Electronic dimmer device

Abstract

To provide an electronic dimmer device having a refresh function to eliminate or reduce unevenness in color development.SOLUTION: The electronic dimmer device according to the present invention comprises: an electrochromic element having light permeability and whose transmittance changes by a voltage applied during a color developing period; a voltage determination unit for determining the voltage applied to the electrochromic element and a time at which the voltage is applied; and a voltage application unit for applying the voltage to the electrochromic element on the basis of the determined voltage and time. When it is assumed that Ve represents the maximum value of a color developing voltage that is applied by the voltage application unit so that the change width of transmittance is 60% or greater in the color developing period and Te represents the application time of the maximum value Ve of the color developing voltage, the voltage determination unit determines that the refresh voltage applied by the voltage application unit in the refreshing period other than the color developing period is 0.1 Ve to less than 1.0 Ve, and a refresh time at which the refresh voltage is applied is continuously 10 Te or more.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 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. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-167317 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such electrochromic elements, deterioration over time can cause areas that do not produce color (color unevenness). When such areas occur, the quality of the electrochromic element deteriorates. For this reason, devices equipped with electrochromic elements are required to have a refresh function that reduces or eliminates color unevenness.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic light control device having a refresh function that eliminates or reduces color unevenness. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] These objects can be achieved by the present invention as set forth in (1) to (5) below. (1) an electrochromic element that is optically transparent and whose transmittance changes depending on the voltage applied during a color-producing operation period; a voltage determination unit that determines a voltage to be applied to the electrochromic element and a time for applying the voltage; a voltage application unit that applies a voltage to the electrochromic element based on the voltage and time determined by the voltage determination unit; Equipped with When the maximum value of the color-forming operation voltage applied by the voltage application unit so as to make the change width of the transmittance 60% or more during the color-forming operation period is Ve, and the application time of the maximum color-forming operation voltage Ve is Te, The electronic dimming device is characterized in that the voltage determination unit determines the refresh voltage applied by the voltage application unit during a refresh operation period other than the color-developing operation period to be greater than or equal to 0.1 Ve and less than 1.0 Ve, and determines the refresh time for applying the refresh voltage to be greater than or equal to 10 Te continuously.

[0007] (2) A voltage measuring unit is provided to measure the voltage of the electrochromic element, When the voltage application unit applies a voltage so as to make the change width of the transmittance 60% or more during the color development operation period, and then the electrochromic circuit of the electrochromic element is opened, the open-circuit voltage measured by the voltage measurement unit is Vo, The electronic dimming device described in (1) above, wherein the voltage determination unit determines the refresh voltage to be equal to or greater than 0.1 Ve and less than 1.0 Ve, and equal to or greater than 0.8 Vo and less than 1.2 Vo, and determines the refresh time to be equal to or greater than 100 Te continuously.

[0008] (3) The voltage application unit has a secondary battery that applies a voltage to the electrochromic element, The electronic dimming device according to (1) or (2), wherein the voltage application unit is configured to set the refresh operation period during a charging period in which the secondary battery is charged using an external power source.

[0009] (4) The electronic dimming device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the voltage determination unit has a function of changing at least one of the refresh voltage and the refresh time in accordance with an accumulated driving time.

[0010] (5) The electronic light control device according to any one of (1) to (4) above, which is used as glasses. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, an electronic light control device having a refresh function that eliminates or reduces color unevenness can be obtained. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [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] 10 is a graph showing an example of a voltage applied to a first electrochromic element during a coloring operation period and a refresh operation period, and a change in voltage measured at the first electrochromic element during a coloring maintenance period and a decoloring period. [Figure 7] 7 is a graph showing changes in transmittance of the first electrochromic element during a coloring operation period, a coloring maintenance period, and a color disappearance period shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 10 is a photograph showing an example of a color loss portion that occurred in the first electrochromic element. [Figure 9] 9 is a photograph showing the state after a refresh operation has been performed on the first electrochromic element shown in FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 1.2. First and second lenses Next, the first lens 31 and the second lens 32 will be described.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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."

[0030] 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."

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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."

[0040] 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.

[0041] The thickness of the second substrate 12 may be the same as the thickness of the first substrate 11, or may be different.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 1.2.3.EC Functional Department FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the EC function unit 60 shown in FIG.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] An example of a Prussian blue-type complex is a material made of Fe(III)4[Fe(II)(CN)6]3.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Examples of viologen compounds include compounds described in Japanese Patent No. 3955641 and JP-A-2007-171781.

[0057] Examples of dipyridine compounds include compounds described in JP-A Nos. 2007-171781 and 2008-116718.

[0058] Examples of conductive polymers include polypyrrole, polythiophene, polyaniline, and derivatives thereof.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] Such an electrolyte material may be an ionic liquid containing any combination of cationic and anionic components.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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).

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The voltage measurement unit 42 measures the open-circuit voltage of the first electrochromic element 1 and the open-circuit voltage of the second electrochromic element 2. These open-circuit voltages 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.

[0084] The voltage determination unit 44 determines the color-developing operation voltage to be applied to the first electrochromic element 1 and the second electrochromic element 2 during the color-developing operation period, and the application time thereof.

[0085] Furthermore, the voltage determination unit 44 determines the voltage (refresh voltage) to be applied to the first electrochromic element 1 and the second electrochromic element 2 during a refresh operation period other than the color development operation period, and the application time (refresh time).

[0086] 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.

[0087] The voltage application section 46 applies a color-forming operation voltage to the first electrochromic element 1 and the second electrochromic element 2 during the color-forming operation period.

[0088] Furthermore, the voltage application unit 46 applies the refresh voltage and refresh time determined above to the first electrochromic element 1 and the second electrochromic element 2 during the refresh operation period. The refresh voltage and refresh time applied to the first electrochromic element 1 and the refresh voltage and refresh time applied to the second electrochromic element 2 may be the same or different. Furthermore, the refresh voltage may not be applied to either one of the elements.

[0089] 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 target value. The voltage converter may also have the function of generating a pulse-width modulated voltage from the DC voltage and changing its duty ratio to bring the effective voltage closer to the target value. The switch switches between the coloring period, color retention period, and decoloring period in response to a user's operation.

[0090] 2. Operation of electronic dimming devices Next, we will explain the operation of the sunglasses 100. In the following explanation, we will explain the operation of the first electrochromic element 1. The operation of the second electrochromic element 2 is similar to that of the first electrochromic element 1, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0091] 6 is a graph showing an example of the change in voltage V applied to the first electrochromic element 1 during the coloring operation period T1 and the refresh operation period T4, and the change in voltage V measured at the first electrochromic element 1 during the coloring maintenance period T2 and the bleaching period T3. The horizontal axis of FIG. 6 represents time, and the vertical axis represents voltage.

[0092] Fig. 7 is a graph showing changes in transmittance TR of the first electrochromic element 1 during the coloring operation period T1, the coloring maintenance period T2, and the color disappearance period T3 shown in Fig. 6. The horizontal axis of Fig. 7 represents time, and the vertical axis represents transmittance.

[0093] 6, during the coloring operation period T1, a voltage V is applied to the first electrochromic element 1. This causes charge to be injected into the first electrochromic element 1, increasing the color density. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, a coloring operation is performed in which the transmittance TR gradually decreases during the coloring operation period T1.

[0094] 6, after the coloring operation period T1 ends, the first electrochromic element 1 is opened, which causes a transition to the coloring maintenance period T2.

[0095] 7, immediately after the start of the coloring retention period T2, the transmittance TR immediately after the end of the coloring operation period T1 is maintained due to the memory effect. This allows the coloring retention operation to maintain the transmittance TR without consuming power.

[0096] In the example shown in Fig. 6, after the color retention period T2 ends, the first electrochromic element 1 is short-circuited, which causes a transition to the color-erasing period T3. During the color-erasing period T3, the color density decreases, and a color-erasing operation is performed in which the transmittance TR increases, as shown in Fig. 7.

[0097] The above-described coloring operation, coloring maintenance operation, and color erasing operation are the basic operations of the sunglasses 100.

[0098] Here, if the sunglasses 100 have an initial abnormality or deteriorate over time, areas with low color density (color loss areas) may appear in the first electrochromic element 1 during color development or color maintenance operations.

[0099] Fig. 8 is a photograph showing an example of a color loss area 3 that has occurred in the first electrochromic element 1. When a color loss area 3 such as that shown in Fig. 8 occurs, the appearance of the first electrochromic element 1 deteriorates. This raises concerns about a decline in the quality of the sunglasses 100. Furthermore, the color loss area 3 prevents the sunglasses from achieving the intended color density, which reduces usability.

[0100] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors have discovered the following cause of the occurrence of the color-depleted areas 3. Unintentional pinholes may exist in the first electrode 13 or the second electrode 14. A pinhole is a hole that penetrates the first electrode 13 or the second electrode 14. As the sunglasses 100 are used, moisture may penetrate into the colored area 70 through the pinhole. When moisture penetrates, it is thought that moisture accumulates locally near the pinhole, causing a local increase in the electrical resistance of the first electrode 13 or the second electrode 14 in that area. This is thought to inhibit the injection and extraction of charges into and from the first electrochromic layer 63 and the second electrochromic layer 64, resulting in the occurrence of the color-depleted areas 3.

[0101] Therefore, the present inventors have conducted extensive research into methods for suppressing the occurrence of the color loss portions 3. In this embodiment, the control unit 40 operates as follows to suppress the occurrence of the color loss portions 3.

[0102] It is believed that performing a refresh operation (applying a refresh voltage Vr to the first electrochromic element 1) during the refresh operation period T4 can disperse locally accumulated moisture. This reduces the electrical resistance of the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14, eliminating or reducing the decolored areas 3. As a result, sunglasses 100 can be realized that are less likely to cause discomfort to the user due to the decolored areas 3.

[0103] In the refresh operation, it is necessary to set a refresh voltage Vr and its application time (refresh time Tr) that are optimized according to the configuration of the first electrochromic element 1. Such refresh voltage Vr and refresh time Tr are derived as follows.

[0104] 2.1. Setting refresh operation conditions based on color operating voltage First, the maximum value of voltage V set so that the change width W of transmittance TR during coloring operation period T1 is 60% or more is defined as the "maximum coloring operation voltage Ve." In the example shown in FIG. 7, the change width W is 70% because transmittance TR decreases from 80% to 10% during coloring operation period T1. Therefore, the maximum value of voltage V applied to first electrochromic element 1 during coloring operation period T1 shown in FIG. 6 can be used as the "maximum coloring operation voltage Ve." Furthermore, the duration of the maximum coloring operation voltage Ve is defined as the "application time Te of the maximum coloring operation voltage Ve." The maximum coloring operation voltage Ve and application time Te derived in this way serve as the basis for deriving refresh voltage Vr and refresh time Tr.

[0105] Note that the above "80%" is the transmittance TR (transmittance in the extinguished state) before the maximum color-developing operating voltage Ve is applied. Also, the above "10%" is the minimum value of the transmittance TR that continuously decreases from 80%. As shown in FIG. 7, if the transmittance TR decreases and then levels off, the transmittance TR at that point can be taken as the minimum value.

[0106] Furthermore, the variation range of the transmittance TR when defining the maximum value Ve of the color-developing operating voltage may be 60% or more, preferably 60% to 80%, and more preferably 65% ​​to 75%.

[0107] Next, the voltage determination unit 44 sets the refresh voltage Vr to a voltage value that is equal to or greater than 0.1Ve and less than 1.0Ve. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the maximum color-producing operating voltage Ve is 1.6V. In this case, the refresh voltage Vr should be set to a value that is equal to or greater than 0.16V and less than 1.6V.

[0108] Furthermore, the voltage determination unit 44 sets the refresh time Tr to a time that is equal to or greater than 10 Te continuously. If the application time Te of the maximum color-developing operating voltage Ve is, for example, 15 seconds, the refresh time Tr should be set to 150 seconds or greater.

[0109] Next, during the refresh operation period T4, the voltage application unit 46 applies a refresh voltage Vr to the first electrochromic element 1 for a refresh time Tr. This is thought to disperse the moisture that has infiltrated into the colored region 70. As a result, the color-depleted area 3 can be eliminated or reduced.

[0110] If the refresh voltage Vr is below the lower limit, the refresh voltage Vr will not reach the voltage required to move the moisture, and the moisture will not be dispersed sufficiently. On the other hand, if the refresh voltage Vr exceeds the upper limit, the refresh voltage Vr will exceed the maximum color-developing voltage Ve. In this case, although the moisture can be dispersed, the voltage may be slightly excessive, which may accelerate the deterioration of the first electrochromic element 1.

[0111] Furthermore, if the refresh time Tr is below the lower limit, the refresh time Tr will not reach the time required to move the moisture, and the moisture will not be dispersed sufficiently.

[0112] Fig. 9 is a photograph showing the state after a refresh operation has been performed on the first electrochromic element 1 shown in Fig. 8. In Fig. 9, the color loss 3 that occurred in the first electrochromic element 1 shown in Fig. 8 has disappeared or been alleviated. Therefore, the refresh operation can prevent deterioration in the quality of the sunglasses 100.

[0113] 2.2. Setting refresh operation conditions based on open circuit voltage First, a voltage V is applied to the first electrochromic element 1 so that the change width W of the transmittance TR during the coloring operation period T1 is 60% or more. Next, the first electrochromic element 1 is opened, and the coloring maintenance period T2 begins. Then, the voltage measurement unit 42 measures the voltage V of the first electrochromic element 1, and this is defined as the "open-circuit voltage Vo." The open-circuit voltage Vo measured in this manner serves as a reference for deriving the refresh voltage Vr.

[0114] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the variation width W of the transmittance TR is 70%, so the voltage V measured by the voltage measuring section 42 during the coloring retention period T2 can be used as the "open voltage Vo."

[0115] During the color retention period T2, the voltage V may decrease over time. Therefore, it is preferable to set the voltage V, for example, 5 seconds after the first electrochromic element 1 is opened, as the "open-circuit voltage Vo." This makes it possible to obtain an open-circuit voltage Vo with few abnormal values.

[0116] Next, the voltage determination unit 44 sets the refresh voltage Vr to a voltage value that is greater than or equal to 0.1Ve but less than 1.0Ve and greater than or equal to 0.8Vo and less than or equal to 1.2Vo. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the maximum coloring operation voltage Ve is 1.6V, and the open-circuit voltage Vo is 1.2V. In this case, the refresh voltage Vr is set to be greater than or equal to 1.1V and less than or equal to 1.4V. By setting the refresh voltage Vr within the range set based on the aforementioned voltage Ve and within the range based on the open-circuit voltage Vo, the refresh operation can be performed more reliably at a more moderate voltage value. This suppresses the progression of deterioration of the first electrochromic element 1 due to the refresh operation, while eliminating or mitigating the loss of the color-decolored portion 3. As a result, the life of the sunglasses 100 can be extended.

[0117] The voltage determination unit 44 may set the refresh time Tr to a time that provides a continuous period of 10 Te or more, preferably a time that provides a continuous period of 100 Te or more. If the application time Te of the maximum color-developing operating voltage Ve is, for example, 15 seconds, the refresh time Tr may be set to 1500 seconds or more (25 minutes or more).

[0118] The refresh time Tr is preferably 1 hour or more, more preferably 5 hours or more, and even more preferably 10 hours or more. This allows an appropriate refresh operation to be performed without increasing the refresh voltage Vr more than necessary. As a result, the progress of deterioration of the first electrochromic element 1 due to the refresh operation can be suppressed. On the other hand, the upper limit of the refresh time Tr does not need to be particularly set, but from the viewpoint of ease of use, it is preferably 24 hours or less.

[0119] 2.3.Refresh Operation Timing If the voltage application unit 46 has a secondary battery as a DC power source, the sunglasses 100 and an external power source are connected and the secondary battery is charged according to the remaining charge of the secondary battery. While the secondary battery is charging, the sunglasses 100 is not normally used.

[0120] Therefore, the voltage application unit 46 may be configured to set the refresh operation period T4 during the charging period T5 of the secondary battery, as shown in Fig. 6. This makes it possible to avoid a decrease in convenience due to the refresh operation.

[0121] The voltage determination unit 44 may also have a function of varying at least one of the refresh voltage Vr and the refresh time Tr in accordance with various factors. Examples of the various factors include temperature, accumulated temperature, continuous drive time, and accumulated drive time. These factors may reduce the effect of the refresh operation. Therefore, the voltage determination unit 44 may be configured to acquire these factors and reflect the acquired results in the refresh operation conditions. Thus, even if the effect of the refresh operation is reduced by the factors, the reduced effect of the refresh operation can be compensated for by modifying the refresh operation conditions.

[0122] 3. Effects of the above embodiment Sunglasses 100 to which the electronic light control device according to the embodiment is applied include a first electrochromic element 1, a voltage determination unit 44, and a voltage application unit 46. The first electrochromic element 1 is optically transparent, and its transmittance TR changes depending on the voltage applied during the color development operation period T1. The voltage determination unit 44 determines the voltage to be applied to the first electrochromic element 1 and the time for which the voltage is applied. The voltage application unit 46 applies a voltage to the first electrochromic element 1 based on the voltage and time determined by the voltage determination unit 44.

[0123] Then, when the maximum value of the color-forming operation voltage applied by the voltage application unit 46 is Ve so that the change width W of the transmittance TR is 60% or more during the color-forming operation period T1, and the application time of the maximum color-forming operation voltage Ve is Te, the voltage determination unit 44 determines the refresh voltage Vr applied by the voltage application unit 46 during the refresh operation period T4 other than the color-forming operation period T1 to be 0.1 Ve or more and less than 1.0 Ve, and the refresh time Tr for applying the refresh voltage Vr to be 10 Te or more continuously.

[0124] With this configuration, the refreshing operation can eliminate or reduce the color loss 3 that occurs in the sunglasses 100. Therefore, it is possible to realize sunglasses 100 (electronic photochromic device) that have a refreshing function that eliminates or reduces color unevenness.

[0125] The sunglasses 100 to which the electronic light control device according to the embodiment is applied also include a voltage measurement unit 42. The voltage measurement unit 42 measures the voltage of the first electrochromic element 1. After the voltage application unit 46 applies a voltage so as to set the change width W of the transmittance TR to 60% or more during the coloring operation period T1, the open-circuit voltage measured by the voltage measurement unit 42 when the electrochromic circuit of the first electrochromic element 1 is opened is defined as Vo. At this time, the voltage determination unit 44 determines the refresh voltage Vr to be equal to or greater than 0.1 Ve and less than 1.0 Ve, and equal to or greater than 0.8 Vo and equal to or greater than 1.2 Vo, and determines the refresh time Tr to be equal to or greater than 100 Te continuously.

[0126] This configuration can suppress the progression of deterioration of the first electrochromic element 1 due to the refresh operation, while eliminating or mitigating the loss of the colored portion 3. This can extend the life of the sunglasses 100.

[0127] Furthermore, in the sunglasses 100 to which the electronic light control device according to the embodiment is applied, the voltage application unit 46 has a secondary battery that applies a voltage to the first electrochromic element 1. The voltage application unit 46 is configured to set a refresh operation period T4 during a charging period T5 in which the secondary battery is charged using an external power source.

[0128] With this configuration, the sunglasses 100 are not normally used during the charging period T5, so it is possible to avoid the decrease in convenience that accompanies the refresh operation.

[0129] Furthermore, in the sunglasses 100 to which the electronic light adjusting device according to the embodiment is applied, the voltage determination unit 44 has a function of changing at least one of the refresh voltage Vr and the refresh time Tr according to the accumulated drive time.

[0130] According to this configuration, even if the effect of the refresh operation is reduced due to cumulative driving, the reduction in the effect of the refresh operation can be compensated for by correcting the refresh operation conditions.

[0131] Moreover, the sunglasses 100 to which the electronic light adjusting device according to the embodiment is applied are used as spectacles.

[0132] With this configuration, eyeglasses can be realized that do not cause discomfort to the user due to the colorless portion 3.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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]

[0135] 1. First electrochromic element 2. Second electrochromic element 3. Color loss area 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 department 63 First electrochromic layer 64 Second electrochromic layer 65 Electrolyte layer 70 colored area 100 sunglasses T1 Coloring period T2 color retention period T3 bleaching period T4 Refresh operation period T5 charging period TR transmittance Te application time Tr refresh time V Voltage Ve: Maximum coloring voltage Vo open circuit voltage Vr Refresh voltage W Change width

Claims

1. an electrochromic element that is optically transparent and whose transmittance changes depending on a voltage applied during a color-developing operation period; a voltage determination unit that determines a voltage to be applied to the electrochromic element and a time for applying the voltage; a voltage application unit that applies a voltage to the electrochromic element based on the voltage and time determined by the voltage determination unit; Equipped with When the maximum value of the color-forming operation voltage applied by the voltage application unit so as to make the change width of the transmittance 60% or more during the color-forming operation period is Ve, and the application time of the maximum color-forming operation voltage Ve is Te, The voltage determination unit determines the refresh voltage applied by the voltage application unit during a refresh operation period other than the color-developing operation period to be greater than or equal to 0.1 Ve and less than 1.0 Ve, and determines the refresh time for applying the refresh voltage to be greater than or equal to 10 Te continuously.

2. a voltage measuring unit for measuring a voltage of the electrochromic element; After the voltage application unit applies a voltage so as to make the change width of the transmittance 60% or more during the color development operation period, the electrochromic circuit of the electrochromic element is opened, and the open-circuit voltage measured by the voltage measurement unit is defined as Vo. The electronic dimming device according to claim 1 , wherein the voltage determination unit determines the refresh voltage to be equal to or greater than 0.1 Ve and less than 1.0 Ve, and equal to or greater than 0.8 Vo and equal to or less than 1.2 Vo, and the refresh time to be equal to or greater than 100 Te continuously.

3. the voltage application unit has a secondary battery that applies a voltage to the electrochromic element, The electronic dimming device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the voltage application unit is configured to set the refresh operation period during a charging period in which the secondary battery is charged using an external power supply.

4. The electronic light control device according to claim 1 , wherein the voltage determination unit has a function of changing at least one of the refresh voltage and the refresh time in accordance with an accumulated driving time.

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

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