Dimming device and method of driving dimming sheet

Abstract

To provide a dimming device the dimming range of which is embodied in a plurality of aspects, and a method of driving dimming sheet.SOLUTION: A dimming device includes one or more first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D superposed on a plurality of second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D when viewed from a viewpoint opposed to a first transparent electrode, and a signal processing part 50 includes the first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D applied with mutually different voltages in a first mode, and also includes the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D applied with mutually different voltages in a second mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light control device including a light control sheet whose transparent electrode layer is composed of a plurality of electrode elements, and a method for driving the light control sheet. [Background technology]

[0002] A light-controlling sheet has a light-controlling layer between two transparent electrode films. Changing the voltage between the transparent electrode films changes the alignment state of the liquid crystal compound. The change in alignment state of the liquid crystal compound changes the transparency of the light-controlling layer, thereby changing the transparency of the light-controlling sheet (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-184039 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When viewed from the perspective opposite the light-control layer, the range of change in transparency has a certain magnitude depending on the driving voltage. This light-control range gradually expands not only vertically but also horizontally, allowing the light-control range to be changed in multiple ways within a single light-control sheet, expanding the fields in which light-control devices can be applied and developing the light-control device industry. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A dimming device for solving the above problem comprises a first transparent electrode layer, a second transparent electrode layer, a dimming layer sandwiched between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, and a drive unit that changes the transparency of the dimming layer by changing the voltage applied between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, wherein the first transparent electrode layer comprises a plurality of first electrode elements electrically insulated from one another, the second transparent electrode layer comprises a plurality of second electrode elements electrically insulated from one another, the plurality of first electrode elements including one or more first electrode elements that overlap a plurality of the second electrode elements when viewed from a viewpoint opposite the first transparent electrode layer, and the drive unit has a first mode and a second mode, wherein the first mode includes the plurality of first electrode elements to which different voltages are applied, and the second mode includes the plurality of second electrode elements to which different voltages are applied.

[0006] A method for driving a light-controlling sheet to solve the above problem uses a light-controlling sheet comprising a first transparent electrode layer, a second transparent electrode layer, and a light-controlling layer sandwiched between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, and changes the transparency of the light-controlling layer by changing the voltage applied between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, wherein the first transparent electrode layer comprises a plurality of first electrode elements electrically insulated from one another, the second transparent electrode layer comprises a plurality of second electrode elements electrically insulated from one another, and the plurality of first electrode elements include one or more first electrode elements that overlap with a plurality of second electrode elements when viewed from a viewpoint opposite the first transparent electrode layer, and the method for driving the light-controlling sheet includes a first mode and a second mode, wherein the first mode includes the plurality of first electrode elements to which different voltages are applied, and the second mode includes the plurality of second electrode elements to which different voltages are applied.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the first electrode element overlaps the second electrode element when viewed from a viewpoint opposite the first transparent electrode layer. The degree of transparency of the light control layer changes in the area where the first electrode element and the second electrode element overlap. In this case, in the first mode, the degree of transparency of the light control layer changes in the area where the light control layer overlaps with the multiple first electrode elements. In the second mode, the degree of transparency changes in the area where the light control layer overlaps with the multiple second electrode elements. Therefore, when viewed from a viewpoint opposite the first transparent electrode layer, the dimming range can be changed by the first electrode element and the second electrode element. In other words, the dimming range can be changed in two ways within a single dimming device.

[0008] In the above configuration, the plurality of second electrode elements may include one or more second electrode elements that overlap the plurality of first electrode elements when viewed from a viewpoint facing the light-control layer. In the aforementioned configuration, the first mode may apply voltages equal to each other to the second electrode elements, and the second mode may apply voltages equal to each other to the first electrode elements.

[0009] In the above configuration, the first electrode element and the second electrode element are each an object to be applied, the drive unit includes a switching unit connected to each of the objects to be applied, the switching unit is configured to set the voltage to be applied to the object to be applied connected to the switching unit to one of a first voltage and a second voltage that are different from each other, the first mode may drive the switching unit to apply the first voltage to each of the second electrode elements, and apply the first voltage to some of the plurality of first electrode elements and apply the second voltage to other portions of the plurality of first electrode elements, and the second mode may drive the switching unit to apply the first voltage to each of the first electrode elements, and apply the first voltage to some of the plurality of second electrode elements and apply the second voltage to other portions of the plurality of second electrode elements.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the first voltage is applied to the first electrode element, and the second voltage is applied to the first electrode element and the second electrode element. Alternatively, the first voltage is applied to the first electrode element and the second electrode element, and the second voltage is applied to the first electrode element. This allows the dimming range to be changed in two ways within a single dimming device, while limiting the number of voltages applied to the transparent electrode layer to a minimum of two.

[0011] In the aforementioned configuration, the first electrode elements may be arranged in a first direction, and the second electrode elements may be arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. In the aforementioned configuration, the first electrode elements may extend in the second direction, and the second electrode elements may extend in the first direction.

[0012] In the above configuration, the first mode may include among the plurality of first electrode elements first electrode elements to which different voltages are applied so as to widen the range in which equal voltages are applied in the first direction among all the first electrode elements, and the second mode may include among the plurality of second electrode elements second electrode elements to which different voltages are applied so as to widen the range in which equal voltages are applied in the second direction among all the second electrode elements.

[0013] According to the above configuration, it is possible to expand the dimming range in one dimming layer in the first direction and to expand the dimming range in the second direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The light control device and the method for driving the light control sheet of the present disclosure achieve two ways of changing the light control range within one light control device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a light controlling sheet. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a wiring diagram showing the connection between the drive unit and the electrode elements. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the light controlling sheet. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an operational diagram showing a driving manner of the light control device in the first mode. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an operational diagram showing a driving manner of the light control device in the second mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a light control device according to a modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a light control device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] [Light-adjusting sheet] 1, the light control device includes a light control sheet. The light control sheet includes a first transparent electrode layer 10, a second transparent electrode layer 20, and a light control layer 30. The light control layer 30 is sandwiched between the first transparent electrode layer 10 and the second transparent electrode layer 20. The transparency of the light control layer 30 changes depending on the voltage applied between the first transparent electrode layer 10 and the second transparent electrode layer 20.

[0017] The first transparent electrode layer 10 includes a plurality of first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D that are electrically insulated from one another. The plurality of first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D have shapes that are aligned in a first direction X and extend in a second direction Y that intersects with the first direction X, when viewed from a viewpoint facing the first transparent electrode layer 10. Each of the first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D is an object to which a voltage is applied.

[0018] The second transparent electrode layer 20 includes a plurality of second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D that are electrically insulated from one another. The second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D are aligned in the second direction Y and extend in the first direction X when viewed from a viewpoint facing the second transparent electrode layer 20. Each of the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D is an object to which a voltage is applied.

[0019] Each of the first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D overlaps with a plurality of second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D when viewed from a viewpoint facing the first transparent electrode layer 10. Each of the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D overlaps with a plurality of first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D when viewed from a viewpoint facing the second transparent electrode layer 20.

[0020] The light-controlling sheet may be used in a partition device that divides a space. The light-controlling sheet itself may be a partition member that divides a space, or a light-controlling adhesive body in which the light-controlling sheet is mounted on a transparent member may be a partition member that divides a space. The partition member may be a window glass or a partition. The window glass may be mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle or an airplane, or may be installed in a building such as an office building or a public facility. The partition may be placed in the interior space of a vehicle, or may be placed in an indoor space.

[0021] The light-adjusting sheet may be used as a screen for displaying an image. The light-adjusting sheet itself may be the screen, or a light-adjusting adhesive in which the light-adjusting sheet is mounted on a transparent member may be the screen. The screen may be a front screen that uses reflected light for the image, or a rear screen that uses transmitted light for the image. The light-adjusting adhesive may have one light-adjusting sheet mounted on one transparent member, or may have multiple light-adjusting sheets mounted on one transparent member. The light-adjusting adhesive may have a light-adjusting sheet sandwiched between two transparent substrates. The light-adjusting sheet is flexible. The light-adjusting adhesive may or may not be flexible. The light-adjusting adhesive may have a flat shape or a curved shape.

[0022] The driving type of the light-controlling sheet may be a reverse type. A reverse type light-controlling sheet changes from transparent to opaque in response to the input of a voltage signal. A reverse type light-controlling sheet remains opaque while a voltage signal is input. A reverse type light-controlling sheet returns from opaque to transparent in response to the cessation of the input of the voltage signal.

[0023] The driving type of the light-controlling sheet may be a normal type. A normal type light-controlling sheet changes from opaque to transparent in response to the input of a voltage signal. A normal type light-controlling sheet remains transparent while a voltage signal is being input. A normal type light-controlling sheet returns from transparent to opaque in response to the cessation of the input of the voltage signal.

[0024] The opacity of a light-controlling sheet is achieved by scattering transmitted light through the light-controlling sheet. An opaque light-controlling sheet has a lower parallel light transmittance than a transparent light-controlling sheet. An opaque light-controlling sheet has a higher haze than a transparent light-controlling sheet. The color of an opaque light-controlling sheet may be achromatic or chromatic. The color of a transparent light-controlling sheet may be achromatic or chromatic.

[0025] [Drive unit] 2, the driving section of the dimming device includes a signal processing section 50, a plurality of first switching sections 51, and a plurality of second switching sections 52. The signal processing section 50 changes the degree of transparency of the dimming layer 30 by changing the voltage applied between the first transparent electrode layer 10 and the second transparent electrode layer 20.

[0026] The multiple first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D and the multiple second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D overlap at lattice points of a rectangular lattice when viewed from a viewpoint facing the first transparent electrode layer 10. The first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D are connected to a signal processing unit 50 via separate first switching units 51.

[0027] The first switching units 51 are connected to the first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D one by one. The second switching units 52 are connected to the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D one by one. The first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D are connected to the signal processing unit 50 via separate first switching units 51. The second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D are connected to the signal processing unit 50 via separate second switching units 52.

[0028] The signal processing unit 50 generates a first voltage SIG1 and a second voltage SIG2 as signals to be input to the light controlling sheet. The signal processing unit 50 outputs a selection signal SIGW as a signal to be input to the first switching unit 51 and the second switching unit 52. The selection signal SIGW is a signal for setting the output of the first switching unit 51 to the first voltage SIG1, and a signal for setting the output of the first switching unit 51 to the second voltage SIG2. The selection signal SIGW is a signal for setting the output of the second switching unit 52 to the first voltage SIG1, and a signal for setting the output of the second switching unit 52 to the second voltage SIG2.

[0029] The first switching unit 51 inputs either a first voltage SIG1 or a second voltage SIG2 to the first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D connected to the first switching unit 51 based on a selection signal SIGW input to the first switching unit 51. The second switching unit 52 inputs either the first voltage SIG1 or the second voltage SIG2 to the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D connected to the second switching unit 52 based on a selection signal SIGW input to the second switching unit 52.

[0030] The drive unit has a first mode and a second mode for driving the light controlling sheet. The signal processor 50 executes driving in the first mode or driving in the second mode based on an input operation by a user or an input signal from an external device.

[0031] In the first mode, the signal processing unit 50 drives the first switching unit 51 to apply a first voltage SIG1 to some of the multiple first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D and to apply a second voltage SIG2 to other parts of the multiple first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D. In the first mode, the signal processing unit 50 drives the second switching unit 52 to apply the first voltage SIG1 to the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D.

[0032] In the second mode, the signal processing unit 50 drives the first switching unit 51 to apply a first voltage SIG1 to the first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D. In the second mode, the signal processing unit 50 drives the second switching unit 52 to apply the first voltage SIG1 to some of the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D, and to apply a second voltage SIG2 to other parts of the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D.

[0033] [Light-adjusting sheet] The following mainly describes the structure and function of the reverse-type light controlling sheet. Note that the structure of the normal-type light controlling sheet that differs from the reverse-type light controlling sheet will be described, and the structure of the normal-type light controlling sheet that overlaps with the reverse-type light controlling sheet will be omitted.

[0034] 3, the light control sheet includes a light control layer 30, a first alignment layer 32, a second alignment layer 33, a first transparent electrode layer 10, and a second transparent electrode layer 20. In a normal type light control sheet, the first alignment layer 32 and the second alignment layer 33 may be omitted.

[0035] The light-controlling layer 30 is located between a first alignment layer 32 and a second alignment layer 33. The light-controlling layer 30 is in contact with the first alignment layer 32. The light-controlling layer 30 is in contact with the second alignment layer 33. The first alignment layer 32 is located between the light-controlling layer 30 and the first transparent electrode layer 10, and in contact with both the light-controlling layer 30 and the first transparent electrode layer 10. The second alignment layer 33 is located between the light-controlling layer 30 and the second transparent electrode layer 20, and in contact with both the light-controlling layer 30 and the second transparent electrode layer 20. Gaps between adjacent first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D may be filled with the first alignment layer 32. Gaps between adjacent second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D may be filled with the second alignment layer 33.

[0036] The first transparent electrode layer 10 and the second transparent electrode layer 20 are visually recognized as colorless and transparent or colored and transparent, respectively. The materials constituting the first transparent electrode layer 10 and the second transparent electrode layer 20 are conductive inorganic oxides, metals, or conductive organic polymer compounds, respectively. An example of the conductive inorganic oxide is any one selected from the group consisting of indium tin oxide, fluorine-doped tin oxide, tin oxide, and zinc oxide. The metal is gold or silver nanowires. An example of the conductive organic polymer compound is any one selected from the group consisting of carbon nanotubes and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene). An example of the thickness of the first transparent electrode layer 10 and the second transparent electrode layer 20 is 5 nm or more and 200 nm or less, respectively.

[0037] The signal processor 50 changes the voltage between the first transparent electrode layer 10 and the second transparent electrode layer 20. Changing the voltage between the first transparent electrode layer 10 and the second transparent electrode layer 20 changes the alignment state of the liquid crystal compound LCM. By changing the alignment state of the liquid crystal compound LCM, the signal processor 50 reversibly switches the light control sheet from transparent to opaque.

[0038] When the signal processing unit 50 stops applying voltage, the alignment state of the liquid crystal compound LCM follows the alignment restriction force of the first alignment layer 32 and the second alignment layer 33. The alignment state of the liquid crystal compound LCM following the alignment restriction force allows visible light to transmit through the light control layer 30. This makes the light control sheet transparent. When the signal processing unit 50 is applying voltage, the liquid crystal compound LCM is subjected to the action force of an electric field that resists the alignment restriction force. The alignment state of the liquid crystal compound LCM following the action force of the electric field scatters visible light in the light control layer 30. This makes the light control sheet opaque.

[0039] The light-controlling sheet may include another functional layer between the first transparent electrode layer 10 and the transparent support layer that supports it. The light-controlling sheet may include another functional layer between the second transparent electrode layer 20 and the transparent support layer that supports it. The other functional layer may be a gas barrier layer that prevents oxygen and moisture from passing through toward the light-controlling layer 30, or an ultraviolet barrier layer that prevents ultraviolet light other than that of a specific wavelength from passing through toward the light-controlling layer 30. The other functional layer may be a hard coat layer that mechanically protects the light-controlling sheet, or an adhesive layer that improves adhesion between layers in the light-controlling sheet.

[0040] The light-controlling layer 30 includes a liquid crystal composition 31LC, spacers SP, and an ionizing radiation curable resin layer 31P. The liquid crystal composition 31LC includes a liquid crystal compound LCM. The liquid crystal composition 31LC may contain additives such as a dichroic dye DP, an antifoaming agent, an antioxidant, a weathering agent, and a solvent. Examples of weathering agents include an ultraviolet absorber and a light stabilizer. The liquid crystal composition 31LC may also contain a viscosity reducing agent. The liquid crystal compound LCM may have a positive dielectric anisotropy, i.e., the dielectric constant in the long axis direction is greater than the dielectric constant in the short axis direction of the liquid crystal compound LCM. The liquid crystal compound LCM may have a negative dielectric anisotropy, i.e., the dielectric constant in the long axis direction is lower than the dielectric constant in the short axis direction of the liquid crystal compound LCM. The dielectric anisotropy of the liquid crystal compound LCM is appropriately selected based on the driving type of the light-controlling sheet.

[0041] The liquid crystal compound LCM is at least one selected from the group consisting of Schiff base-based, azo-based, azoxy-based, biphenyl-based, terphenyl-based, benzoate ester-based, tolan-based, pyrimidine-based, pyridazine-based, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid ester-based, phenylcyclohexane-based, biphenylcyclohexane-based, dicyanobenzene-based, naphthalene-based, and dioxane-based liquid crystal compounds. The liquid crystal compound LCM is one type of liquid crystal compound LCM or a combination of two or more types of liquid crystal compounds LCM.

[0042] The dichroic dye DP exhibits color when driven by a guest-host system using a liquid crystal compound LCM as a host. The dichroic dye DP is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyiodine, azo compounds, anthraquinone compounds, naphthoquinone compounds, azomethine compounds, tetrazine compounds, quinophthalone compounds, merocyanine compounds, perylene compounds, and dioxazine compounds.

[0043] The spacers SP are dispersed throughout the ionizing radiation curable resin layer 31P. The particle size of the spacers SP determines the thickness of the light-controlling layer 30. An example of the thickness of the light-controlling layer 30 is 5 μm or more and 100 μm or less. The spacers SP make the thickness of the light-controlling layer 30 uniform. The spacers SP may be bead spacers or photospacers formed by exposing and developing a photoresist. The spacers SP may be colorless and transparent, or colored and transparent. When the liquid crystal composition 31LC contains a dichroic dye DP, the color of the spacers SP is preferably the same color as the color exhibited by the dichroic dye DP.

[0044] The ionizing radiation cured resin layer 31P is a cured product of an ionizing radiation curable composition. The ionizing radiation may be ultraviolet light or electron beams. The ionizing radiation curable composition may be an ultraviolet-curable composition or an electron beam curable composition. The lower limit of the content of the ionizing radiation curable resin layer 31P relative to the total amount of the ionizing radiation curable resin layer 31P and the liquid crystal composition 31LC is 20% by mass, and more preferably 30% by mass. If the content of the ionizing radiation curable resin layer 31P is 20% by mass or more, high transmittance is likely to be obtained when transparent. The upper limit of the content of the ionizing radiation curable resin layer 31P relative to the total amount of the ionizing radiation curable resin layer 31P and the liquid crystal composition 31LC is 70% by mass, and more preferably 60% by mass. If the content of the ionizing radiation curable resin layer 31P is 70% by mass or less, high haze is likely to be obtained when opaque.

[0045] The ionizing radiation curable resin layer 31P defines voids 31D in the light-controlling layer 30. The liquid crystal composition 31LC is filled in the voids 31D. The voids 31D may be isolated from other voids 31D adjacent to the void 31D, or may be connected to other adjacent voids 31D. The voids 31D may have two or more sizes. The shape of the voids 31D is spherical, ellipsoidal, or irregular. The diameter of the sphere circumscribing the void 31D may be 0.4 μm or more, or 1 μm or more. The diameter of the sphere circumscribing the void 31D may be 20 μm or less, or 10 μm or less. The diameter of the sphere circumscribing the void 31D is, for example, 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

[0046] The voids 31D may be unevenly distributed in the ionizing radiation cured resin layer 31P, or may be uniformly dispersed in the ionizing radiation cured resin layer 31P. The voids 31D may be unevenly distributed in a range 31H1 closer to the first alignment layer 32 than to the center in the thickness direction of the ionizing radiation cured resin layer 31P, so that the number of voids 31D increases as the layer approaches the first alignment layer 32. The voids 31D may be unevenly distributed in a range 31H2 closer to the second alignment layer 33 than to the center in the thickness direction of the ionizing radiation cured resin layer 31P, so that the number of voids 31D increases as the layer approaches the second alignment layer 33. The ionizing radiation cured resin layer 31P may have a portion in the thickness direction center of the ionizing radiation cured resin layer 31P where no voids 31D exist, and may have voids 31D between that portion and the first alignment layer 32. The ionizing radiation cured resin layer 31P may have a portion where no voids 31D exist in the center in the thickness direction of the ionizing radiation cured resin layer 31P, and may have voids 31D between this portion and the second alignment layer 33.

[0047] The type of retention of the liquid crystal composition 31LC by the ionizing radiation curable resin layer 31P is any one selected from the group consisting of a polymer dispersion type, a polymer network type, and an encapsulation type. The polymer dispersion type light control layer 30 includes an ionizing radiation curable resin layer 31P that defines a large number of isolated voids 31D. The polymer dispersion type light control layer 30 retains the liquid crystal composition 31LC in the voids 31D dispersed in the ionizing radiation curable resin layer 31P. The polymer network type light control layer 30 includes three-dimensional network-like voids 31D in the ionizing radiation curable resin layer 31P. The polymer network type light control layer 30 retains the liquid crystal composition 31LC in the interconnected network-like voids 31D. The encapsulation type light control layer 30 retains the liquid crystal composition 31LC in the capsule-like voids 31D dispersed in the ionizing radiation curable resin layer 31P.

[0048] [Light control sheet driving method] Below, we will explain examples of driving in each mode using a reverse-type light controlling sheet. The light controlling sheet is transparent in its initial state before switching to each mode. In an example of the first mode, the area overlapping the first electrode elements 11A and 11B is changed from transparent to opaque when viewed from a viewpoint opposite the light controlling sheet. In an example of the second mode, the area overlapping the second electrode elements 12C and 12D is changed from transparent to opaque when viewed from a viewpoint opposite the light controlling sheet.

[0049] 4, when an operation to execute the second mode is input to the operation unit, the signal processing unit 50 inputs a selection signal SIGW for setting the first voltage SIG1 to each first switching unit 51. Then, the signal processing unit 50 sets the voltage input to each of the first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D to the first voltage SIG1.

[0050] The signal processing unit 50 also inputs a selection signal SIGW for setting the voltage to the second voltage SIG2 to the second switching unit 52 connected to each of the second electrode elements 12A and 12B. The signal processing unit 50 also inputs a selection signal SIGW for setting the voltage to the first voltage SIG1 to the second switching unit 52 connected to each of the second electrode elements 12C and 12D. The signal processing unit 50 then sets the voltage input to each of the second electrode elements 12A and 12B to the second voltage SIG2. The signal processing unit 50 also sets the voltage input to each of the second electrode elements 12C and 12D to the first voltage SIG1.

[0051] As a result, the portions of the switchable layer 30 sandwiched between the first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D and the second electrode elements 12A and 12B change from transparent to opaque. That is, the portions of the switchable layer 30 overlapping with the second electrode elements 12A and 12B change from transparent to opaque. Furthermore, the portions of the switchable layer 30 sandwiched between the first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D and the second electrode elements 12C and 12D remain transparent. That is, the portions of the switchable layer 30 overlapping with the second electrode elements 12C and 12D remain transparent.

[0052] 5, when an operation to execute the first mode is input to the operation unit, the signal processing unit 50 inputs a selection signal SIGW for setting the first voltage SIG1 to the second switching unit 52. Then, the signal processing unit 50 sets the voltage input to each of the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D to the first voltage SIG1.

[0053] The signal processing unit 50 also inputs a selection signal SIGW to the first switching unit 51 connected to each of the first electrode elements 11A and 11B to set the voltage to the first voltage SIG1. The signal processing unit 50 also inputs a selection signal SIGW to the first switching unit 51 connected to each of the first electrode elements 11C and 11D to set the voltage to the second voltage SIG2. The signal processing unit 50 then sets the voltage input to each of the second electrode elements 12A and 12B to the second voltage SIG2. The signal processing unit 50 also sets the voltage input to each of the second electrode elements 12C and 12D to the first voltage SIG1.

[0054] As a result, the portions of the switchable layer 30 sandwiched between the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D and the first electrode elements 11A and 11B remain transparent. That is, the portions of the switchable layer 30 overlapping with the first electrode elements 11A and 11B remain transparent. Also, the portions of the switchable layer 30 sandwiched between the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D and the first electrode elements 11C and 11D change from transparent to opaque. That is, the portions of the switchable layer 30 overlapping with the first electrode elements 11C and 11D remain transparent.

[0055] According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) In the first mode, the transparency of the dimming layer 30 changes in the areas overlapping with the first electrode elements 11C and 11D. In the second mode, the transparency changes in the areas overlapping with the second electrode elements 12A and 12B. As a result, when viewed from a viewpoint facing the first transparent electrode layer 10, the dimming range is changed by the first electrode elements 11C and 11D, and the dimming range is changed by the second electrode elements 12A and 12B. In other words, changes in the dimming range in two ways are realized in one dimming device.

[0056] (2) In the first mode, the degree of transparency of the switchable layer 30 changes for each of the first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D in the area where the switchable layer 30 overlaps with the first electrode elements 11C and 11D, just as if the first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D were separate electrodes. In the second mode, the degree of transparency of the switchable layer 30 changes for each of the first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D in the area where the switchable layer 30 overlaps with the second electrode elements 12A and 12B, just as if the first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D were a single electrode.

[0057] This makes it possible to change the dimming range by the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D as if the multiple first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D were a single electrode when viewed from a viewpoint facing the first transparent electrode layer 10. It is also possible to change the dimming range by the first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D as if the multiple first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D were separate electrodes. In other words, the dimming range can be changed in two ways within a single dimming device.

[0058] (3) While the voltages applied to each transparent electrode layer 10, 20 are a minimum of two, such as the first voltage SIG1 and the second voltage SIG2, the dimming range can be changed in two ways within a single dimming device.

[0059] The above embodiment can be modified as follows. [Switching section] One first switching unit 51 may be connected to two or more first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D. That is, two or more first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D may be connected to one common first switching unit 51.

[0060] The second switching units 52 may be connected to the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D one by one. In other words, two or more second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D may be connected to one common second switching unit 52.

[0061] According to these modified examples, deviations are unlikely to occur in the timing of driving start and end among the mutually different first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D and among the mutually different second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D. Also, deviations are unlikely to occur in the voltage values ​​among the mutually different first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D and among the mutually different second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D.

[0062] [Drive unit] In the first mode, the signal processing unit 50 may drive the second switching unit 52 to apply the first voltage SIG1 to some of the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D and the second voltage SIG2 to other parts of the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D. In addition, in the first mode, the signal processing unit 50 may generate different voltages for the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D.

[0063] In the second mode, the signal processing unit 50 may drive the first switching unit 51 to apply the first voltage SIG1 to some of the first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D and apply the second voltage SIG2 to other parts of the first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D. In addition, in the second mode, the signal processing unit 50 may generate a voltage for each of the first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D.

[0064] According to these modified examples, the dimming range in the first mode can be changed more precisely. It is also possible to vary the transparency level in the first mode within the dimming range. It is also possible to vary the dimming range in the second mode more precisely. It is also possible to vary the transparency level in the second mode within the dimming range.

[0065] In the first mode, the target to which the second voltage SIG2 is applied may be displaced in the first direction X so as to move the dimming range in the first direction X. In the first mode, the target to which the second voltage SIG2 is applied may be expanded in the first direction X so as to expand the dimming range in the first direction X. In the second mode, the target to which the second voltage SIG2 is applied may be displaced in the second direction Y so as to move the dimming range in the second direction Y. In the second mode, the target to which the second voltage SIG2 is applied may be expanded in the second direction Y so as to expand the dimming range in the second direction Y.

[0066] [Electrode element] Each of the first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D may have a shape or size different from the other first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D. The size of the gap between the adjacent first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D is large enough to provide electrical insulation, and may be different for each of the first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D.

[0067] Each of the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D may have a different shape or size from the other second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D. The size of the gap between the adjacent second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D is large enough to provide electrical insulation, and may be different for each of the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D.

[0068] Each of the first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D may have a different shape or size from each of the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D. As shown in FIG. 6, the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D may have, for example, a single elliptical shape formed by a combination of two second electrode elements 12A and 12B, or a single elliptical shape formed by a combination of second electrode elements 12C and 12D.

[0069] 7, each of the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D may have an arrow-like shape pointing in one direction, and the second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D may be arranged in the direction indicated by the arrow.

[0070] These modifications improve the design of the dimming range and also improve the design of the area partitioned by the dimming range, such as the gaps between adjacent first electrode elements 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D and the gaps between adjacent second electrode elements 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] LCM…liquid crystal compound 10...First transparent electrode layer 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D...1st electrode element 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D…Second electrode element 20...Second transparent electrode layer 30...Photochromic layer 31P…Ionizing radiation curing resin layer 31LC…Liquid crystal composition 31D…Void 32...First alignment layer 33...Second alignment layer 50...Signal processing unit 51...First switching section 52...Second switching section

Claims

1. a first transparent electrode layer; A second transparent electrode layer; a light control layer sandwiched between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer; a driving unit that changes the transparency of the light control layer by changing a voltage applied between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer; A dimming device comprising: the first transparent electrode layer comprises a plurality of first electrode elements electrically insulated from one another; the second transparent electrode layer comprises a plurality of second electrode elements electrically insulated from one another; the plurality of first electrode elements include one or more first electrode elements overlapping the plurality of second electrode elements when viewed from a viewpoint facing the first transparent electrode layer, the drive unit has a first mode and a second mode, In the first mode, the first electrode elements to which different voltages are applied are included in the plurality of first electrode elements; In the second mode, the second electrode elements include second electrode elements to which voltages different from each other are applied, among the plurality of second electrode elements. A light control device characterized by:

2. the plurality of second electrode elements include one or more second electrode elements that overlap the plurality of first electrode elements when viewed from a viewpoint facing the light-control layer; The light control device according to claim 1 .

3. In the first mode, the same voltage is applied to each of the second electrode elements; In the second mode, the same voltages are applied to the first electrode elements. The light control device according to claim 1 .

4. the first electrode element and the second electrode element are targets to which a voltage is applied, the driving unit includes a switching unit connected to each of the application targets, the switching unit is configured to set a voltage to be applied to the application target connected to the switching unit to either a first voltage or a second voltage that are different from each other; the first mode is to drive the switching unit to apply the first voltage to each of the second electrode elements, and to apply the first voltage to some of the first electrode elements and the second voltage to other parts of the first electrode elements; the second mode is to drive the switching unit to apply the first voltage to each of the first electrode elements, and to apply the first voltage to some of the second electrode elements and the second voltage to other parts of the second electrode elements; The light control device according to claim 3 .

5. The first electrode elements are aligned in a first direction, The second electrode elements are aligned in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The light control device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the first electrode elements extend in the second direction; The second electrode elements extend in the first direction. The light control device according to claim 5 .

7. the first mode includes the first electrode elements to which different voltages are applied among the plurality of second electrode elements so as to widen a range in which the same voltages are applied among all the first electrode elements in the second direction; the second mode includes the first electrode elements to which different voltages are applied so that a range in which the same voltages are applied is expanded in the first direction among all the first electrode elements; The light control device according to claim 6 .

8. A method for driving a light-controlling sheet, which uses a light-controlling sheet including a first transparent electrode layer, a second transparent electrode layer, and a light-controlling layer sandwiched between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, and changes the transparency of the light-controlling layer by changing a voltage applied between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, the first transparent electrode layer comprises a plurality of first electrode elements electrically insulated from one another; the second transparent electrode layer comprises a plurality of second electrode elements electrically insulated from one another; the plurality of first electrode elements include one or more first electrode elements overlapping the plurality of second electrode elements when viewed from a viewpoint facing the first transparent electrode layer, The driving method of the light controlling sheet includes a first mode and a second mode, In the first mode, the first electrode elements to which different voltages are applied are included in the plurality of first electrode elements; In the second mode, the second electrode elements include second electrode elements to which voltages different from each other are applied, among the plurality of second electrode elements. A method for driving a light-controlling sheet.

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