Dimmable film and laminated glass

Abstract

It suppresses the degradation of the liquid crystal layer. [Solution] The dimming film comprises a first transparent electrode layer and a second transparent electrode layer to which a voltage is applied, a liquid crystal layer provided between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, a first substrate provided on the surface of the first transparent electrode layer opposite to the surface in contact with the liquid crystal layer, and a second substrate provided on the surface of the second transparent electrode layer opposite to the surface in contact with the liquid crystal layer, wherein the direction from the second substrate toward the first substrate is defined as the first direction, and the direction opposite to the first direction is defined as the second direction, a tape substrate and an adhesive layer are laminated, and the dimming film further comprises a tape portion that is attached from the end face of the dimming film across the surface of the first substrate in the first direction and the surface of the second substrate in the second direction, respectively, and a barrier substrate that is provided across the space between the tape portion and the surface of the first substrate in the first direction, and between the tape portion and the surface of the second substrate in the second direction, respectively, to seal the adhesive layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dimming film and laminated glass.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a dimming film that can switch glass used in vehicles, buildings, etc. between a transparent state and an opaque state. The dimming film includes a liquid crystal layer and has the property of being able to change the transmittance of the dimming film by turning on / off the power supply. Therefore, laminated glass in which the dimming film is sandwiched between glass plates can change the transmittance by turning on / off the power supply. Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a base material is arranged so as to cover the film edge (peripheral portion) of the dimming film, thereby suppressing the intrusion of foreign matter into the liquid crystal layer and suppressing the deterioration of the liquid crystal layer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a dimming film, as the base material covering the film edge, for example, a tape in which an adhesive layer and a tape base material are laminated can be considered. In this case, since foreign matter such as a plasticizer contained in the adhesive layer may reach the liquid crystal layer and the liquid crystal layer may deteriorate, it is required to suppress the deterioration of the liquid crystal layer.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a dimming film capable of suppressing the deterioration of a liquid crystal layer and laminated glass.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The dimming film according to this disclosure comprises a first transparent electrode layer and a second transparent electrode layer to which a voltage is applied, a liquid crystal layer provided between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, a first substrate provided on the surface of the first transparent electrode layer opposite to the surface in contact with the liquid crystal layer, and a second substrate provided on the surface of the second transparent electrode layer opposite to the surface in contact with the liquid crystal layer, wherein, if the direction from the second substrate toward the first substrate is defined as the first direction and the direction opposite to the first direction is defined as the second direction, the dimming film further comprises a tape portion attached to a portion spanning the first edge of the surface of the first substrate in the first direction, the end face of the dimming film, and the second edge of the surface of the second substrate in the second direction, and having an adhesive layer and a tape substrate laminated on it, and a barrier substrate provided spanning between the tape portion and the surface of the first substrate in the first direction, and between the tape portion and the surface of the second substrate in the second direction, respectively, so as to cover the inner end of the tape portion in the in-plane direction.

[0007] The laminated glass according to this disclosure comprises a first glass plate and a second glass plate, and the light-adjusting film between the first glass plate and the second glass plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a dimmable film capable of suppressing the degradation of the liquid crystal layer, and laminated glass. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view of laminated glass according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ZY plane of the dimmable film according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view of a dimmable film according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and if there are multiple embodiments, they may be combinations of these embodiments.

[0011] (First Embodiment) The structure of laminated glass will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a plan view of laminated glass according to the first embodiment.

[0012] (Laminated glass) The laminated glass 100 shown in Figure 1 is a laminated glass for vehicles. Laminated glass 100 can be applied to, for example, the roof glass, rear glass, rear side glass, rear quarter glass, extra glass, windshield, etc., of a vehicle. Extra glass refers to glass installed on the rear of a vehicle to improve the driver's rearward visibility. Here, "vehicle" typically refers to an automobile, but also includes trains, ships, aircraft, and other moving objects with glass. However, the use of laminated glass 100 is not limited to vehicles.

[0013] In Figure 1, the laminated glass 100 is shown as a flat plate, but it is not limited to this shape and may be curved in one direction or in two or more directions. Also, in Figure 1, the planar shape of the laminated glass 100 is shown as rectangular, but the planar shape of the laminated glass 100 is not limited to a rectangle and may be any shape including a trapezoid. Here, the planar shape refers to the shape of a predetermined area of ​​the laminated glass 100 as viewed from the direction normal to the interior surface of the laminated glass 100. Furthermore, the planar view thereafter refers to viewing a predetermined area of ​​the laminated glass 100 in the Z direction (i.e., from the direction normal to the interior surface of the laminated glass 100), as described later. The first glass plate GL1, shielding layer SH, dimming film 1, power supply unit PS of the dimming film 1, and wiring WR connected to the power supply unit PS, as shown in Figure 1, will be described later.

[0014] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 1, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of the laminated glass 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the laminated glass 100 has a first glass plate GL1, an intermediate layer IL, a shielding layer SH, a light-adjusting film 1, and a second glass plate GL2. Here, the direction in which the first glass plate GL1 and the second glass plate GL2 are laminated (the lamination direction in which each layer of the light-adjusting film 1 is laminated) is defined as the Z direction, the direction from the second glass plate GL2 toward the first glass plate GL1 within the Z direction is defined as the Z1 direction, and the direction opposite to the Z1 direction is defined as the Z2 direction. In this case, the laminated glass 100 is laminated in the order of shielding layer SH, second glass plate GL2, intermediate layer IL, shielding layer SH, and first glass plate GL1 in the Z1 direction. The light-adjusting film 1 is provided within the intermediate layer IL. The shielding layer SH is provided as needed. In this embodiment, the Z1 direction is the direction from inside the vehicle to outside the vehicle when the laminated glass 100 is installed in the vehicle. Hereafter, one direction perpendicular to the Z direction will be defined as the Y direction, one direction within the Y direction will be defined as the Y1 direction, and the other direction within the Y direction (opposite to the Y1 direction) will be defined as the Y2 direction. Also, the direction perpendicular to the Z and Y directions will be defined as the X direction, one direction within the X direction will be defined as the X1 direction, and the other direction within the X direction (opposite to the X1 direction) will be defined as the X2 direction. In this embodiment, when the laminated glass 100 is mounted in a vehicle, the Y direction is the front-rear direction of the vehicle and the X direction is the left-right direction of the vehicle. However, the relationship between the X and Y directions and the direction of the vehicle is not limited to this and may be arbitrary.

[0015] The total thickness T0 of the laminated glass 100 is preferably 2.8 mm or more and 10 mm or less. If the total thickness T0 of the laminated glass 100 is 2.8 mm or more, sufficient rigidity can be ensured. Furthermore, if the total thickness of the laminated glass 100 is 10 mm or less, sufficient transmittance can be obtained and haze (clouding) can be reduced. Note that the total thickness here, and the thickness described thereafter, refers to the length in the Z direction.

[0016] (Glass plate) The first glass plate GL1 and the second glass plate GL2 are glass plates facing each other. The intermediate layer IL and the light control film 1 are located between the first glass plate GL1 and the second glass plate GL2. The first glass plate GL1 and the second glass plate GL2 are fixed in a state of sandwiching the intermediate layer IL and the light control film 1.

[0017] The first glass plate GL1 and the second glass plate GL2 may be either inorganic glass or organic glass. As the inorganic glass, for example, soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, non-alkali glass, quartz glass, etc. can be used without particular limitation. The first glass plate GL1 located outside the laminated glass 100 is preferably inorganic glass from the viewpoint of scratch resistance, and preferably soda-lime glass from the viewpoint of formability. When the first glass plate GL1 and the second glass plate GL2 are soda-lime glass, clear glass, green glass containing a predetermined amount or more of iron component, and UV cut green glass can be preferably used. The inorganic glass may be either unstrengthened glass or strengthened glass. The unstrengthened glass is obtained by forming molten glass into a plate shape and slowly cooling it.

[0018] The strengthened glass is obtained by forming a compressive stress layer on the surface of the unstrengthened glass. The strengthened glass may be either physical strengthened glass such as air-cooled strengthened glass or chemical strengthened glass. In the case of physical strengthened glass, for example, by subjecting the glass plate uniformly heated in bending forming to rapid cooling from a temperature near the softening point, a compressive stress layer is generated on the glass surface due to the temperature difference between the glass surface and the glass interior, thereby strengthening the glass surface.

[0019] [[ID=II]] On the other hand, examples of the organic glass material include polycarbonate, acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, transparent resins such as polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene.

[0020] The shapes of the first glass plate GL1 and the second glass plate GL2 are not particularly limited to rectangular shapes, and may be various shapes and shapes processed with various curvatures. For the bending and forming of the first glass plate GL1 and the second glass plate GL2, gravity forming, press forming, roller forming, etc. are used. The forming method of the first glass plate GL1 and the second glass plate GL2 is not particularly limited either. For example, in the case of inorganic glass, a glass plate formed by a float method or the like is preferable.

[0021] The thickness T1 of the first glass plate GL1 is not particularly limited, but generally, it can be appropriately selected according to the type and part of the vehicle to which the laminated glass 100 is applied within the range of 0.1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. When the thickness T1 of the first glass plate GL1 is 0.3 mm or more, the impact resistance is appropriately maintained and the strength such as the stone impact resistance performance becomes sufficient. It is preferably 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 0.7 mm or more, particularly preferably 1.1 mm or more, and most preferably 1.6 mm or more. Also, when the thickness T1 of the first glass plate GL1 is 3 mm or less, the mass of the laminated glass 100 does not become too large, which is preferable from the viewpoint of the fuel consumption of the vehicle. The thickness T1 of the first glass plate GL1 is more preferably 2.6 mm or less, and particularly preferably 2.1 mm or less. Here, the thickness T1 is preferably the thickness of the thinnest part of the first glass plate GL1.

[0022] The same can be said for the thickness T2 of the second glass plate GL2 as for the thickness T1 of the first glass plate GL1. The second glass plate GL2 may have a composition different from that of the first glass plate GL1 or may have a thickness different from that of the first glass plate GL1. For example, the second glass plate GL2 may be thinner than the first glass plate GL1.

[0023] When the thickness T2 of the second glass plate GL2 is 1.1 mm or less, from the viewpoint of strength, the second glass plate GL2 is preferably chemically strengthened glass.

[0024] A coating having water-repellent, ultraviolet or infrared-cutting functions, low reflectivity, low emissivity, or antifouling properties, a coating having condensation prevention properties, or a coating that absorbs visible light or provides coloring may be formed on the surface of at least one of the glass plates. That is, at least one of the first glass plate GL1 and the second glass plate GL2 may have one or more of the following: a water-repellent layer, an ultraviolet-blocking layer, an infrared-reflecting layer, a low reflectivity layer, a low emissivity layer, an antifouling layer, a condensation prevention layer, a visible light-absorbing layer, or a coloring layer. These layers may be present in at least one of the following: the first glass plate GL1 and the second glass plate GL2, the intermediate layer IL, the first transparent electrode layer EL1 and the second transparent electrode layer EL2 of the dimming film 1 (described later), the first substrate BM1, and the second substrate BM2.

[0025] In this embodiment, the laminated glass 100 is a laminated glass having two glass plates, a first glass plate GL1 and a second glass plate GL2, but the number of glass plates is not limited to this and may be three or more.

[0026] (Middle class) The intermediate layer IL is placed between the first glass plate GL1 and the second glass plate GL2. As shown in Figure 2, the intermediate layer IL has, for example, a first intermediate layer IL1 that is joined to the first glass plate GL1 and a second intermediate layer IL2 that is joined to the second glass plate GL2.

[0027] Furthermore, the intermediate layer IL has a frame-shaped third intermediate layer IL3 located between the first intermediate layer IL1 and the second intermediate layer IL2, surrounding the outer periphery of the dimming film 1. However, the intermediate layer IL does not necessarily have to have the third intermediate layer IL3. Even if the third intermediate layer IL3 is not present, the outer periphery of the dimming film 1 is surrounded by at least one of the first intermediate layer IL1 and the second intermediate layer IL2 during the bonding process in the manufacturing of the laminated glass 100.

[0028] The material of the intermediate layer IL can be any material, but for example, a thermoplastic resin may be used. Examples of thermoplastic resins include plasticized polyvinyl acetal resins, plasticized polyvinyl chloride resins, saturated polyester resins, plasticized saturated polyester resins, polyurethane resins, plasticized polyurethane resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resins, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer resins, cycloolefin polymer resins, ionomer resins, etc., and it is preferable to use a polyvinyl acetal resin. Examples of the above polyvinyl acetal resins include polyvinyl formal resin obtained by reacting polyvinyl alcohol (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "PVA") with formaldehyde, polyvinyl acetal resin in the narrow sense obtained by reacting PVA with acetaldehyde, and polyvinyl butyral resin obtained by reacting PVA with n-butyraldehyde (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "PVB"), etc., and PVB is particularly preferred.

[0029] Examples of the above-mentioned polyvinyl acetal resins include polyvinyl formal resin obtained by reacting polyvinyl alcohol (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "PVA") with formaldehyde, polyvinyl acetal resin in the narrow sense obtained by reacting PVA with acetaldehyde, and polyvinyl butyral resin obtained by reacting PVA with n-butyraldehyde (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "PVB"), with PVB being particularly preferred.

[0030] As the intermediate layer IL, a curable transparent resin, also known as Optical Clear Resin (OCR) or Liquid Optically Clear Adhesive (LOCA), or a transparent adhesive sheet, also known as Optical Clear Adhesive (OCA), may be used. The intermediate layer IL may also contain functional particles such as infrared absorbers, ultraviolet absorbers, and light-emitting agents. Furthermore, the intermediate layer IL may have a colored portion called a shade hand.

[0031] The thickness of the intermediate layer IL is preferably 0.3 mm or more at its thinnest point. If the thickness of the thinnest part of the intermediate layer IL is 0.3 mm or more, the impact resistance required for laminated glass 100 will be sufficient. The thickness of the intermediate layer IL is preferably 3 mm or less at its thickest point. If the maximum thickness of the intermediate layer IL is 3 mm or less, the mass of laminated glass 100 will not become too large. The maximum thickness of the intermediate layer IL is more preferably 2.8 mm or less, and even more preferably 2.6 mm or less. Note that the thickness of the intermediate layer IL refers to the thickness of the intermediate layer IL only, excluding the thickness of the dimming film 1. Therefore, the thickness of the intermediate layer IL in the portion where the dimming film 1 is held refers to the length obtained by subtracting the thickness T4 of the dimming film 1 from the thickness T3 from the surface of the second intermediate layer IL2 facing the second glass plate GL2 to the surface of the first intermediate layer IL1 facing the first glass plate GL1.

[0032] The intermediate layer IL may be a single layer, or it may have two or more layers, particularly three or more layers. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first intermediate layer IL1, the second intermediate layer IL2, and the third intermediate layer IL3 included in the intermediate layer IL are all formed from the same material, but some or all of the first intermediate layer IL1, the second intermediate layer IL2, and the third intermediate layer IL3 may be formed from different materials. That is, the first intermediate layer IL1, the second intermediate layer IL2, and the third intermediate layer IL3 may be formed as a single unit, or they may be formed as separate units. In this embodiment, the first intermediate layer IL1 and the second intermediate layer IL2 are molded to the same size as the dimming film 1, but a part of the first intermediate layer IL1 or the second intermediate layer IL2 may be molded to surround the outer periphery of the dimming film 1.

[0033] (shielding layer) The shielding layer SH is an opaque layer and can be provided in a strip shape along the periphery of the laminated glass 100, for example. In a plan view, as shown in Figure 1, the shielding layer SH overlaps the periphery of the glass plate and the periphery of the light-adjusting film 1. The shielding layer SH is, for example, an opaque (e.g., black) colored ceramic. The shielding layer SH may be a light-shielding colored interlayer or colored film, or a combination of a colored interlayer and colored ceramic. The colored film may be integrated with an infrared reflective film or the like. The colored interlayer or colored film may be colored as a whole, or its surface may be colored or painted.

[0034] The laminated glass 100 has an opaque shielding layer SH. The shielding layer SH suppresses the deterioration of the urethane or other resin that holds the peripheral edge of the laminated glass 100 to the vehicle body due to ultraviolet rays. In addition, the shielding layer SH conceals the power supply unit PS and wiring WR, which are electrically connected to the dimming film 1, so that they are difficult to see from at least one of the outside and inside of the vehicle.

[0035] The shielding layer SH can be formed, for example, by applying a ceramic color paste containing a molten glass frit containing a black pigment onto a glass plate by screen printing or the like, and then firing it, but is not limited to this. The shielding layer SH may also be formed, for example, by applying an organic ink containing a black or dark-colored pigment onto a glass plate by screen printing or inkjet printing, and then drying it.

[0036] In the example shown in Figure 2, the shielding layer SH is provided on the peripheral edge of the Z2-direction surface of the first glass plate GL1 and on the peripheral edge of the Z2-direction surface of the second glass plate GL2. However, it is not limited to this, and the shielding layer SH may be provided on at least one of the peripheral edges of the Z2-direction surface of the first glass plate GL1 and on the peripheral edge of the Z2-direction surface of the second glass plate GL2. Alternatively, the shielding layer SH may be provided on the peripheral edge of the Z1-direction surface of the first glass plate GL1 and on the peripheral edge of the Z1-direction surface of the second glass plate GL2.

[0037] (Dimmable film) The dimming film 1 is a film whose light transmittance can be changed. The dimming film 1 may be placed over almost the entire surface of the laminated glass 100. The planar shape of the dimming film 1 is, for example, a rectangle smaller than the planar shape of the laminated glass 100. However, the planar shape of the dimming film 1 does not have to be rectangular. The peripheral edge of the dimming film 1 is located in a position that overlaps with the shielding layer SH in a plan view. In this embodiment, the dimming film 1 is provided on the laminated glass 100, but it is not limited to that and may be used for any application.

[0038] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ZY plane of the dimming film according to this embodiment. Figure 4 is a plan view of the dimming film 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the dimming film 1 has a first substrate BM1, a first transparent electrode layer EL1, a dimming layer LC, a second transparent electrode layer EL2, a second substrate BM2, a tape portion 10, and a barrier substrate 20. The dimming film 1 is provided between intermediate layers IL. The dimming film 1 is laminated in the order of second substrate BM2, second transparent electrode layer EL2, dimming layer LC, first transparent electrode layer EL1, and first substrate BM1 in the Z1 direction (first direction). At this time, of the main surfaces of the dimming film 1, the surface in the Z1 direction is designated as the first main surface 1A, the main surface in the Z2 direction (second direction) is designated as the second main surface 1B, and the surface connecting the first main surface 1A and the second main surface 1B is designated as the end surface 1C. In this embodiment, the first main surface 1A can be said to be the main surface of the first base material BM1 in the Z1 direction, and the second main surface 1B can be said to be the main surface of the second base material BM2 in the Z2 direction. Furthermore, the end surface 1C does not need to be a straight line when viewed from the X direction; for example, if the first base material BM1 and the second base material BM2 are offset in the Y direction, the end surface 1C may be a broken line shape when viewed from the X direction.

[0039] Hereafter, if the first substrate BM1 and the second substrate BM2 are not distinguished, they will be referred to as substrate BM, and if the first transparent electrode layer EL1 and the second transparent electrode layer EL2 are not distinguished, they will be referred to as electrode layer EL. Note that the electrode layer EL of the dimming film 1 is connected to the power supply unit PS (see Figure 1).

[0040] The thickness T4 of the dimming film 1 is, for example, 0.05 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, preferably 0.1 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less. A power supply unit PS connected to the dimming film 1 is connected to an extraction wiring WR for connecting the power supply unit PS to an external circuit (see Figure 1).

[0041] The first substrate BM1 and the second substrate BM2 are a pair of substrates that support the first transparent electrode layer EL1 and the second transparent electrode layer EL2, and sandwich the photochromic layer LC. The first substrate BM1 is positioned in the Z1 direction relative to the photochromic layer LC, and the second substrate BM2 is positioned in the Z2 direction relative to the photochromic layer LC.

[0042] The base material BM is preferably a transparent resin layer. The base material BM preferably contains one or more selected from the group consisting of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyamide, polysulfone polyethersulfone, polycarbonate, polystyrene, cyclic polyolefin, polyarylate, polyetherimide, polyetheretherketone, polyimide, aramid, polybutylene terephthalate, triacetylcellulose, polyurethane, and cycloolefin polymer.

[0043] The first base material BM1 and the second base material BM2 are, for example, composed of the same material as described above, but are not limited to that, and may be composed of different materials.

[0044] The thickness T5 of the base material BM is, for example, 5 μm or more and 500 μm or less, preferably 10 μm or more and 200 μm or less, and more preferably 50 μm or more and 150 μm or less. If the base material BM is thicker, the possibility of foaming and residual foam increases, so a thickness T5 of 5 μm reduces the possibility of foaming and residual foam. The first base material BM1 and the second base material BM2 have the same thickness T5, but their thicknesses may be different.

[0045] It is preferable that the peripheral edge of the base material BM is located at the same position in the X and Y directions relative to the peripheral edges of the first glass plate GL1 and the second glass plate GL2. That is, it is preferable that the end (side) of the base material BM is located at the same position in the X and Y directions relative to the end (side) of the first glass plate GL1 and the end (side) of the second glass plate GL2 around its entire circumference. However, this does not apply to the portion of the peripheral edge of the base material BM to which the wiring WR is connected.

[0046] The first transparent electrode layer EL1 is formed on the Z2-direction surface of the first substrate BM1 and is in contact with the Z1-direction surface of the photochromic layer LC. The second transparent electrode layer EL2 is formed on the Z1-direction surface of the second substrate BM2 and is in contact with the Z2-direction surface of the photochromic layer LC. In other words, the first transparent electrode layer EL1 and the second transparent electrode layer EL2 are a pair of electrode layers sandwiching the photochromic layer LC. The first transparent electrode layer EL1 and the second transparent electrode layer EL2 are connected to a control unit (not shown) via a power supply unit PS, and a voltage is applied from the power supply unit PS under the control of the control unit.

[0047] The first transparent electrode layer EL1 and the second transparent electrode layer EL2 are formed over the entire surface of the first substrate BM1 and the second substrate BM2, respectively. However, the shape of the first transparent electrode layer EL1 and the second transparent electrode layer EL2 may be arbitrary; they do not have to be formed over the entire surface of the first substrate BM1 and the second substrate BM2, and they do not have to be rectangular, such as being comb-shaped.

[0048] For the electrode layer EL, for example, a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) can be used. Examples of TCOs include, but are not limited to, tin-doped indium oxide (ITO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), and indium-doped cadmium oxide.

[0049] Transparent conductive polymers such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) or poly(4,4-dioctylcyclopentadithiophene) can also be suitably used as the electrode layer EL. In addition, laminated films of a metal phase and a dielectric layer, silver nanowires, and metal meshes of silver or copper can also be suitably used as the electrode layer EL.

[0050] The electrode layer EL can be formed using physical vapor deposition (PVD) methods such as sputtering, vacuum deposition, or ion plating. The electrode layer EL may also be formed using chemical vapor deposition or wet coating methods.

[0051] The light-adjustable layer LC is a layer whose light transmittance can be changed. The light-adjustable layer LC is located between the first substrate BM1 on which the first transparent electrode layer EL1 is formed and the second substrate BM2 on which the second transparent electrode layer EL2 is formed. In other words, the light-adjustable layer LC is located between the first transparent electrode layer EL1 and the second transparent electrode layer EL2. The light-adjustable layer LC according to this embodiment is a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC). However, the light-adjustable layer LC is not limited to polymer dispersed liquid crystals, and can be selected from, for example, a suspended particle device (SPD), a guest-host liquid crystal (GHLC), an electrochromic (EC) layer, or a polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC).

[0052] As a suspended particle device, a general SPD film can be used, which is constructed by sandwiching a polymer layer containing suspended particles that can be oriented by the application of voltage between two substrates coated with electrode layers in the Y direction. When the power switch is turned on and a voltage is applied between the transparent electrode layers, the suspended particles in the polymer layer become oriented, resulting in a state of high visible light transmittance and high transparency. When the power switch is off, the suspended particles in the polymer layer do not become oriented, resulting in a state of low visible light transmittance and low transparency.

[0053] Commercially available SPD films can be used. Since these commercially available films are supplied in predetermined sizes, they should be cut to the desired size before use. While there are no particular restrictions on the thickness of the SPD film, a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm is preferred from the viewpoint of handling and availability.

[0054] The power supply unit PS is connected to the electrode layer EL and applies a voltage from the control unit to the electrode layer EL. In the example shown in Figure 1, the power supply unit PS is located on the periphery of one side of the dimming film 1 when viewed in plan. In this embodiment, the power supply unit PS is located on the periphery of the side of the dimming film 1 that extends in the Y direction, but the position of the power supply unit PS is not limited to this and can be arbitrary; for example, it may be located on the periphery of the side that extends in the X direction.

[0055] Of the two electrode layers EL connected to the power supply unit PS, one is, for example, the positive electrode and is connected to the positive side of a power source such as a battery mounted in the vehicle via electrically connected wiring WR. The other electrode of the power supply unit PS is, for example, the negative electrode and is connected to the negative side of a power source such as a battery mounted in the vehicle via electrically connected wiring WR. The wiring WR may be formed integrally with the power supply unit PS.

[0056] When voltage is supplied to the dimming layer LC from a power source such as a battery via the power supply unit PS, the transmittance of the dimming layer LC switches according to the voltage.

[0057] The material of the power supply section PS is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive material, but examples include metallic materials. Examples of metallic materials include gold, silver, copper, aluminum, tungsten, platinum, palladium, nickel, cobalt, titanium, iridium, zinc, magnesium, or tin. These metals may also be plated, or they may be composed of alloys or composites with resin.

[0058] From the viewpoint of cost and availability, copper ribbon, flat braided copper wire, or FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) can be suitably used for the power supply section PS. The copper ribbon or flat braided copper wire may be plated with a metal other than copper. The power supply section PS may be formed integrally with the wiring WR.

[0059] The power supply section PS can be joined to the electrode layer EL by a conductive adhesive (conductive adhesive layer), an anisotropic conductive film, or solder. Alternatively, the power supply section PS may be in direct contact with the electrode layer EL without the use of conductive adhesive, anisotropic conductive film, or solder. Furthermore, the power supply section PS may be formed by a printing method such as screen printing, inkjet printing, offset printing, flexographic printing, or gravure printing.

[0060] The power supply section PS has a length and shape that is necessary and sufficient for supplying current to the dimming layer LC. There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the power supply section PS, but it is generally approximately rectangular. Since the power supply section PS needs to be concealed by the shielding layer SH, it is positioned, for example, at one end (one side) in the longitudinal direction of the dimming layer LC, approximately parallel to the peripheral edges of the first glass plate GL1 and the second glass plate GL2.

[0061] The power supply unit PS is preferably positioned at a location 5 mm or more in-plane from the edge faces of the peripheral edges of the first glass plate GL1 and the second glass plate GL2, and more preferably at a location 8 mm or more in-plane. This arrangement reduces the risk of moisture entering from the peripheral edges of the first glass plate GL1 and the second glass plate GL2, which could lead to corrosion of the power supply unit PS or short circuits between different potentials.

[0062] The length w in the short direction of the power supply section PS shown in Figure 1 (= width of the power supply section PS) is preferably 3 mm to 200 mm, more preferably 4 mm to 150 mm, and even more preferably 4 mm to 100 mm. Setting the length w in the short direction of the power supply section PS to 3 mm or more improves handling and ensures sufficient contact area with the first transparent electrode layer EL1 and the second transparent electrode layer EL2, allowing the power supply section to fully perform its function. Furthermore, setting the length w in the short direction of the power supply section PS to 200 mm or less facilitates concealment by the shielding layer SH, improving the design.

[0063] The thickness of the power supply section PS is preferably 0.05 mm to 0.4 mm. By making the thickness of the power supply section PS 0.05 mm or more, sufficient strength can be obtained, thereby suppressing the occurrence of defects such as wire breakage. Furthermore, by making the thickness of the power supply section PS 0.4 mm or less, the thickness deviation between the electrode and other parts is reduced. This makes it possible to suppress the stress generated in the first glass plate GL1 and the second glass plate GL2, thereby reducing the risk of the first glass plate GL1 and the second glass plate GL2 cracking.

[0064] (Tape section) The tape portion 10 is attached across the gap between the end face 1C of the dimming film and the first main surface 1A of the first base material BM1, and between the end face 1C of the dimming film and the second main surface 1B of the second base material BM2. Specifically, the tape portion 10 is adhered to the area spanning the end face 1C, the first edge 1D of the first main surface 1A, and the second edge 1E of the second main surface 1B.

[0065] The tape portion 10 has a structure in which a tape base material 11 and an adhesive layer 12 are laminated together. The tape base material 11 is formed using, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyamide (PA), polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), polycarbonate (PC), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide (PI), aramid, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), triacetylcellulose (TAC), polyurethane (PU), cycloolefin polymer (COP), etc. The tape base material 11 is arranged to cover the adhesive layer 12.

[0066] The adhesive layer 12 is adhered to an area spanning the end face 1C, the first edge 1D of the first main surface 1A, and the second edge 1E of the second main surface 1B. The adhesive layer 12 is formed using, for example, an acrylic adhesive, a silicone adhesive, an epoxy adhesive, or a natural rubber adhesive. The adhesive layer 12 may or may not contain a plasticizer. When the tape portion 10 is attached, the inner ends 12A and 12B of the adhesive layer 12 in the in-plane direction are not covered by the tape base material 11. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the tape portion 10 is arranged with a gap corresponding to the power supply portion PS.

[0067] (Barrier material) The barrier substrate 20 is provided spanning between the tape portion 10 and the first main surface 1A of the first substrate BM1, and between the tape portion 10 and the second main surface 1B of the second substrate BM2. For example, the barrier substrate 20 is arranged to cover the inner ends 10A and 10B of the tape portion 10 in the in-plane direction. The barrier substrate 20 seals the adhesive layer 12 of the tape portion 10. As shown in Figure 4, the barrier substrate 20 is formed, for example, in a strip shape in plan view and is arranged along the edges of the dimming film 1. The barrier substrate 20 may be arranged along at least one edge of the dimming film 1, and it is preferable to arrange it around the entire circumference (four edges in the example of Figure 4). However, the barrier substrate 20 does not need to be placed on the edge where the power supply portion PS is provided. When the barrier substrate 20 is placed around the entire circumference, it may be formed in a frame shape (rectangular shape in the example of Figure 4) corresponding to all edges of the dimming film 1 in plan view.

[0068] The barrier substrate 20 comprises a first barrier substrate 21 and a second barrier substrate 22. The first barrier substrate 21 is provided spanning between the tape portion 10 and the first main surface 1A of the first substrate BM1. The first barrier substrate 21 is positioned to cover the inner end 10A of the tape portion 10 in the in-plane direction. The first barrier substrate 21 is formed in a stepped shape from the portion covering the tape portion 10 to the portion covering the first main surface 1A of the first substrate BM1. The second barrier substrate 22 is positioned to straddle the space between the tape portion 10 and the second main surface 1B of the second substrate BM2. The second barrier substrate 22 is positioned to cover the other end 10B of the tape portion 10. The second barrier substrate 22 is formed in a stepped shape from the portion covering the tape portion 10 to the portion covering the second main surface 1B of the second substrate BM2. In the first barrier substrate 21 and the second barrier substrate 22, the height of the stepped portion corresponds to the thickness of the tape portion 10, respectively.

[0069] The adhesive layer 12 of the tape portion 10 is sealed by the tape base material 11 and the first barrier base material 21 and the second barrier base material 22. Therefore, when the light-adjusting film 1 is positioned in contact with the intermediate layer IL in the laminated glass 100 described above, the adhesive layer 12 and the intermediate layer IL do not come into contact. This prevents materials contained in the intermediate layer IL (e.g., plasticizers) from penetrating the adhesive layer 12.

[0070] The first barrier substrate 21 and the second barrier substrate 22 are positioned within the region that overlaps with the shielding layer SH when viewed from the Z1 and Z2 directions. As shown in Figure 4, in this configuration, the first barrier substrate 21 and the second barrier substrate 22 can be positioned so as not to protrude into the opening region surrounded by the shielding layer SH. Therefore, when viewed from the Z1 and Z2 directions, the first barrier substrate 21 and the second barrier substrate 22 are not visible.

[0071] In Figure 4, the barrier substrates 20 located at both ends in the Y direction and one end in the X direction (the lower end in Figure 4) are positioned to cover the area inside the outer edge in the in-plane direction of the dimming film 1. Specifically, the barrier substrates 20 located on sides of the dimming film 1 that are different from the sides on which the power supply section PS and wiring WR are provided are positioned to cover the area inside the outer edge in the in-plane direction of the dimming film 1. In other words, as shown in Figure 3, the first barrier substrate 21 is positioned to cover the first main surface 10C in the Z1 direction of the tape portion 10 from the end 10A to a point partway outward in the in-plane direction. The second barrier substrate 22 is positioned to cover the second main surface 10D in the Z2 direction of the tape portion 10 from the end 10B to a point part part outward in the in-plane direction. On the other hand, the barrier substrate 20, which is positioned on the other side in the X direction (upper side of Figure 4), that is, on the side of the dimming film 1 where the power supply unit PS and wiring WR are provided, is positioned to cover the outer edge of the dimming film 1 in the in-plane direction. This ensures that the end portion 10F (see Figure 4) of the tape portion 10 that leaves the power supply unit PS open is reliably covered by the barrier substrate 20.

[0072] The thickness T6 of the first barrier substrate 21 and the thickness T7 of the second barrier substrate 22 can preferably be 10 μm to 100 μm, more preferably 20 μm to 80 μm. In the first barrier substrate 21, for example, the in-plane dimension D1 of the portion covering the first main surface 10C of the tape portion 10 and the in-plane dimension D2 of the portion covering the first main surface 1A of the first substrate BM1 may be the same. These dimensions D1 and D2 can be, for example, 2 mm to 50 mm, and preferably 2 mm to 45 mm. In the second barrier substrate 22, for example, the in-plane dimension D3 of the portion covering the second main surface 10D of the tape portion 10 and the in-plane dimension D4 of the portion covering the second main surface 1B of the second substrate BM2 may be the same. These dimensions D3 and D4 can be, for example, 2 mm to 20 mm, and more preferably 2 mm to 17 mm.

[0073] In this embodiment, the above-mentioned dimension D1 of the first barrier substrate 21 and the above-mentioned dimension D3 of the second barrier substrate 22 are given as examples. However, for example, the above-mentioned dimension D3 of the second barrier substrate 22 may be longer than the above-mentioned dimension D1 of the first barrier substrate 21. When laminated glass 100 having this configuration is used as glass for a vehicle, it can be arranged so that the Z2 direction is on the inside of the vehicle.

[0074] As described above, the dimming film 1 according to this embodiment comprises a first transparent electrode layer EL1 and a second transparent electrode layer EL2 to which a voltage is applied, a dimming layer LC provided between the first transparent electrode layer EL1 and the second transparent electrode layer EL2, a first substrate BM1 provided on the surface of the first transparent electrode layer EL1 opposite to the surface in contact with the dimming layer LC, and a second substrate BM2 provided on the surface of the second transparent electrode layer EL2 opposite to the surface in contact with the dimming layer LC, wherein the dimming film 1 comprises the second substrate BM2 to the first substrate BM If the direction toward 1 is defined as the Z1 direction and the direction opposite to the Z1 direction is defined as the Z2 direction, the tape base material 11 and the adhesive layer 12 are laminated together, and the tape portion 10 is attached from the end face 1C of the dimming film 1 across the first main surface 1A of the first base material BM1 and the second main surface 1B of the second base material BM2, respectively, and the present invention further comprises a barrier base material 20 that spans across the space between the tape portion 10 and the first main surface 1A of the first base material BM1, and between the tape portion 10 and the second main surface 1B of the second base material BM2, respectively, and seals the adhesive layer 12. According to this disclosure, since the adhesive layer 12 of the tape portion 10 can be sealed by the barrier base material 20, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of foreign substances such as plasticizers into the adhesive layer 12, and thus suppress the deterioration of the dimming layer LC.

[0075] (effect) A dimmable film 1 according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first transparent electrode layer EL1 and a second transparent electrode layer EL2 to which a voltage is applied, a dimmable layer LC provided between the first transparent electrode layer EL1 and the second transparent electrode layer EL2, a first substrate BM1 provided on the surface of the first transparent electrode layer EL1 opposite to the surface in contact with the dimmable layer LC, and a second substrate BM2 provided on the surface of the second transparent electrode layer EL2 opposite to the surface in contact with the dimmable layer LC, wherein the dimmable film 1 is provided from the second substrate BM2 toward the first substrate BM1 If we define the direction opposite to the Z1 direction as the Z1 direction and the direction opposite to the Z1 direction as the Z2 direction, the tape base material 11 and the adhesive layer 12 are laminated together, and the tape portion 10 is attached from the end face 1C of the dimming film 1 across the first main surface 1A of the first base material BM1 and the second main surface 1B of the second base material BM2, respectively. The present invention further comprises a barrier base material 20 that spans across the space between the tape portion 10 and the first main surface 1A of the first base material BM1, and between the tape portion 10 and the second main surface 1B of the second base material BM2, respectively, and seals the adhesive layer 12. According to this disclosure, since the adhesive layer 12 of the tape portion 10 can be sealed by the barrier base material 20, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of foreign substances such as plasticizers into the adhesive layer 12, and thus suppress the deterioration of the dimming layer LC.

[0076] A dimmable film 1 according to a second aspect of this disclosure is the same as the dimmable film 1 according to the first aspect, wherein the barrier substrate 20 is arranged to cover the portion of the tape portion 10 from the inner ends 10A and 10B in the in-plane direction to the middle portion toward the outside. According to this disclosure, the dimensions of the barrier substrate 20 in the in-plane direction can be reduced.

[0077] In the dimming film 1 according to the third aspect of this disclosure, the barrier substrate 20 has the same in-plane dimensions for the portion covering the tape portion 10 and the same in-plane dimensions for the portions covering the first substrate BM1 and the second substrate BM2, respectively. According to this disclosure, the barrier substrate 20 can be arranged in a balanced manner on the tape portion 10 side and on the first substrate BM1 and second substrate BM2 sides.

[0078] A dimmable film 1 according to a fourth aspect of this disclosure is a dimmable film 1 according to any of the first to third aspects, further comprising a power supply unit PS that supplies voltage to a first transparent electrode layer EL1 and a second transparent electrode layer EL2, and the tape portion 10 is arranged with a portion corresponding to the power supply unit PS left open. According to this disclosure, interference between the tape portion 10 and the power supply unit PS can be avoided and the electrical connection of the power supply unit PS can be ensured.

[0079] The dimmable film 1 according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure is the dimmable film 1 according to the fourth aspect, wherein the barrier substrate 20, which is arranged on an edge of the dimmable film 1 different from the edge on which the power supply unit PS is provided, is arranged to cover the area inside the outer edge in the in-plane direction of the dimmable film 1. According to this disclosure, on an edge different from the edge on which the power supply unit PS is provided, the adhesive layer 12 of the tape portion 10 can be sealed without forming the barrier substrate 20 to the outer edge in the in-plane direction of the dimmable film 1.

[0080] The dimmable film 1 according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure is the dimmable film 1 according to the fourth aspect, wherein the barrier substrate 20, which is arranged on the side of the dimmable film 1 on which the power supply unit PS is provided, is arranged to cover the outer end of the dimmable film 1 in the in-plane direction. According to this aspect, the end 10F of the portion of the tape 10 that is arranged leaving the power supply unit PS open can be reliably covered by the barrier substrate 20.

[0081] The laminated glass 100 according to the seventh aspect of this disclosure comprises a first glass plate GL1 and a second glass plate GL2, and a light-adjusting film 1 according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, which is provided between the first glass plate GL1 and the second glass plate GL2 via an intermediate layer IL. According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress the substance contained in the intermediate layer IL from reaching the light-adjusting layer LC of the light-adjusting film 1, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the light-adjusting layer LC.

[0082] The laminated glass 100 according to the eighth aspect of this disclosure is the laminated glass 100 according to the seventh aspect, further comprising a shielding layer SH that partially overlaps with the dimming film 1 in a plan view, and the barrier substrate 20 is arranged in a region that overlaps with the shielding layer SH in a plan view. According to this disclosure, the barrier substrate 20 is arranged so that it is hidden by the shielding layer SH when viewed from either the Z1 direction or the Z2 direction. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the barrier substrate 20 being visible from the outside.

[0083] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to those described herein. Furthermore, the aforementioned components include those that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that fall within the so-called equivalent range. Moreover, the aforementioned components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the embodiments described above.

[0084] (Examples) Next, embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described. Example 1 is an example of the light-adjustable film 1 described in the above embodiment. Example 2 is an example of a light-adjustable film in which the first barrier substrate 21 and the second barrier substrate 22 are not provided with respect to the light-adjustable film 1. In Examples 1 and 2, PDLC was used as the light-adjustable layer LC.

[0085] The dimming film 1 according to Example 1 and the dimming film according to Comparative Example 2 were each placed between a first glass plate and a second glass plate with an intermediate layer in between to form laminated glass, and the degree of deterioration of the liquid crystal layer over time when placed in an environment of 110°C was verified. Table 1 shows an example of the verification results.

[0086] [Table 1]

[0087] As shown in Table 1, in the laminated glass using the dimming film 1 according to Example 1, deterioration was observed in a range of 0.5 mm from the outer edge in the in-plane direction at the start of the verification (0h). Furthermore, deterioration was observed in a range of 4.0 mm from the outer edge in the in-plane direction after 200 hours (200h) from the start of the verification. Although deterioration continued thereafter, the rate of progression decreased. Specifically, deterioration was observed in a range of 6.0 mm from the outer edge in the in-plane direction after 500 hours (500h), in a range of 7.5 mm from the outer edge in the in-plane direction after 700 hours (700h), and in a range of 10.0 mm from the outer edge in the in-plane direction after 1000 hours (1000h). The range of deterioration after 1200 hours (1200h) from the start of the verification was 13.0 mm from the outer edge in the in-plane direction. In other words, it was shown that after components such as plasticizers contained in the adhesive layer 12 of the tape portion 10 have penetrated the light-adjusting layer LC, it is difficult for these components to penetrate the light-adjusting layer LC.

[0088] Furthermore, as shown in Table 1, the dimming film in Example 2, a comparative example, showed deterioration in a range of 0.5 mm from the outer edge in the in-plane direction at the start of the verification (0h), similar to Example 1. After 200 hours from the start of the verification (200h), deterioration was observed in a range of 4.0 mm from the outer edge in the in-plane direction. On the other hand, unlike Example 1, deterioration continued at a similar rate thereafter, with deterioration observed in a range of 8.0 mm from the outer edge in the in-plane direction after 500 hours (500h), in a range of 14.0 mm after 700 hours (700h), and in a range of 20.0 mm after 1000 hours (1000h). After 1200 hours from the start of the verification (1200h), it was confirmed that the deteriorated area had expanded to 26.5 mm. In other words, it was shown that even after the plasticizer and other components contained in the adhesive layer 12 of the tape portion 10 have penetrated the light-adjusting layer LC, the plasticizer and other components contained in the intermediate layer continue to easily penetrate the light-adjusting layer LC.

[0089] Thus, when comparing the extent of degradation after 1200 hours (1200h) from the start of verification between Example 1, which is an example, and Example 2, which is a comparative example, it was shown that in Example 1, the degradation was suppressed to less than half compared to Example 2. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] BM base material BM1 1st base material BM2 2nd base material EL electrode layer EL1 1st transparent electrode layer EL2 2nd transparent electrode layer GL1 First glass plate GL2 Second glass plate IL middle layer IL1 1st intermediate layer IL2 2nd intermediate layer IL3 Third Member Layer LC light control layer SH shielding layer PS Power Supply Unit WR wiring 1. Dimmable film 1A,10C 1st main surface 1B, 10D Second main surface 1C end face 1D First edge 1E Second edge 10 Tape section 10A, 10B, 10F, 12A, 12B end 11 Tape base material 12 Adhesive layer 20 Barrier substrates 21. First barrier substrate 22 Second barrier substrate 100 Laminated glass

Claims

1. A first transparent electrode layer and a second transparent electrode layer to which a voltage is applied, A liquid crystal layer provided between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, A first substrate is provided on the surface of the first transparent electrode layer opposite to the surface in contact with the liquid crystal layer, A second substrate is provided on the side of the second transparent electrode layer opposite to the side in contact with the liquid crystal layer. A dimmable film equipped with, If we define the direction from the second substrate toward the first substrate as the first direction, and the direction opposite to the first direction as the second direction, A tape portion is formed by laminating a tape base material and an adhesive layer, and is attached from the end face of the light-adjusting film across the first surface of the first base material and the second surface of the second base material, respectively. A barrier substrate is provided that spans between the tape portion and the first surface of the first substrate in the first direction, and between the tape portion and the second surface of the second substrate in the second direction, thereby sealing the adhesive layer. A dimmable film that also features [additional features].

2. The barrier substrate is arranged to cover the portion of the tape from the inner end in the in-plane direction to a point partway outward. The dimmable film according to claim 1.

3. The barrier substrate has the same in-plane dimensions for the portion covering the tape and the same in-plane dimensions for the portions covering the first substrate and the second substrate, respectively. The dimmable film according to claim 1.

4. The system further comprises a power supply unit that supplies voltage to the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, The tape portion is arranged with a space left open corresponding to the power supply portion. The dimmable film according to claim 1.

5. The barrier substrate, which is positioned on an edge of the dimming film that is different from the edge on which the power supply unit is provided, is positioned to cover the area inside the outer edge in the in-plane direction of the dimming film. The dimmable film according to claim 4.

6. The barrier substrate, which is positioned on the side of the dimming film where the power supply unit is provided, is positioned to cover the outer edge of the dimming film in the in-plane direction. The dimmable film according to claim 4.

7. A first glass plate and a second glass plate, An intermediate layer is provided between the first glass plate and the second glass plate. A dimming film according to any one of claims 1 to 6, Laminated glass with the following features.

8. The system further comprises a shielding layer that partially overlaps with the light-adjusting film in a plan view, The barrier substrate is positioned within the region that overlaps with the shielding layer in a plan view. Laminated glass according to claim 7.

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