic element 2 during the next color-producing operation period T1. This reduces the difference in the rate at which the transmittances TR1 and TR2 decrease during the next color-producing operation period T1, thereby reducing the difference in the minimum values ​​that the transmittances TR1 and TR2 reach. As a result, the photochromic characteristics can be made uniform, improving the quality and usability of the sunglasses 100. Furthermore, when a user wears the sunglasses 100, the discomfort caused by discrepancies in the photochromic characteristics can be reduced.

[0107] Furthermore, the above correlation in the first electrochromic element 1 and the above correlation in the second electrochromic element 2 may be the same (common to each other) or different. For example, the correlations may differ from the beginning due to individual differences. It is preferable that the above correlation in the first electrochromic element 1 and the above correlation in the second electrochromic element 2 are independent of each other. Therefore, the voltage determination unit 44 may store the correlation between the first open-circuit voltage OCV1, the transmittance TR1, and the first coloring operation voltage SV1 as a “first correlation,” and the correlation between the second open-circuit voltage OCV2, the transmittance TR2, and the second coloring operation voltage SV2 as a “second correlation.” The voltage determination unit 44 may then be configured to determine the first coloring operation voltage SV1 based on the first correlation, and determine the second coloring operation voltage SV2 based on the second correlation. This, for example, can realize sunglasses 100 that can more accurately suppress deviations in photochromic characteristics due to individual differences.

[0108] The form of the correlation is not limited to the above. For example, the next coloring operation voltage may be determined based only on the correlation between the open circuit voltage and the coloring operation voltage. In this case, it is sufficient that the voltage is determined so that the difference in transmittance (the difference between the minimum transmittance values) is small.

[0109] The voltage determination unit 44 may also have a function of successively changing the first correlation and the second correlation in response to various factors. Examples of the various factors include temperature, accumulated temperature, continuous driving time, and accumulated driving time. These factors can disrupt the correlation. In this case, if the voltage determination unit 44 is configured to acquire these factors and reflect the acquired results in the correlation (change the correlation), the correlation can be corrected even if the correlation deviates from the actual situation. This can reduce deviations in the dimming characteristics due to the factors.

[0110] 3. Effects of the above embodiment Sunglasses 100 incorporating the electronic light control device according to the embodiment include a first electrochromic element 1, a second electrochromic element 2, a voltage measurement unit 42, a voltage determination unit 44, and a voltage application unit 46. The first electrochromic element 1 and the second electrochromic element 2 are optically transparent, and their transmittances TR1 and TR2 change depending on the voltages (first coloring operation voltage SV1 and second coloring operation voltage SV2) applied during the coloring operation period T1. The voltage measurement unit 42 measures the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 of the first electrochromic element 1 and the second open-circuit voltage OCV2 of the second electrochromic element 2 after the coloring operation period T1 has ended. Based on the comparison result between the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 and the second open-circuit voltage OCV2, the voltage determination unit 44 determines a first color-producing operation voltage SV1 to be applied to the first electrochromic element 1 and a second color-producing operation voltage SV2 to be applied to the second electrochromic element 2 so as to reduce the difference between the transmittance TR1 of the first electrochromic element 1 and the transmittance TR2 of the second electrochromic element 2 in the next color-producing operation period T1. The voltage application unit 46 applies the first color-producing operation voltage SV1 and the second color-producing operation voltage SV2 to the first electrochromic element 1 and the second electrochromic element 2 in the next color-producing operation period T1.

[0111] With this configuration, it is possible to accurately determine the first color-producing operation voltage SV1 and the second color-producing operation voltage SV2 to be applied to the first electrochromic element 1 and the second electrochromic element 2 (multiple electrochromic elements) during the next color-producing operation period T1. This makes it possible to suppress variations in the dimming characteristics during the next color-producing operation period T1, thereby realizing sunglasses 100 (electronic dimming device) with good quality and ease of use.

[0112] Furthermore, in sunglasses 100 to which the electronic light control device according to the embodiment is applied, the result of comparing first open-circuit voltage OCV1 and second open-circuit voltage OCV2 is the difference between the first open-circuit voltage OCV1 and second open-circuit voltage OCV2. Then, voltage determination unit 44 determines first coloring operation voltage SV1 and second coloring operation voltage SV2 so that the difference between first open-circuit voltage OCV1 and second open-circuit voltage OCV2 is small. With this configuration, the dimming characteristics can be made uniform with simple calculations.

[0113] Furthermore, in the sunglasses 100 to which the electronic dimming device according to the embodiment is applied, the voltage measurement unit 42 acquires the first open circuit voltage OCV1 and the second open circuit voltage OCV2 after a predetermined time has elapsed after the coloring operation period T1 has ended.

[0114] With this configuration, it is possible to obtain the first open circuit voltage OCV1 and the second open circuit voltage OCV2 with fewer abnormal values.

[0115] Furthermore, in sunglasses 100 to which the electronic light control device according to the embodiment is applied, voltage determination unit 44 stores a first correlation between first coloring operation voltage SV1, first open circuit voltage OCV1, and transmittance TR1 of first electrochromic element 1, and a second correlation between second coloring operation voltage SV2, second open circuit voltage OCV2, and transmittance TR2 of second electrochromic element 2. Then, voltage determination unit 44 determines the next first coloring operation voltage SV1 based on the first correlation, and determines the next second coloring operation voltage SV2 based on the second correlation.

[0116] With this configuration, the first correlation and the second correlation are independent of each other, so that, for example, deviations in correlation due to individual differences can be suppressed, and sunglasses 100 can be realized that can more accurately suppress deviations in photochromic characteristics.

[0117] Furthermore, in the sunglasses 100 to which the electronic light adjusting device according to the embodiment is applied, the voltage determination section 44 has a function of changing the first correlation and the second correlation in accordance with the accumulated driving time.

[0118] With this configuration, even if the correlation deviates from the actual situation, the correlation can be corrected, thereby reducing deviations in the dimming characteristics due to the accumulated driving time.

[0119] Moreover, the sunglasses 100 to which the electronic light adjusting device according to the embodiment is applied are used as spectacles.

[0120] With this configuration, it is possible to realize eyeglasses that are less likely to cause discomfort to the user due to deviations in the light control characteristics.

[0121] Although the electronic light control device of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0122] For example, the electronic dimming device of the present invention may have each part of the above embodiment replaced with any component having a similar function, or may have any component added to the above embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1. First electrochromic element 2. Second electrochromic element 11 First board 12 Second board 13 1st electrode 14 2nd electrode 15 1st auxiliary electrode 16 2nd auxiliary electrode 20 frames 21 Rim 22 Bridge section 23 Temple 24 Nose pad section 31 First lens 32 Second lens 35 Resin layer 40 Control Unit 42 Voltage measurement section 44 Voltage determination unit 46 Voltage application section 55 Sealing part 60 EC function section 63 First electrochromic layer 64 Second electrochromic layer 65 Electrolyte layer 70 colored areas 100 sunglasses OCV1 First open circuit voltage OCV2 Second open circuit voltage SV1 First color operating voltage SV2 Second color operating voltage T1 Coloring period T2 color retention period TR1 transmittance TR2 transmittance V1 voltage V2 voltage

Claims

1. a first electrochromic element and a second electrochromic element that are optically transparent and whose transmittance changes depending on a voltage applied thereto during a color-developing operation period; a voltage measurement unit that measures a first open-circuit voltage of the first electrochromic element and a second open-circuit voltage of the second electrochromic element after the color-developing operation period has ended; a voltage determination unit that determines a first color-producing operation voltage to be applied to the first electrochromic element and a second color-producing operation voltage to be applied to the second electrochromic element based on a comparison result between the first open-circuit voltage and the second open-circuit voltage so that a difference between the transmittance of the first electrochromic element and the transmittance of the second electrochromic element in the next color-producing operation period becomes small; a voltage application unit that applies the first color-producing operation voltage and the second color-producing operation voltage to the first electrochromic element and the second electrochromic element in the next color-producing operation period; An electronic dimming device comprising:

2. the comparison result is a difference between the first open-circuit voltage and the second open-circuit voltage, The electronic light control device according to claim 1 , wherein the voltage determination unit determines the first color-emitting operating voltage and the second color-emitting operating voltage so that a difference between the first open-circuit voltage and the second open-circuit voltage is small.

3. The electronic light control device according to claim 1 , wherein the voltage measurement unit acquires the first open-circuit voltage and the second open-circuit voltage after a predetermined time has elapsed after the color development operation period has ended.

4. The voltage determination unit a first correlation between the first color-producing operating voltage, the first open-circuit voltage, and the transmittance of the first electrochromic element; and a second correlation between the second color-producing operating voltage, the second open-circuit voltage, and the transmittance of the second electrochromic element; Remember, The electronic dimming device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the voltage determination unit determines the next first color-emitting operating voltage based on the first correlation, and determines the next second color-emitting operating voltage based on the second correlation.

5. The electronic light control device according to claim 4 , wherein the voltage determination unit has a function of changing the first correlation and the second correlation in accordance with an accumulated driving time.

6. The electronic light control device according to claim 1 or 2, which is used as glasses.

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