Dimming components, dimming devices

Abstract

Provided are a light control member and a light control device in which a non-electrode region is less visible.　A light control film 1A is a light control member having controllable transmissivity and includes: an undivided first common electrode 14; divided first electrodes 18; a first liquid-crystal layer 9 disposed between the first common electrode 14 and the first electrodes 18; an undivided second common electrode 23; divided second electrodes 21; and a second liquid-crystal layer 10 disposed between the second common electrode 23 and the second electrodes 21. First non-electrode lines 181 to 184 dividing the first electrodes 18 and second non-electrode lines 211 to 214 dividing the second electrodes 21 are arranged at positions not overlapping one another when viewed in the direction normal to the light control film 1A.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a dimming member and a dimming device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various devices have been proposed for a dimming member that controls the transmission of external light, for example, by attaching it to a window or sandwiching it with glass and attaching it to the window. As such a dimming member, one using guest-host liquid crystal has been proposed. In guest-host liquid crystal, the state in which the guest-host liquid crystal composition and the dichroic dye composition are randomly oriented and the so-called twisted orientation state are changed by the control of an electric field to control the amount of transmitted light. When this dimming member is arranged on a window of a vehicle, a window of a building, etc., it is desirable to apply guest-host liquid crystal to the dimming member when emphasizing color tone and viewing angle characteristics. In addition, a dimming body in which a transparent electrode is divided into a plurality of regions and each region can be independently changed in a dimming state has been disclosed (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when a transparent electrode is formed by dividing it into a plurality of regions, there is a possibility that a region (non-electrode region) with a gap between the electrodes may be visually recognized.

[0005] An object of embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a dimming member and a dimming device in which a non-electrode region is difficult to be visually recognized.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure solve the aforementioned problems by the following solutions. For ease of understanding, embodiments of this disclosure will be described using corresponding reference numerals, but are not limited thereto.

[0007] The first embodiment of the disclosure is a light-adjusting member (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E) whose transmittance can be controlled, comprising: an undivided first common electrode (14, 25, 28); divided first electrodes (18, 24, 29); a first liquid crystal layer (9) disposed between the first common electrodes (14, 25, 28) and the first electrodes (18, 24, 29); an undivided second common electrode (23, 26, 31); divided second electrodes (21, 27, 32); and the second common electrode (23, 26, 31) and the The dimming member (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E) comprises a second liquid crystal layer (10) disposed between the second electrodes (21, 27, 32), and the first non-electrode lines (181-186, 241-244, 291-294) that divide the first electrodes (18, 24, 29) and the second non-electrode lines (211-216, 271-274, 321-324) that divide the second electrodes (21, 27, 32) are dimming members (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E) that are positioned so as not to overlap each other when viewed from the normal direction of the dimming member (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D).

[0008] The second embodiment of the disclosure is a dimming member (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E) described in the embodiment of the first disclosure, comprising: a first laminate (5A) having a first substrate (6); a second laminate (5B) having a second substrate (15); and a third laminate (5C) having a third substrate (20), wherein the first liquid crystal layer (9) is sandwiched between the first laminate (5A) and the third laminate (5C), and the second liquid crystal layer (10) is sandwiched between the second laminate (5B) and the third laminate (5C), and the first non-electrode wire (181~186, 241~244, 291~ The width of 294) and the second non-electrode lines (211-216, 271-274, 321-324) is 50 μm or less, and in the direction in which the divided first electrodes (18, 24, 29) are arranged, the shortest distance between the first non-electrode lines (181-186, 241-244, 291-294) and the second non-electrode lines (211-216, 271-274, 321-324) is greater than or equal to the sum of the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer (9), the thickness of the third laminate (5C), and the thickness of the second liquid crystal layer (10) for the dimming members (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E).

[0009] The third embodiment of the disclosure is a dimming member (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E) described in the first or second embodiment of the disclosure, wherein the width of the first non-electrode wires (181-186, 241-244, 291-294) and the second non-electrode wires (211-216, 271-274, 321-324) is 50 μm or less, and the divided first electrodes (18, 24, 29) In the direction in which the elements are arranged, the shortest distance (S1) between the first non-electrode lines (181-186, 241-244, 291-294) and the second non-electrode lines (211-216, 271-274, 321-324) is 1 / 2 or less of the shortest interval between the first non-electrode lines (181-186, 241-244, 291-294) for the dimming members (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E).

[0010] The fourth embodiment of the disclosure is a dimming member (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E) described in the first embodiment of the disclosure, wherein when viewed from a direction where the angle with the dimming member (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E) is 45° or more, the first non-electrode lines (181-186, 241-244, 291-294) and the second non-electrode lines (211-216, 271-274, 321-324) do not overlap.

[0011] The fifth embodiment of the disclosure is a dimming member (1D) described in any of the embodiments of the first to fourth disclosures, having two regions (A1, A2) in which the first non-electrode lines (181-186, 241-244, 291-294) and the second non-electrode lines (211-216, 271-274, 321-324) are offset relative to the second non-electrode lines (211-216, 271-274, 321-324) in relation to the first non-electrode lines (181-186, 241-244, 291-294) that are closest to each other in the direction in which the divided first electrodes (18, 24, 29) are arranged, with respect to the second non-electrode lines (211-216, 271-274, 321-324), and the orientation in which the first non-electrode lines (181-186, 241-244, 291-294) are arranged.

[0012] The sixth embodiment of the disclosure is a dimming member (1E) described in any of the embodiments from the first to the fifth disclosure, comprising: a first electrode alignment layer (130) divided in correspondence with the division of the first electrode (24) and laminated on the first electrode (24); and a second electrode alignment layer (170) divided in correspondence with the division of the second electrode (27) and laminated on the second electrode (27), wherein the first liquid crystal layer (9) and the second liquid crystal layer (10) are light-shielding when there is no electric field. The structure is configured as normally dark, which becomes transparent when an electric field is applied, and the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules (91) of the first liquid crystal layer (9) in the light-shielding state and the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules (101) of the second liquid crystal layer (10) in the light-shielding state intersect when viewed from the normal direction of the dimming member (1E), and the first liquid crystal layer (9) and the second liquid crystal layer (10) are dimming members (1E) arranged between the first electrode (24) and the second electrode (27).

[0013] The seventh embodiment of the disclosure is a dimming member (1E) described in the sixth embodiment of the disclosure, wherein the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules (91) of the first liquid crystal layer (9) in the light-shielding state and the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules (101) of the second liquid crystal layer (10) in the light-shielding state are orthogonal when viewed from the normal direction of the dimming member (1E).

[0014] The eighth embodiment of the disclosure is a dimming device comprising a first transparent plate, a second transparent plate disposed opposite to the first transparent plate, and the dimming members (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E) described in any of the first to fifth embodiments of the disclosure, provided between the first and second transparent plates. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to embodiments of this disclosure, it is possible to provide a dimming member and a dimming device in which the non-electrode area is difficult to see. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the dimming film 1A of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of the dimming film 1A as seen from the Z1 direction. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the arrangement of the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 21. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the vehicle 40 on which the dimming film 1A is placed, and the drive mechanism for the dimming film 1A. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates an example of the use of dimmable film 1A. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates how the position corresponding to the non-electrode line appears in a comparative example, a dimmable film 100 having a single liquid crystal layer. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates how the position corresponding to the non-electrode line of the dimming film 1A in the first embodiment appears. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the first non-electrode line 184 and the second non-electrode line 214. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the dimming film 1B of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the dimming film 1C of the third embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the dimming film 1D of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining the reason why the dimming film 1D of the fourth embodiment has two regions A1 and A2 in which the first non-electrode lines 181 to 186 and the second non-electrode lines 211 to 216 are displaced without overlapping and have different displacement directions. [Figure 13] It is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the dimming film 1E of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] It is an exploded perspective view of the dimming film 1E in the non-electric field state (light-shielding state). [Figure 15] It is a diagram for explaining the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules 101 of the dimming film 100B which is normally dark and has a single liquid crystal layer 10 without the alignment layer 170B being divided. [Figure 16] It is a diagram for explaining the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules 101 of the dimming film 100C which is normally dark and has a single liquid crystal layer 10 with the alignment layer 170 being divided. [Figure 17] It is a diagram for explaining the light-shielding characteristics of the dimming film 1A-2 in the non-electric field state (light-shielding state) where neither the first liquid crystal layer 9 nor the second liquid crystal layer 10 is disposed between the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 27. [Figure 18] It is a diagram for explaining the light-shielding characteristics of the dimming film 1C-2 in the non-electric field state (light-shielding state) where only the second liquid crystal layer 10 is disposed between the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 27 and the first liquid crystal layer 9 is not disposed between the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 27. [Figure 19] It is a diagram for explaining the light-shielding characteristics of the dimming film 1E of the fifth embodiment in the non-electric field state (light-shielding state) where both the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 are disposed between the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 27.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below. Note that the drawings attached to this specification are all schematic diagrams, conceptual diagrams, etc., and the shape, scale, and aspect ratio of each part have been modified or exaggerated from the actual object for ease of understanding. In this specification, terms that specify shape, geometric conditions, or the degree thereof, such as "direction," include not only the strict meaning of the term but also a range that can be generally considered to be that direction.

[0018] Although the left-right and up-down directions of the dimming film 1A are not specifically defined, in this specification, each direction of the dimming film 1A will be described based on the mutually orthogonal coordinate axes X, Y, and Z. Specifically, using the state in which the dimming film 1A is placed on the side windows 41A to 41D (hereinafter also simply referred to as "side windows") or the interior partition 45 of the vehicle 40 (see Figure 4) as a reference, the two directions parallel to the film surface of the dimming film 1A and mutually orthogonal are defined as the X direction and the Y direction. Of these, the left-right direction in Figures 1 to 3 is defined as the X (X1-X2) direction, the up-down direction in Figures 2 and 3 which is orthogonal to the X direction is defined as the Y (Y1-Y2) direction, and the thickness direction which is orthogonal to the film surface (XY plane) is defined as the Z (Z1-Z2) direction. Furthermore, when the dimming film 1A is applied to the side windows of the vehicle 40 (see Figure 4), it is described as being positioned so that the Z1 side in the Z direction faces the interior of the vehicle and the Z2 side faces the exterior of the vehicle, and when it is applied to the interior partition 45, it is described as being positioned so that the Z1 side in the Z direction faces the rear seats of the vehicle and the Z2 side faces the front seats of the vehicle. However, this orientation may be changed. Also, in this specification, "~direction" is appropriately referred to as "~side".

[0019] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the dimming film 1A of the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a plan view of the dimming film 1A as seen from the Z1 direction. Figure 3 illustrates the arrangement of the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 21. Figure 3(A) is a plan view of the third laminate 5C as seen from the Z1 direction to illustrate the arrangement of the first electrode 18. Figure 3(B) is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the second electrode 21, and corresponds to a plan view of the third laminate 5C as seen from the Z1 direction, but the first electrode 18 is omitted.

[0020] When the dimming film 1A is placed on the vehicle 40, the dimming film 1A is manufactured to match the shape of the side windows 41A to 41D (see Figure 4). Therefore, when the dimming film 1A is applied to the vehicle 40, it may be curved rather than flat in cross-sectional view, and may have various shapes in plan view. However, here, in order to make the shape of the electrode pattern etc. easier to understand, we will explain an example in which the dimming film 1A is rectangular (square). Plan view refers to, for example, when the dimming film 1A is viewed from the Z1 direction (the normal direction of the dimming film 1A). Also, in Figures 2 and 3(A) and (B), the illustration of the liquid crystal layer, alignment film etc. is omitted.

[0021] The dimming film 1A is a film-like dimming member that can adjust the light transmittance by controlling the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10, respectively, by applying voltages to the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 21, which will be described later. As shown in Figure 1, the dimming film 1A comprises a first laminate 5A, a second laminate 5B, a third laminate 5C, a first liquid crystal layer 9, and a second liquid crystal layer 10.

[0022] The first laminate 5A has a first common electrode 14 laminated on the Z2 side of the first substrate 6, and an orientation layer 13 laminated on top of that (on the Z2 side).

[0023] In the second laminate 5B, the second common electrode 23 is laminated on the Z1 side of the second substrate 15, and the orientation layer 17 is further laminated on top of that (on the Z1 side).

[0024] The third laminate 5C is a laminate positioned between the first laminate 5A and the second laminate 5B. In the third laminate 5C, the first electrode 18 and the orientation layer 19 are laminated on the Z1 side of the third substrate 20, and the second electrode 21 and the orientation layer 22 are laminated on the Z2 side of the third substrate 20.

[0025] The first base material 6, the second base material 15, and the third base material 20 can all be made of the same material. Various transparent resin films can be used as the first substrate 6, the second substrate 15, and the third substrate 20, but it is desirable to use a transparent resin film that has low optical anisotropy and a transmittance of 80% or more in the visible wavelength range (380-800 nm). Examples of materials for transparent resin films include acetylcellulose resins such as triacetylcellulose (TAC), polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyolefin resins such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polymethylpentene, and EVA, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl chloride and polyvinylidene chloride, acrylic resins, polyurethane resins, polysulfone (PEF), polyethersulfone (PES), polycarbonate (PC), polysulfone, polyether (PE), polyetherketone (PEK), (meth)acronitrile, cycloolefin polymer (COP), and cycloolefin copolymer. In particular, resins such as polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin polymer (COP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are preferred. In this embodiment, the first substrate 6, the second substrate 15, and the third substrate 20 are all, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with a thickness of 125 μm, but transparent resin films of various thicknesses can be used.

[0026] The first common electrode 14, the second common electrode 23, the first electrode 18, and the second electrode 21 are transparent conductive films. As transparent conductive films, various transparent electrode materials applicable to this type of transparent resin film can be used, including transparent metal thin films with an oxide-based total light transmittance of 50% or more. Examples include tin oxide-based, indium oxide-based, and zinc oxide-based films.

[0027] Examples of tin oxide (SnO2)-based materials include NESA (tin oxide, SnO2), ATO (Antimony Tin Oxide: antimond-doped tin oxide), and fluorine-doped tin oxide. Examples of indium oxide (In2O3) compounds include indium oxide, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), and IZO (Indium Zic Oxide). Examples of zinc oxide (ZnO)-based materials include zinc oxide, AZO (aluminum-doped zinc oxide), and gallium-doped zinc oxide.

[0028] In this embodiment, we will describe an example in which a transparent conductive film is formed on each of the first common electrode 14, the second common electrode 23, the first electrode 18, and the second electrode 21 using ITO (Indium Tin Oxide). Furthermore, the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 21 are divided into multiple parts, a point that will be explained later.

[0029] The orientation layer 13, orientation layer 17, orientation layer 19, and orientation layer 22 are all formed by photo-orientation layers. The photo-orientation material applicable to the photo-orientation layer can be a wide variety of materials to which photo-orientation methods can be applied, such as photodegradation type, photodimerization type, photoisomerization type, etc. In this embodiment, a photodimerizable material is used. Examples of photodimerizable materials include polymers containing cinnamate, coumarin, benzylidenephthalimidine, benzylideneacetophenone, diphenylacetylene, stilbazole, uracil, quinolinone, maleimide, or cinnamyridene acetate derivatives. Among these, polymers containing one or both of cinnamate and coumarin are preferred due to their good orientation-regulating properties. Specific examples of such photodimerizable materials include, for example, the compounds described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-118717, Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-506420, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-505561, and WO2010 / 150748. Alternatively, the orientation layer may be fabricated by rubbing instead of photo-alignment, or by forming a fine linear uneven shape.

[0030] The first liquid crystal layer 9 is sandwiched between the first laminate 5A and the third laminate 5C. The second liquid crystal layer 10 is sandwiched between the second laminate 5B and the third laminate 5C. For example, a guest-host liquid crystal composition and a dichroic dye composition can be used as the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10. By including a chiral agent in the guest-host liquid crystal composition, the liquid crystal molecules may be oriented in a helical shape in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the liquid crystal layer when they are horizontally oriented.

[0031] The dimmable film 1A is composed of vertical alignment layers 13, 19, 17, and 22 with orientation restricting forces set so that it becomes light-shielding when an electric field is applied, due to the orientation of the guest host liquid crystal composition. As a result, the dimmable film 1A is configured as normally clear. Normally clear refers to a structure that is transparent when there is no electric field and becomes light-shielding when an electric field is applied. Alternatively, it may be configured as normally dark so that it becomes transparent when an electric field is applied. Normally dark refers to a structure that is light-shielding when there is no electric field and becomes transparent when an electric field is applied. In this embodiment, an example in which a guest-host liquid crystal composition is applied as the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 has been described. However, other liquid crystal compositions may be applied as long as the transmission state and light-shielding state can be controlled by the presence or absence of an electric field application.

[0032] Spacer 12 is a component provided to define the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10. Various resin materials can be widely used as spacer 12. Therefore, in this embodiment, an example in which a spherical spacer (hereinafter also referred to as "bead spacer") is used as spacer 12 will be described, but spacer 12 may also be, for example, a columnar spacer.

[0033] The bead spacer used in spacer 12 can be any known bead used in liquid crystal displays, color filters, etc. Specifically, inorganic components can include glass, silica, metal oxides (MgO, Al2O3), etc., and organic components can include acrylic resins, epoxy resins, phenolic resins, melamine resins, unsaturated polyester resins, divinylbenzene copolymers, divinylbenzene-acrylic ester copolymers, diacrylic phthalate copolymers, allyl isocyanurate copolymers, etc. Granular bodies such as spherical, cylindrical, and tubular bodies, as well as porous bodies and hollow bodies, obtained by polymerization methods such as suspension polymerization, emulsion polymerization, or seed polymerization using core particles obtained by emulsion polymerization.

[0034] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving the dispersibility and adhesion of the beads on the orientation layer, the surface of the bead spacer may be surface-treated. The surface coating material is not particularly limited as long as it does not cause problems with immobilization to the bead surface or leakage of chemical substances into the liquid crystal material, but for example, polyethylene, ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene / acrylic acid ester copolymer, polymethyl (meth)acrylate polymer, SBS type styrene / butadiene block copolymer, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, melamine resin, etc. can be used.

[0035] On the dimming film 1A, a sealing material 7 is arranged in a frame shape surrounding the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 in a plan view. The sealing material 7 holds the first laminate 5A and the third laminate 5C together, preventing leakage of the liquid crystal material. Similarly, the sealing material 7 holds the second laminate 5B and the third laminate 5C together, preventing leakage of the liquid crystal material. The sealing material 7 can be, for example, a thermosetting resin such as epoxy resin or acrylic resin, or an ultraviolet curing resin.

[0036] In the dimming film 1A, a rectangular wave AC voltage whose polarity switches at a predetermined period is applied to the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 21, and this AC voltage creates an electric field in the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10. Furthermore, this electric field controls the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10, thereby controlling the transmitted light.

[0037] Figure 4 illustrates the vehicle 40 on which the dimming film 1A is placed, and the drive mechanism for the dimming film 1A. Figure 4 shows the entire vehicle 40 as viewed from the side. The dimming film 1A of this embodiment is placed on almost the entire surface of the front side windows 41A, rear side windows 41B, front side windows 41C, and rear side windows 41D of the vehicle (vehicle) 40. Note that only the position of the front side windows 41C and rear side windows 41D is indicated by arrows. Because the dimming film 1A of this embodiment is flexible, it can be placed on curved side windows, etc. Furthermore, a dimmable film 1A is also installed in the interior partition 45 located between the front and rear seats of the vehicle.

[0038] The dimmable film 1A is configured to supply power for driving each of the side windows 41A to 41D and the interior partition 45 individually. Therefore, the transmittance of each of the side windows 41A to 41D and the interior partition 45 can be controlled individually. In other words, by placing the dimmable film 1A on each of the side windows 41A to 41D and the interior partition 45, it is possible to allow external light to pass through to the interior of the vehicle as needed, block external light entering the interior, or restrict the view between the front and rear seats of the vehicle.

[0039] The vehicle 40 is equipped with an operation information acquisition unit 42, a power supply unit 43, and a drive control unit 44 as drive devices for the dimming films 1A located in each of the aforementioned side windows 41A to 41D and the interior partition 45. The operation information acquisition unit 42 is a device operated by the driver and other occupants seated in the passenger seat, rear seats, etc. (hereinafter also referred to as "driver, etc.") when adjusting the amount of ambient light entering through the side windows 41A to 41D, and is configured, for example, as a touch panel. The driver, etc. can adjust the amount of ambient light entering through the side windows 41A to 41D simultaneously or individually by operating the touch panel provided on the side of the door, etc. Similarly, the driver, etc. can adjust the transmission and shading of the interior partition 45 by operating the touch panel provided on the side of the door, etc. The power supply unit 43 is a power supply device that supplies power to the drive control unit 44.

[0040] The drive control unit 44 is a device that controls the transmittance of the dimming film 1A by controlling the AC voltage applied to the dimming film 1A using power supplied from the power supply unit 43. This makes it possible to block out external light in the side windows 41A to 41D and the interior partition 45, making it difficult to see inside the vehicle from the outside, or to transmit external light to make it easier to see outside from inside the vehicle, or to restrict the view between the front seats and rear seats of the vehicle.

[0041] Although not shown in the diagram, the drive control unit 44 consists of a drive circuit that applies a square wave AC voltage to the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 21 of the dimming film 1A, and a processor unit that controls the operation of this drive circuit. The processor unit is a control device equipped with a processor, ROM, RAM, etc. In the processor unit, the processor (CPU) controls the operation of the drive circuit by reading and executing the control program for the dimming film 1A stored in the ROM.

[0042] Returning to Figures 1 through 3, the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 21 are divided into multiple parts. In the example shown in Figures 1 through 3, the first electrode 18 is divided into multiple electrically insulated partial electrodes 18A to 18E. The first electrode 18 is divided along the X direction and formed into a striped electrode pattern extending along the Y direction. Furthermore, the second electrode 21 is divided into multiple electrically insulated partial electrodes 21A to 21E. Similar to the first electrode 18, the second electrode 21 is also divided along the X direction and formed into a striped electrode pattern extending along the Y direction. In the first embodiment, the dimming film 1A has partial electrodes 18A-18E and partial electrodes 21A-21E formed on both sides of a single third laminate 5C. Therefore, alignment of the partial electrodes 18A-18E and partial electrodes 21A-21E is not required when assembling the dimming film 1A, and the relative positional accuracy of the two can be improved. In this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, an example in which the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 21 are each divided into 5 parts will be described, but the number of divisions of the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 21 is not limited to 5.

[0043] As described above, the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 21 of this embodiment are each divided into a plurality of partial electrodes. Such partial electrodes can be formed, for example, by forming a transparent conductive film over the entire surface of the substrate and then patterning the transparent conductive film according to the respective electrode patterns. In this case, the orientation layers 19 and 22 are formed over the entire surface of the patterned transparent conductive film. Alternatively, the transparent conductive film and orientation layer may be formed over the entire surface of the substrate in that order, and then the transparent conductive film may be patterned over the unnecessary parts of the orientation layer.

[0044] Since the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 21 are each divided into multiple subelectrodes, the same control is applied to both subelectrodes at opposing positions when setting them to a transparent or light-shielding state. For example, when setting the position of subelectrode 18A to a transparent state, the position of subelectrode 21A is set to a transparent state as well as the position of subelectrode 18A. Similarly, for example, when setting the position of subelectrode 18E to a light-shielding state, the position of subelectrode 21E is set to a light-shielding state as well as the position of subelectrode 18E.

[0045] As described above, the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 21 are divided into multiple parts, but there are gaps (non-electrode regions) between the divided partial electrodes 18A to 18E and between partial electrodes 21A to 21E where no electrode (transparent conductive film) is formed. In the example shown in Figure 3, the first non-electrode lines 181 to 184, which divide the first electrode 18, are provided as non-electrode regions between partial electrodes 18A to 18E. Also, the second non-electrode lines 211 to 214, which divide the second electrode 21, are provided as non-electrode regions between partial electrodes 21A to 21E.

[0046] The width G1 of the first non-electrode wires 181-184 and the width G2 of the second non-electrode wires 211-214 are preferably 5 μm or more in order to avoid short circuits between adjacent partial electrodes. Furthermore, the width G1 of the first non-electrode wires 181-184 and the width G2 of the second non-electrode wires 211-214 are preferably 50 μm or less in order to make the first non-electrode wires 181-184 and the second non-electrode wires 211-214 difficult to see. The reason for this will be explained later. In this embodiment, G1=G2=10 μm. Furthermore, the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214 are positioned so as not to overlap when viewed from the normal direction of the dimming film 1A. Specifically, the first non-electrode line 181 in Figure 1 is positioned offset in the X2 direction from the second non-electrode line 211. For example, the shortest distance S1 between the first non-electrode line 184 and the second non-electrode line 214 in the direction in which the divided first electrode 18 is arranged is 1 mm. The other first non-electrode lines 182-184 and the second non-electrode lines 212-214 are similarly offset. As mentioned above, the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214 are 50 μm or less, so the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214 are positioned so as not to overlap when viewed from the normal direction of the dimming film 1A. The reason for this will be explained later.

[0047] Next, we will explain an example of using the dimming film 1A configured as described above. Figure 5 illustrates an example of the use of the dimming film 1A. As mentioned above, the dimming film 1A placed in the vehicle 40 is manufactured to match the shape of the window. However, in Figure 5, for the sake of clarity, an example is shown where the dimming film 1A is rectangular. In Figure 5, the "shaded" areas indicate parts of the dimming film 1A where external light is blocked. The "white" areas indicate parts of the dimming film 1A where external light is transmitted. Figure 5 also schematically shows the areas that are blocked and transmitted by partial electrodes. The example shown in Figure 5 illustrates the state in which the blocking and transmission of the dimming film 1A are changed in the lateral direction.

[0048] The dimming film 1A can control the transmittance for each region corresponding to the partial electrodes 18A to 18E of the first laminate 5A, and it can also control the transmittance for each region corresponding to the partial electrodes 21A to 21E of the second laminate 5B. For example, if the entire surface of the dimming film 1A is in a light-shielding state, in order to sequentially make the dimming film 1A transparent from the X1 side to the X2 side, the current is controlled sequentially at the partial electrodes 18A to 18E and partial electrodes 21A to 21E of the third laminate 5C, from the partial electrodes 18A and 21A closest to X1 to the partial electrodes 18E and 21E closest to X2. As a result, as shown in Figure 5, the dimming film 1A sequentially becomes transparent from the X1 side to the X2 side in the lateral direction. Figure 5 shows how the dimming film 1A changes from a light-shielding state to a transparent state up to the regions corresponding to partial electrodes 18A, 18B, 21A, and 21B.

[0049] Furthermore, when the entire surface of the dimming film 1A is in a light-shielding state, in order to sequentially make the dimming film 1A transparent from the X2 side to the X1 side, the current should be controlled sequentially at the partial electrodes 18A to 18E and partial electrodes 21A to 21E of the third laminate 5C, from the partial electrodes 18E and 21E closest to X2 to the partial electrodes 18A and 21A closest to X1. Furthermore, while the above example illustrates a change from a light-blocking state to a light-transmitting state, the change from a light-transmitting state to a light-blocking state can also be performed continuously in the lateral direction in a similar manner.

[0050] By arranging the electrodes in this manner, the dimming film 1A can control the blocking and transmission of external light in the lateral direction, similar to opening and closing a curtain. Therefore, for example, if a passenger wants to see the outside scenery only slightly, the blocking and transmission states of the dimming film 1A can be sequentially changed along the lateral direction as described above, allowing external light to be transmitted only to the necessary area. Furthermore, by rotating the orientation of the dimming film 1A by 90° within the XY plane, the transmittance can also be controlled for each region in the vertical direction.

[0051] As described above, controlling the light transmission and light shielding states for each region is possible even with a single liquid crystal layer if the electrodes are arranged in a divided configuration. However, with a single liquid crystal layer, there is a problem in that non-electrode lines present between the divided electrodes can be observed. Therefore, in the dimming film 1A of this embodiment, two liquid crystal layers are provided to prevent the observation of non-electrode lines. This point will be explained below.

[0052] First, we will explain the phenomenon in which non-electrode lines are observed in a single liquid crystal layer. Figure 6 illustrates the appearance of the non-electrode line position of a dimmable film 100, which is a comparative example and has a single liquid crystal layer. Figure 6(A) shows a cross-section similar to that of Figure 1, and Figure 6(B) shows the state of Figure 6(A) as viewed from the Z1 side. In Figures 6(A) and 6(B), the transparent state is shown in white, the light-shielding state is shown in black, and the portion of the transmittance between the electric field applied state and the electric field-free state is shown as a dot. This is also the case in the figures shown later. Note that in Figure 6(A), the transparent and light-shielding states depending on the position of the first liquid crystal layer 9 are shown together, and the spacer is omitted. The comparative example dimming film 100 shown in Figure 6 corresponds to a configuration that includes only the components from the first substrate 6 to the third substrate 20 in the dimming film 1A of the first embodiment, and comprises a single liquid crystal layer (only the first liquid crystal layer 9). Even in this case, as with the dimming film 1A of the first embodiment, it is possible to arbitrarily switch between a transparent state and a light-shielding state depending on the position. In the example in Figure 6, similar to the case in Figure 5 above, an example is shown in which the first liquid crystal layer 9 facing the two partial electrodes 18A and 18B on the X1 side is in a transparent state, and the first liquid crystal layer 9 facing the three partial electrodes 18C, 18D, and 18E on the X2 side is in a light-shielding state.

[0053] Near the region without an electric field, the orientation of liquid crystal molecules is controlled by the orientation layers 13 and 19 at the positions corresponding to the first non-electrode lines 181 to 184, so the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in the same way as at the positions corresponding to the partial electrodes 18A to 18E. However, near the region with an applied electric field, the positions corresponding to the first non-electrode lines 181 to 184 are affected to some extent by the electric field of the partial electrodes 18A to 18E, but a sufficient electric field is not applied, and the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules cannot be properly controlled. Therefore, near the region with an applied electric field, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules at the positions corresponding to the first non-electrode lines 181 to 184 becomes disordered, and the light transmittance becomes the transmittance between the region with an applied electric field and the region without an electric field (hereinafter also referred to as the semi-transparent state).

[0054] In Figure 6(B), the areas that are shielded from light (the areas corresponding to partial electrodes 18C, 18D, and 18E and the areas between them) should ideally be completely shielded from light. However, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 9 in the areas not facing the partial electrodes 18C, 18D, and 18E, i.e., the area facing the first non-electrode line 183 between partial electrode 18C and partial electrode 18D, and the area facing the first non-electrode line 184 between partial electrode 18D and partial electrode 18E, cannot be controlled. The first liquid crystal layer 9, illustrated in Figure 6, is a normally clear liquid crystal, which is transparent in the absence of an electric field and opaque when an electric field is applied. Therefore, near the opaque region, the positions corresponding to the first non-electrode lines 181-184 are semi-transparent. Consequently, as shown in Figure 6(B), elongated semi-transparent regions corresponding to the first non-electrode lines 183 and 184 are observed in the opaque region, where it is desirable to have a completely opaque state.

[0055] Next, we will describe the case of the dimming film 1A of this embodiment. Figure 7 illustrates the appearance of the position corresponding to the non-electrode line of the dimming film 1A in the first embodiment. Figure 7(A) shows a cross-section similar to that in Figure 1, and Figure 7(B) shows the state of Figure 7(A) as viewed from the Z1 side. Note that in Figure 7(A), the transmission and light-blocking states depending on the position of the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 are shown together, and the spacer is omitted.

[0056] In the example shown in Figure 7, by creating a no-electric-field state for partial electrodes 18A, 18B, 21A, and 21B, the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 corresponding to these positions are in a transparent state. Furthermore, by applying an electric field to partial electrodes 18C, 18D, 18E, 21C, 21D, and 21E, the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 corresponding to these positions are in a light-shielding state.

[0057] In the configuration of this embodiment shown in Figure 7, the positions corresponding to the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214 are transparent in the vicinity of the no-electric-field state, but semi-transparent in the vicinity of the electric-field applied state. Here, the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214 are arranged so as not to overlap when viewed from the normal direction of the dimming film 1A. That is, the first non-electrode lines 181-184 overlap with one of the partial electrodes 21A-21E when viewed from the normal direction of the dimming film 1A. Similarly, the second non-electrode lines 211-214 overlap with one of the partial electrodes 18A-18E when viewed from the normal direction of the dimming film 1A. Therefore, in the light-shielding region, the transmittance is reduced at the positions corresponding to the first non-electrode lines 181-184 or the second non-electrode lines 211-214 due to overlap with the other light-shielding liquid crystal layer, making the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214 less noticeable, resulting in a transmittance state that is almost indistinguishable from the light-shielding state. In the example shown in Figure 7(B), the first non-electrode lines 182, 183, and 184 overlap with the partial electrodes 21C, 21D, and 21E in the normal direction, respectively. As a result, the first non-electrode lines 182, 183, and 184 overlap with the light-shielding region of the second liquid crystal layer 10. Therefore, the first non-electrode lines 182, 183, and 184 exhibit a transmittance that is almost indistinguishable from the light-shielding state. Similarly, since the second non-electrode lines 213 and 214 overlap with the partial electrodes 18C and 18D in the normal direction, the second non-electrode lines 213 and 214 and the light-shielding region of the first liquid crystal layer 9 are observed to overlap, resulting in a transmittance state that is almost indistinguishable from the light-shielding state.

[0058] As previously explained, the widths G1 of the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and G2 of the second non-electrode lines 211-214 are preferably 50 μm or less in order to make the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214 less visible. If these widths G1 and G2 become wider than 50 μm, the liquid crystal will be less affected by the electric field from the adjacent first electrode 18 or second electrode 21 when an electric field is applied. In that case, in the parts corresponding to the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214, even if the orientation of the liquid crystal is near the electric field applied state, the orientation will be closer to that of the no-electric field state, making the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214 more visible. Therefore, it is desirable that the width G1 of the first non-electrode wires 181-184 and the width G2 of the second non-electrode wires 211-214 be 50 μm or less.

[0059] In this embodiment, the shortest distance S1 between the first non-electrode wires 182-184 and the second non-electrode wires 212-214 was described using an example where they are positioned 1 mm apart. An appropriate value for this shortest distance S1 will be explained. Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the first non-electrode line 184 and the second non-electrode line 214. For example, as shown in Figure 8, in a situation where both the first non-electrode line 184 and the second non-electrode line 214 are in a light-shielding state, a line of sight L0 is set that passes through the light-shielding regions of both the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10. This line of sight L0 passes through the Z1-side corner of the liquid crystal layer 9 corresponding to the X1-side end of the first non-electrode line 184, and through the Z2-side corner of the liquid crystal layer 10 corresponding to the X2-side end of the second non-electrode line 214. When observing from an angle θ smaller than line of sight L0, there is a line of sight that passes through the semi-transparent region (the region indicated by dots in Figure 8) twice at the positions corresponding to the first non-electrode line 184 and the second non-electrode line 214. Therefore, if angle θ is set as the minimum angle for observing the dimming film 1A, when observing at an angle θ or greater, there is no line of sight that passes through the semi-transparent region twice, and the regions corresponding to the first non-electrode line 184 and the second non-electrode line 214 can be made less conspicuous.

[0060] Here, if we let t1 be the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer 9, t2 be the thickness of the second liquid crystal layer 10, t3 be the thickness of the third laminate 5C, and θ be the angle that the line of sight L0 makes with the dimming film 1A, then the relationship S1 between the shortest distance S1 between the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214 in the direction in which the divided first electrodes 18A-18E are arranged can be expressed as follows. tanθ = (t1 + t2 + t3) / S1 ... Equation (1) Therefore, the shortest distance S1 is, S1 = (t1 + t2 + t3) / tanθ ... Equation (2) It can be expressed as follows.

[0061] Therefore, if the angle between the direction in which the dimming film 1A is observed and the dimming film 1A is θ or greater, S1≧(t1+t2+t3) / tanθ···Equation (3) By satisfying this relationship, the regions corresponding to the first non-electrode line 184 and the second non-electrode line 214 can be made less conspicuous.

[0062] Furthermore, assuming that the dimming film 1A is placed on the interior partition 45, the above angle θ is almost always viewed from a direction of 45° or more. Therefore, it is desirable that the dimming film 1A is such that the first non-electrode lines 181~184 and the second non-electrode lines 211~214 do not overlap when viewed from a direction where the angle with the dimming film 1A is 45° or more. In order to make the dimming film 1A such that the first non-electrode lines 181~184 and the second non-electrode lines 211~214 do not overlap when viewed from a direction where the angle with the dimming film 1A is 45° or more, it is desirable to satisfy the following relationship by setting θ=45° in the above equation (3). S1≧(t1+t2+t3)...Equation (4) In other words, in the direction in which the divided first electrodes 18 are arranged, the shortest distance S1 between the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214 should be greater than or equal to the sum of the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer 9, the thickness of the third laminate 5C, and the thickness of the second liquid crystal layer 10.

[0063] For example, in this embodiment, t1 = 12 μm, t2 = 12 μm, and t3 = 188 μm. Therefore, if S1 ≥ 212 μm, when viewed from a direction with an angle of 45° or more with respect to the dimming film 1A, the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214 do not overlap, and the regions corresponding to the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214 can be made less conspicuous.

[0064] Furthermore, it is desirable that the shortest distance S1 is less than or equal to half the shortest distance between the first non-electrode lines 181-184. If it falls outside this range, the next set of first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214, which are arranged side by side, will come too close together.

[0065] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, arranging the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214 so that they do not overlap when viewed from the normal direction of the dimming film 1A has the added benefit of preventing moiré patterns. If the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214 overlap when viewed from the normal direction of the dimming film 1A, there is a risk of moiré patterns being observed. More specifically, a third laminate 5C is provided between the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214, and the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214 are separated by the thickness of this third laminate 5C layer. Therefore, when observed from a position close to the normal direction of the dimming film 1A, the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214 may appear slightly shifted due to parallax, potentially resulting in the observation of moiré patterns. In this embodiment, as described above, by arranging the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214 so as not to overlap when viewed from the normal direction of the dimming film 1A, it is possible to prevent moiré patterns from being observed due to the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214.

[0066] According to the first embodiment described above, the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214 are arranged so as not to overlap when viewed from the normal direction of the dimming film 1A. Therefore, no transmitted region (non-electrode region) corresponding to either the first non-electrode lines 181-184 or the second non-electrode lines 211-214 is observed in the light-shielding region, and a higher quality dimming member can be provided. Furthermore, the dimming film 1A of the first embodiment can control the blocking and transmission of external light in the horizontal direction, similar to opening and closing curtains, or control the blocking and transmission of external light in the vertical direction, similar to opening and closing blinds. In addition, the dimming film 1A of the first embodiment can selectively control the blocking and transmission of external light. Therefore, the dimming film 1A of the first embodiment can block or transmit external light in various ways. Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the observation of moiré patterns by the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214.

[0067] (Second Embodiment) Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the dimming film 1B of the second embodiment. The dimming film 1B of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the position where the first electrode 24, the second electrode 27, the first common electrode 25, and the second common electrode 26 are laminated. In the dimming film 1B of the second embodiment, the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in Figure 9, only a cross-sectional view showing the characteristic configuration of the second embodiment is shown, and other figures are omitted. In addition, in the description and drawings of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components that perform the same functions as in the first embodiment, and redundant explanations are omitted. Furthermore, with the exception of some components, the same reference numerals are used for the laminate as in the first embodiment.

[0068] The dimming film 1B of the second embodiment comprises a first laminate 5A, a second laminate 5B, a third laminate 5C, a first liquid crystal layer 9, and a second liquid crystal layer 10. The first laminate 5A has the first electrode 24 laminated on the Z2 side of the first substrate 6, and the orientation layer 13 further laminated on top of the electrode 24 (on the Z2 side). The first electrode 24 is divided into a plurality of electrically insulated partial electrodes 24A to 24E, similar to the first electrode 18 in the first embodiment. The partial electrodes 24A to 24E are the same as the partial electrodes 18A to 18E in the first embodiment, except for the position in which they are laminated.

[0069] The second laminate 5B has a second electrode 27 laminated on the Z1 side of the second substrate 15, and an orientation layer 17 laminated on top of the second electrode 27 (also on the Z1 side). The second electrode 27 is divided into a plurality of electrically insulated partial electrodes 27A to 27E, similar to the second electrode 21 in the first embodiment. The partial electrodes 27A to 27E are the same as the partial electrodes 21A to 21E in the first embodiment, except for the position in which they are laminated.

[0070] The third laminate 5C comprises a first common electrode 25 and an orientation layer 19 on the Z1 side of the third substrate 20, and a second common electrode 26 and an orientation layer 22 on the Z2 side of the third substrate 20. The first common electrode 25 is a transparent conductive film formed on the entire surface of the Z1 side of the third substrate 20. The second common electrode 26 is a transparent conductive film formed on the entire surface of the Z2 side of the third substrate 20. The first common electrode 25 and the second common electrode 26 are the same as the first common electrode 14 and the second common electrode 23 of the first embodiment, except that their lamination positions are different.

[0071] In the dimming film 1B of the second embodiment, similar to the relationship between the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214 in the first embodiment, the first non-electrode lines 241-244 and the second non-electrode lines 271-274 are arranged so as not to overlap when viewed from the normal direction of the dimming film 1B.

[0072] According to the second embodiment described above, the first non-electrode lines 241-244 and the second non-electrode lines 271-274 are arranged so as not to overlap when viewed from the normal direction of the dimming film 1B. Therefore, no transmitted region (non-electrode region) corresponding to either the first non-electrode lines 241-244 or the second non-electrode lines 271-274 is observed in the light-shielding region, and a higher quality dimming member can be provided. Furthermore, the dimming film 1B of the second embodiment can control the blocking and transmission of external light in the horizontal direction, similar to opening and closing curtains, or control the blocking and transmission of external light in the vertical direction, similar to opening and closing blinds. In addition, the dimming film 1B of the second embodiment can selectively control the blocking and transmission of external light. Therefore, the dimming film 1B of the second embodiment can block or transmit external light in various ways. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the observation of moiré patterns.

[0073] (Third embodiment) Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the dimming film 1C of the third embodiment. The dimming film 1C of the third embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the position where the first electrode 29, the second electrode 32, the first common electrode 28, and the second common electrode 31 are laminated. In the dimming film 1C of the third embodiment, the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in Figure 10, only a cross-sectional view showing the characteristic configuration of the third embodiment is shown, and other figures are omitted. In addition, in the description and drawings of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components that perform the same functions as in the first and second embodiments, and redundant explanations are omitted. Furthermore, with the exception of some components, the same reference numerals are used for the laminate as in the first and second embodiments.

[0074] The dimming film 1C of the third embodiment comprises a first laminate 5A, a second laminate 5B, a third laminate 5C, a first liquid crystal layer 9, and a second liquid crystal layer 10. The first laminate 5A has a first common electrode 28 laminated on the Z2 side of the first substrate 6, and an orientation layer 13 laminated on top of that (on the Z2 side). The first common electrode 28 is a transparent conductive film formed over the entire surface of the first substrate 6. The first common electrode 28 is the same as the first common electrode 14 in the first embodiment.

[0075] In the second laminate 5B, the second electrode 32 is laminated on the Z1 side of the second substrate 15, and an orientation layer 17 is further laminated on top of it (on the Z1 side). The second electrode 32 is divided into a plurality of electrically insulated partial electrodes 32A to 32E, similar to the second electrode 21 in the first embodiment. The partial electrodes 32A to 32E are the same as the partial electrodes 21A to 21E in the first embodiment, except for the position in which they are laminated.

[0076] The third laminate 5C comprises a first electrode 29 and an orientation layer 19 on the Z1 side of the third substrate 20. The first electrode 29 is divided into a plurality of electrically insulated partial electrodes 29A to 29E, similar to the first electrode 18 in the first embodiment. The partial electrodes 29A to 29E are the same as the partial electrodes 18A to 18E in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the third laminate 5C includes a second common electrode 31 and an orientation layer 22 on the Z2 side of the third substrate 20. The second common electrode 31 is a transparent conductive film formed on the entire Z2 surface of the third substrate 20. The second common electrode 31 is the same as the second common electrode 23 of the first embodiment, except for the position in which it is laminated.

[0077] In the dimmable film 1C of the third embodiment, similar to the relationship between the first non-electrode lines 181-184 and the second non-electrode lines 211-214 in the first embodiment, the first non-electrode lines 291-294 and the second non-electrode lines 321-324 are arranged so as not to overlap when viewed from the normal direction of the dimmable film 1C.

[0078] According to the third embodiment described above, the first non-electrode lines 291-294 and the second non-electrode lines 321-324 are arranged so as not to overlap when viewed from the normal direction of the dimming film 1C. Therefore, no transmitted region (non-electrode region) corresponding to either the first non-electrode lines 291-294 or the second non-electrode lines 321-324 is observed in the light-shielding region, and a higher quality dimming member can be provided. Furthermore, the dimming film 1C of the third embodiment can control the blocking and transmission of external light in the horizontal direction, similar to opening and closing curtains, or control the blocking and transmission of external light in the vertical direction, similar to opening and closing blinds. In addition, the dimming film 1C of the third embodiment can selectively control the blocking and transmission of external light. Therefore, the dimming film 1C of the third embodiment can block or transmit external light in various ways. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the observation of moiré patterns.

[0079] (Fourth Embodiment) Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the dimming film 1D of the fourth embodiment. The dimming film 1D of the fourth embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the arrangement pattern (dividing pattern) of the divided partial electrodes. In the dimming film 1D of the fourth embodiment, the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in Figure 11, only a cross-sectional view showing the characteristic configuration of the fourth embodiment is shown, and other figures are omitted. In addition, in the description and drawings of the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components that perform the same functions as in the first embodiment, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0080] In the dimming film 1D of the fourth embodiment, the first electrode 18 is divided into seven partial electrodes 18A to 18G, and first non-electrode lines 181 to 186 that divide the first electrode 18 are provided between these partial electrodes 18A to 18G. Similarly, the second electrode 21 is divided into seven partial electrodes 21A to 21G, and second non-electrode lines 211 to 216 that divide the second electrode 21 are provided between these partial electrodes 21A to 21G. Furthermore, the dimming film 1D of the fourth embodiment has two regions A1 and A2 in which the first non-electrode lines 181-186 and the second non-electrode lines 211-216 are offset in different directions without overlapping. More specifically, in region A1, the first non-electrode lines 181, 182, and 183 are positioned offset towards X1 with respect to the second non-electrode lines 211, 212, and 213, respectively. On the other hand, in region A2, which is on the X2 side of region A1, the first non-electrode lines 184, 185, and 186 are positioned offset towards X2 with respect to the second non-electrode lines 214, 215, and 216, respectively.

[0081] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the reason why, in the fourth embodiment, there are two regions A1 and A2 in which the first non-electrode lines 181-186 and the second non-electrode lines 211-216 do not overlap but are offset in different directions. In Figure 12, both the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 are assumed to be in a light-shielding state. Note that in Figure 12, the sealing material 7, spacer 12, alignment layer 13, alignment layer 17, alignment layer 19, alignment layer 22, first common electrode 14, second common electrode 23, etc. are omitted from the illustration. In Figure 12, observation position O is assumed to lie on the normal N passing through the midpoint of the X-direction of the dimming film 1D. Furthermore, the boundary between region A1 and region A2 is the normal N passing through the midpoint of the X-direction of the dimming film 1D.

[0082] As described above, in region A1, the first non-electrode lines 181, 182, and 183 are positioned shifted towards X1 relative to the second non-electrode lines 211, 212, and 213, respectively. Therefore, when observing the dimming film 1D from observation position O, in region A1, diagonal lines of sight L1, L2, and L3 passing through the first non-electrode lines 181, 182, and 183 are blocked by the light-shielded region of the second liquid crystal layer 10 without passing through the second non-electrode lines 211, 212, and 213. Furthermore, in region A2, the first non-electrode lines 184, 185, and 186 are positioned shifted towards X2 relative to the second non-electrode lines 214, 215, and 216, respectively. Therefore, when observing the dimming film 1D from observation position O, in region A2, as in region A1, diagonal lines of sight L4, L5, and L6 passing through the first non-electrode lines 184, 185, and 186 are blocked by the light-shielded region of the second liquid crystal layer 10 without passing through the second non-electrode lines 214, 215, and 216. In other words, the relative positions of the first non-electrode lines 181-186 and the second non-electrode lines 211-216 are set such that they are unlikely to overlap on the line of sight assumed from a specific observation position O. Therefore, as described above, there are two regions A1 and A2 in which the first non-electrode lines 181-186 and the second non-electrode lines 211-216 do not overlap but are offset in different directions. Here, the arrangement in which the first non-electrode lines 181-186 and the second non-electrode lines 211-216 are unlikely to overlap on the line of sight assumed from the observation position O (hereinafter referred to as the preferred non-electrode line arrangement) can be defined as follows. A preferred arrangement of non-electrode lines is one in which the non-electrode lines closer to the observation position O (first non-electrode lines 181-186 in Figure 12) are shifted further away from the normal line N drawn from the observation position O to the light-adjusting film 1D than the non-electrode lines further away from the observation position O (second non-electrode lines 211-216 in Figure 12).

[0083] Here, the line of sight L100, which passes through the first non-electrode line 182 and then the second non-electrode line 212, is not obstructed by the light-shielded region of the second liquid crystal layer 10. Therefore, for lines of sight like L100, elongated transparent regions corresponding to the first non-electrode line 182 and the second non-electrode line 212 can be observed even within the light-shielded region. Lines of sight like L100, which are observed passing through the first and second non-electrode lines, may exist not only in the fourth embodiment but also in any of the first to third embodiments described above. This phenomenon, in which elongated transparent regions are observed even within the light-shielded region, can occur when the position of the viewpoint moves, or even if the observation position is fixed, it may occur due to the relationship between the relative positional relationship between the first and second non-electrode lines at the position of the dimming film being observed and the angle of the oblique line of sight.

[0084] However, in the fourth embodiment, as described above, two regions A1 and A2 are provided in which the first non-electrode lines 181-186 and the second non-electrode lines 211-216 do not overlap but are offset in different directions. This effectively prevents the phenomenon in which the transmitted region is observed even in the light-shielding region from the vicinity of the observation position O. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the observation of the transmitted region within the light-shielding region across the entire surface of the dimming film 1D. In particular, as shown in Figure 4 above, when the dimming film 1D is used in the vehicle 40, the positions where people sit in the vehicle can be roughly determined. Therefore, the observation position O for the dimming film 1D in the vehicle 40 can also be roughly determined. In such cases, by using the dimming film 1D with the configuration of the fourth embodiment, the phenomenon in which the transparent area is observed in the light-shielding area can be effectively prevented at any position on the dimming film 1D.

[0085] According to the fourth embodiment described above, the dimming film 1D has two regions A1 and A2 in which the first non-electrode lines 181-186 and the second non-electrode lines 211-216 are offset in different directions without overlapping. As a result, the dimming film 1D can effectively prevent the phenomenon in which the transparent region is observed even in the light-shielding region from the vicinity of the observation position O. Therefore, the dimming film 1D can be suitably used in the vehicle 40. Furthermore, the dimming film 1D of the fourth embodiment can control the blocking and transmission of external light in the horizontal direction, similar to opening and closing curtains, or control the blocking and transmission of external light in the vertical direction, similar to opening and closing blinds. In addition, the dimming film 1D of the fourth embodiment can selectively control the blocking and transmission of external light. Therefore, the dimming film 1D of the fourth embodiment can block or transmit external light in various ways. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the observation of moiré patterns.

[0086] (Fifth embodiment) Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the dimming film 1E according to the fifth embodiment. The dimming film 1E of the fifth embodiment is the same as the dimming film 1B of the second embodiment, except that the shapes of the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 and the shapes of the alignment layers (130, 190, 220, 170) differ from those of the alignment layers of the second embodiment. Therefore, in the description and drawings of the fifth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components that perform the same functions as those of the second embodiment, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0087] The dimmable film 1E of the fifth embodiment differs from the dimmable film 1B of the second embodiment in that the alignment layer 130 and the alignment layer 170 are separated and divided at the same positions as the first non-electrode lines 241-244 and the second non-electrode lines 271-274, respectively. The orientation layer (first electrode orientation layer) 130 is divided in correspondence with the division of the first electrode 24 and stacked on the first electrode 24. The orientation layer (orientation layer on the second electrode) 170 is divided in correspondence with the division of the second electrode 27 and stacked on the second electrode 27.

[0088] By making the orientation layer 130 and orientation layer 170 a divided structure, the orientation layer 130 and orientation layer 170 can be stacked on the first electrode 24 and second electrode 27, respectively, and then the first electrode 24 and second electrode 27 can be cut and separated together with the orientation layer 130 and orientation layer 170. Furthermore, the orientation layers 130, 190, 220, and 170 of the fifth embodiment are all given orientation characteristics by rubbing treatment. Note that the orientation layers 130, 190, 220, and 170 may be produced not only by rubbing treatment, but also by molding a fine linear uneven shape, or by photo-alignment.

[0089] Furthermore, these alignment layers 130, 190, 220, and 170 have orientation characteristics that orient the liquid crystal molecules in each liquid crystal layer so that the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 are configured as normally dark. In other words, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 are oriented by each alignment layer so that they are in a light-shielding state when there is no electric field and in a transparent state when an electric field is applied. Specifically, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 are oriented in a direction approximately perpendicular to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer when there is no electric field. Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, both the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 are guest-host type liquid crystal layers containing a dichroic dye.

[0090] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the dimming film 1E in the absence of an electric field (light-shielding state). Note that in Figure 14, the spacers are omitted, and the liquid crystal molecules 91 and 101 are represented by elliptical shapes. As shown in Figure 14, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 91 in the first liquid crystal layer 9 in the light-shielded state and the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 101 in the second liquid crystal layer 10 in the light-shielded state intersect when viewed from the normal direction (Z-axis direction) of the dimmable film 1E. That is, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 91 in the first liquid crystal layer 9 in the light-shielded state is aligned along the X-axis direction, and the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 101 in the second liquid crystal layer 10 in the light-shielded state is aligned along the Y-axis direction. By making the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 91 in the first liquid crystal layer 9 in the light-shielded state and the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 101 in the second liquid crystal layer 10 in the light-shielded state intersect when viewed from the normal direction of the dimmable film 1E, the light-shielding performance of the dimmable film 1E, in which the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 are laminated, can be enhanced when the dimmable film 1E is in the light-shielded state.

[0091] In the light-shielding state, the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10, respectively, have liquid crystal molecules 91 and 101 oriented in predetermined directions, thereby each acting similarly to a polarizer on light. Therefore, light passing through the first liquid crystal layer 9 becomes polarized in one direction, and this light cannot pass through the second liquid crystal layer 10, where the polarization directions intersect. Thus, the dimmable film 1E of this embodiment has good light-shielding characteristics. Furthermore, in order to improve light-shielding characteristics, it is desirable that the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 91 in the light-shielding state of the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 101 in the light-shielding state of the second liquid crystal layer 10 be orthogonal when viewed from the normal direction (Z-axis direction) of the dimmable film 1E. In other words, it is desirable to have a cross-nicol arrangement in which the transmission axis direction of the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the transmission axis direction of the second liquid crystal layer 10 are orthogonal to each other in order to improve light-shielding characteristics.

[0092] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 are positioned between the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 27. This arrangement is the same as in the second embodiment, but it is a more important configuration in the fifth embodiment. This is largely related to the fact that the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 are configured as normally dark, that the alignment layers 130 and 170 are divided, and that the orientations of the liquid crystal molecules 91 and 101 in the light-shielded state intersect. This point will be explained in more detail below.

[0093] Figure 15 illustrates the orientation state of liquid crystal molecules 101 in a dimmable film 100B that is normally dark and has a single liquid crystal layer 10 with an undivided alignment layer 170B. Figure 15(A) shows the state without an electric field (light-shielding state), and Figure 15(B) shows the state with an electric field applied (transmitted state). Note that in Figure 15, spacers are omitted and the liquid crystal molecules 101 are represented by elliptical shapes. In Figure 15, the orientation layer 170B is connected and not cut in the portion that overlaps with the second non-electrode line 271. The rest of the dimming film 100B shown in Figure 15 is the same as the configuration from the third substrate 20 to Z2 side of the dimming film 1E of the fifth embodiment. If the alignment layer 170B is not divided, as shown in Figure 15(A), in the absence of an electric field (light-shielded state), the liquid crystal molecules 101 are aligned in a direction approximately perpendicular to the Z-axis direction throughout the liquid crystal layer 10 by the alignment force of the alignment layer 170B and the alignment layer 220. Furthermore, if the alignment layer 170B is not divided, as shown in Figure 15(B), when an electric field is applied (transmission state), the liquid crystal molecules 101 are oriented in a direction substantially along the Z-axis in the area overlapping with the second electrode 27. However, in the area overlapping with the second non-electrode line 271 where the second electrode 27 is cut, the liquid crystal molecules 101 cannot be sufficiently affected by the electric field, and their orientation state is disrupted.

[0094] Figure 16 illustrates the orientation state of liquid crystal molecules 101 in a dimmable film 100C that is normally dark and has a single liquid crystal layer 10 in which the alignment layer 170 is divided. Figure 16(A) shows the state without an electric field (light-shielding state), and Figure 16(B) shows the state with an electric field applied (transmitted state). Note that in Figure 16, spacers are omitted and the liquid crystal molecules 101 are represented by elliptical shapes. The dimming film 100C shown in Figure 16 has the same configuration as the dimming film 1E of the fifth embodiment, from the third substrate 20 to the Z2 side. Since the orientation layer 170 is divided, as shown in Figure 16(A), even in the absence of an electric field (light-shielded state), in the area that does not overlap with the orientation layer 170 and is close to the second non-electrode line 271, the orientation force of the orientation layer 170 cannot be fully received, and the orientation state is disturbed. Furthermore, when the alignment layer 170 is divided, as shown in Figure 16(B), when an electric field is applied (transmitted state), the liquid crystal molecules 101 are oriented in a direction substantially along the Z-axis in the area overlapping with the second electrode 27. However, in the area overlapping with the second non-electrode line 271 where the second electrode 27 is cut, the liquid crystal molecules 101 cannot be sufficiently affected by the electric field, and their orientation state is disrupted. In this normally dark configuration, if the orientation layer is divided and gaps exist, the orientation state becomes disordered in the range close to the second non-electrode line 271, even in the absence of an electric field (light-shielding state). Therefore, a problem arises in this range, where the light-shielding characteristics are lower than in other ranges.

[0095] Next, before explaining why the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 are positioned between the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 27, we will first explain the case where the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 are not positioned between the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 27.

[0096] Figure 17 illustrates the light-shielding characteristics of the dimming film 1A-2 in the absence of an electric field (light-shielding state), where neither the first liquid crystal layer 9 nor the second liquid crystal layer 10 is positioned between the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 27. Note that in Figure 17, the spacer is omitted, and the liquid crystal molecules 91 and 101 are represented by elliptical shapes. Furthermore, while Figure 17 shows whether the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 91 and 101 is aligned, it cannot represent the fact that the liquid crystal molecules 91 and 101 are oriented in a cross-sectional manner (it is shown as if they are facing the same direction) due to it being a two-dimensional drawing. The orientation of liquid crystal molecules 91 and 101 in Figure 17 is the same as the orientation described using Figure 16.

[0097] In Figure 17, the light rays LA1, LA2, and LA3 are shown as incident light rays on the dimming film 1A-2. The light ray LA1 passes through the portion of both the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 in which the respective liquid crystal molecules 91 and 101 are oriented in the appropriate direction (a direction approximately perpendicular to the Z-axis). Therefore, the light that passes through the first liquid crystal layer 9 has its polarization state aligned in one direction, and is then almost completely blocked when it passes through the second liquid crystal layer 10. Immediately after the light ray LA2 enters the first liquid crystal layer 9, its polarization state is aligned in one direction. However, before it exits the first liquid crystal layer 9, it passes through a region where the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 91 is disordered, causing the polarization state to become disordered. Therefore, even if the liquid crystal molecules 101 in the second liquid crystal layer 10 are oriented in the appropriate direction (approximately perpendicular to the Z-axis direction), more light with the correct polarization state can pass through the second liquid crystal layer 10. As a result, more light is transmitted than with the light ray LA1, causing light leakage, and the first non-electrode line 182 may become faintly visible. Light ray LA3 passes through the region in the first liquid crystal layer 9 where the liquid crystal molecules 91 are oriented in the appropriate direction (approximately perpendicular to the Z-axis direction), so the polarization state is aligned in one direction. However, immediately after incident on the second liquid crystal layer 10, it passes through the region where the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 101 is disordered, so the polarization state is disordered. Even if the light with disordered polarization then passes through the region in the second liquid crystal layer 10 where the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 101 is aligned, more light with a disordered polarization state can pass through the second liquid crystal layer 10. As a result, more light is transmitted than with light ray LA1, causing light leakage, and the first non-electrode line 182 may become faintly visible. Thus, in the dimming film 1A-2 shown in Figure 17, light ray LA1 can be blocked, but light rays LA2 and LA3 may be faintly visible, indicating poor light-blocking characteristics.

[0098] Figure 18 illustrates the light-shielding characteristics of the dimming film 1C-2 in the absence of an electric field (light-shielding state), where only the second liquid crystal layer 10 is positioned between the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 27, and the first liquid crystal layer 9 is not positioned between the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 27. Note that in Figure 18, the spacer is omitted, and the liquid crystal molecules 91 and 101 are represented by elliptical shapes. Furthermore, while Figure 18 shows whether the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 91 and 101 is aligned, it cannot represent the fact that the liquid crystal molecules 91 and 101 are oriented in a cross-sectional manner, as it is a two-dimensional drawing (it is shown as if they are facing in the same direction). The orientation of liquid crystal molecules 91 and 101 in Figure 18 is the same as the orientation described using Figure 16.

[0099] In Figure 18, the light rays LC1, LC2, and LC3 are shown as incident light rays on the dimming film 1C-2. The light ray LC1 passes through the portion of both the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 in which the respective liquid crystal molecules 91 and 101 are oriented in the appropriate direction (a direction approximately perpendicular to the Z-axis). Therefore, the light that passes through the first liquid crystal layer 9 has its polarization state aligned in one direction, and is then almost completely blocked when it passes through the second liquid crystal layer 10. Immediately after the light ray LC2 enters the first liquid crystal layer 9, its polarization state is aligned in one direction. However, before it exits the first liquid crystal layer 9, it passes through a region where the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 91 is disordered, causing the polarization state to become disordered. Therefore, even if the liquid crystal molecules 101 in the second liquid crystal layer 10 are oriented in the appropriate direction (approximately perpendicular to the Z-axis direction), more light with the correct polarization state can pass through the second liquid crystal layer 10. As a result, more light is transmitted than with the light ray LC1, causing light leakage, and the first non-electrode line 182 may become faintly visible. The light ray LC3 passes through the portion of the first liquid crystal layer 9 where the liquid crystal molecules 91 are oriented in the appropriate direction (approximately perpendicular to the Z-axis direction), thus aligning the polarization state in one direction. Subsequently, the light incident on the second liquid crystal layer 10 is almost completely blocked in the portion where the liquid crystal molecules 101 are oriented in the appropriate direction (approximately perpendicular to the Z-axis direction), so almost no light reaches the portion where the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 101 is disordered. Therefore, the light ray LC3 is almost completely blocked. Thus, in the dimmable film 1C-2 shown in Figure 18, light rays LA1 and LA3 can be blocked, but light ray LA2 may still be faintly visible. Although this is an improvement over dimmable film 1A-2, its light-blocking characteristics are still poor.

[0100] Figure 19 illustrates the light-shielding characteristics of the dimming film 1E of the fifth embodiment, in the absence of an electric field (light-shielding state), where both the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 are positioned between the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 27. Note that in Figure 19, the spacer is omitted, and the liquid crystal molecules 91 and 101 are represented by elliptical shapes. Furthermore, while Figure 19 shows whether the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 91 and 101 is aligned, it cannot represent the fact that the liquid crystal molecules 91 and 101 are oriented in a cross-sectional manner (it is shown as if they are facing the same direction) due to it being a two-dimensional drawing. The orientation of liquid crystal molecules 91 and 101 in Figure 19 is the same as the orientation described using Figure 16.

[0101] In Figure 19, the light rays LE1, LE2, and LE3 are shown as incident on the light-adjusting film 1E. The light ray LE1 passes through the portion of both the first liquid crystal layer 9 and the second liquid crystal layer 10 in which the respective liquid crystal molecules 91 and 101 are oriented in the appropriate direction (a direction approximately perpendicular to the Z-axis). Therefore, the light that passes through the first liquid crystal layer 9 has its polarization state aligned in one direction, and is then almost completely blocked when it passes through the second liquid crystal layer 10. Immediately after the light ray LE2 enters the first liquid crystal layer 9, it passes through the region where the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 91 is disordered. However, it then passes through the region where the liquid crystal molecules 91 are oriented in the appropriate direction (a direction approximately perpendicular to the Z-axis), so the polarization state becomes aligned in one direction. Subsequently, when it enters the second liquid crystal layer 10, it is almost completely blocked by the region where the liquid crystal molecules 101 are oriented in the appropriate direction (a direction approximately perpendicular to the Z-axis). The light ray LE3 passes through the portion of the first liquid crystal layer 9 where the liquid crystal molecules 91 are oriented in the appropriate direction (approximately perpendicular to the Z-axis direction), thus aligning the polarization state in one direction. Subsequently, the light incident on the second liquid crystal layer 10 is almost completely blocked in the portion where the liquid crystal molecules 101 are oriented in the appropriate direction (approximately perpendicular to the Z-axis direction), so almost no light reaches the portion where the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 101 is disordered. Therefore, the light ray LE3 is almost completely blocked. Thus, the dimming film 1E of the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 19 can substantially block all of the light rays LE1, LE2, and LE3, and has good light-blocking characteristics.

[0102] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the second embodiment, a dimmable film 1E with even better light-shielding properties can be realized.

[0103] (Transformed form) The embodiments described above are not limited to those described above, and various modifications and changes are possible, which also fall within the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0104] (1) In each embodiment, an example of placing the dimming film on the side windows and interior partitions of the vehicle 40 has been described. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and for example, the dimming film may be placed on the front window, roof window, etc. of the vehicle.

[0105] (2) In each embodiment, an example will be described in which a flexible dimming film is provided as a dimming member on the side window of the vehicle. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the base material of the dimming film described above may be made from a glass plate to constitute a non-flexible dimming member (laminated glass), and this dimming member may be placed on the vehicle instead of each side window. Alternatively, the dimming device may be constructed by sandwiching the dimming film described above between two transparent plates such as glass plates or resin plates (between a first transparent plate and a second transparent plate), and this dimming device may be placed as the side window of the vehicle.

[0106] (3) In each embodiment, an automobile was described as an example of a vehicle to which the dimming film is installed. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the dimming film can also be applied to windows of railway cars, ships, aircraft, etc. Furthermore, the dimming film is not limited to vehicles, but can also be applied to window panes installed in buildings, windows for partitions, etc.

[0107] (4) In each embodiment, examples were given in which the direction in which the first non-electrode line and the second non-electrode line are offset without overlapping is the same throughout the entire area, or the same within areas A1 and A2. However, the explanation is not limited to this, and for example, in the relationship between the first non-electrode line and the second non-electrode line that are closest to each other in the direction in which the divided first electrodes are arranged, the direction in which the first non-electrode line and the second non-electrode line are offset without overlapping may be made random. In this case, the phenomenon in which the transmitted state is observed even in the light-shielding region can be prevented from occurring frequently when observed from a particular direction.

[0108] While each embodiment and its variations can be used in combination as appropriate, a detailed explanation is omitted. Furthermore, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 1A Dimmable Film 1B Dimmable Film 1C Dimming Film 1D Dimming Film 1E Dimmable Film 5A 1st laminate 5B Second Laminate 5C Third Layer 6 First base material 7. Sealant 9. First liquid crystal layer 10. Second liquid crystal layer 12 Spacers 13. Orientation layer 14 1st common electrode 15 Second base material 17. Orientation layer 18 1st electrode 18A~18G partial electrode 19. Orientation layer 20 Third base material 21 2nd electrode 21A~21G Partial electrode 22 orientation layer 23 2nd common electrode 24 1st electrode 24A~24E Partial electrode 25 1st common electrode 26 2nd common electrode 27 Second electrode 27A~27E Partial electrode 28 1st common electrode 29 1st electrode 29A~29E Partial electrode 31 2nd common electrode 32 2nd electrode 32A~32E Partial electrode 40 vehicles 41A Front side window 41B Rear side window 41C Front side windows 41D Rear side window 42 Operation information acquisition section 43 Power supply section 44 Drive control unit 45. Interior partitions 91 Liquid crystal molecules 100 Dimming Film 100B Dimmable Film 100C Dimming Film 1A-2 Dimming Film 1C-2 Dimmable Film 101 Liquid crystal molecules 130 Orientation Layer 170 Orientation Layer 170B orientation layer 190 Orientation Layer 220 orientation layer 181~186 1st non-electrode wire 211~216 2nd non-electrode wire 241~244 1st non-electrode wire 271~274 2nd non-electrode wire 291~294 1st non-electrode wire 321~324 2nd non-electrode wire A1 area A2 area L1~L6 line of sight L100 line of sight N normal O Observation position

Claims

1. A dimming member capable of controlling transmittance, The first common electrode, which is not divided, The divided first electrode, A first liquid crystal layer disposed between the first common electrode and the first electrode, The undivided second common electrode, The divided second electrode, A second liquid crystal layer disposed between the second common electrode and the second electrode, Equipped with, The first non-electrode line that divides the first electrode and the second non-electrode line that divides the second electrode are positioned so as not to overlap with each other when viewed from the normal direction of the dimming member. A dimming member having two regions in which the first non-electrode line is offset relative to the second non-electrode line in the relationship between the first non-electrode line and the second non-electrode line that are closest to each other in the direction in which the divided first electrodes are arranged, and in which the first non-electrode line is positioned in a different direction.

2. In the dimming member according to claim 1, A first electrode orientation layer, which is divided in correspondence with the division of the first electrode and stacked on the first electrode, A second electrode orientation layer, which is divided in correspondence with the division of the second electrode and stacked on the second electrode, Equipped with, The first liquid crystal layer and the second liquid crystal layer are configured as normally dark, which is light-shielding when there is no electric field and transparent when an electric field is applied. The orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer in the light-shielding state and the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the second liquid crystal layer in the light-shielding state intersect when viewed from the normal direction of the dimming member. The first liquid crystal layer and the second liquid crystal layer are light-adjusting members disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

3. In the dimming member according to claim 2, A dimming member in which the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer in a light-shielding state and the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the second liquid crystal layer in a light-shielding state are orthogonal when viewed from the normal direction of the dimming member.

4. First transparent plate and A second transparent plate is positioned opposite the first transparent plate, A dimming device comprising a dimming member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, provided between the first transparent plate and the second transparent plate.

Images