Vehicle dimming panel and vehicle dimming system

Abstract

To provide a lighting control panel for a vehicle which can receive light by any lighting control pattern into a cabin of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A lighting control panel constituting a window of a vehicle comprises: a tabular substrate with light transmissivity; a first transparent electrode layer which is arranged overlapped with the substrate; a liquid crystal layer which is arranged overlapped with the first transparent electrode layer and includes a plurality of liquid crystal molecules and a transparent polymer layer holding the plurality of liquid crystal molecules; and a second transparent electrode layer which is arranged overlapped with the liquid crystal layer. At least one of the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer is electrically independent of each other and includes a plurality of electrode elements arranged side by side along a plate surface of the liquid crystal layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dimming panel for vehicles and a dimming system for vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] A dimming panel using a liquid crystal layer containing liquid crystal molecules is known (see Patent Document 1). In this dimming panel, the light-transmitting state and the light-blocking state of the liquid crystal layer are switched by applying and releasing a voltage between two electrodes sandwiching the liquid crystal layer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described dimming panel, the light-transmitting state and the light-blocking state can be switched only for the entire dimming panel or for a linear region in the dimming panel. Therefore, an arbitrary dimming pattern cannot be formed on a window of a vehicle or the like.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a dimming panel for vehicles that can take in light with an arbitrary dimming pattern in the interior of a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle dimming panel (1) that constitutes a window of a vehicle (100). The vehicle dimming panel (1) comprises a light-transmitting plate-shaped substrate (2), a first transparent electrode layer (3) arranged on top of the substrate (2), a liquid crystal layer (4) arranged on top of the first transparent electrode layer (3) and having a plurality of liquid crystal molecules and a transparent polymer layer that holds the plurality of liquid crystal molecules, and a second transparent electrode layer (5) arranged on top of the liquid crystal layer (4). At least one of the first transparent electrode layer (3) and the second transparent electrode layer (5) has a plurality of electrode elements (51) that are electrically independent of each other and arranged side by side along the plate surface of the liquid crystal layer (4).

[0007] With this configuration, by controlling the voltage applied to each of the multiple electrode elements (51) that constitute pixels, a dimming pattern corresponding to the voltage application pattern of the electrode elements (51) can be formed in the liquid crystal layer (4). Therefore, light can be brought into the interior of the vehicle with any desired dimming pattern.

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure may further include a light-emitting element (7A) that supplies light into the interior of the substrate (2) from the side surface (23) of the substrate (2). With such a configuration, light can be brought into the interior of the vehicle (100) even in rainy or cloudy weather.

[0009] In one aspect of this disclosure, the substrate (2) may have an incident surface (21) located on the opposite side of the first transparent electrode layer (3) and an exit surface (22) facing the first transparent electrode layer (3). The exit surface (22) may have a plurality of inclined surfaces (22A) that intersect both the thickness direction of the substrate (2) and the incident surface (21). With such a configuration, light from the light emitter (7A) can be efficiently guided to the liquid crystal layer (4).

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle dimming system (10) comprising a vehicle dimming panel (1) and a control device (12) configured to control the vehicle dimming panel (1). The control device (12) includes a storage unit (12A) configured to store dimming patterns and a pattern forming unit (12B) configured to apply voltage to a plurality of electrode elements (51) so that dimming patterns are formed.

[0011] With this configuration, by adding dimming patterns to the memory unit (12A), the user can utilize new dimming patterns.

[0012] One aspect of this disclosure may further include a sensor (11) configured to detect the position of an occupant in a vehicle (100). The pattern forming unit (12B) may be configured to control the application of voltage to a plurality of electrode elements (51) based on the occupant's position detected by the sensor (11). Such a configuration makes it possible to control the blocking of light entering the occupant's eyes. As a result, the comfort of the occupant in the vehicle (100) is improved.

[0013] The symbols in the parentheses above are merely examples indicating the correspondence with the specific configurations described in the embodiments described later, and this disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations indicated by the symbols in the parentheses above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the usage state of the dimming panel in the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2A is a schematic plan view of the dimming panel shown in Figure 1, and Figure 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of Figure 2A along the line IIB-IIB. [Figure 3] Figures 3A and 3B show examples of dimming patterns in the dimming panel shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4A is a schematic magnified view of a portion of the substrate shown in Figure 2B, and Figure 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating the path of light within the substrate shown in Figure 2B. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a dimming system for a vehicle in an embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments to which the present disclosure is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. First Embodiment] [1-1. Configuration] The dimming panel 1 for a vehicle shown in FIG. 1 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “dimming panel 1”) is a panel that constitutes a window of the automobile 100.

[0016] In the present embodiment, the dimming panel 1 forms part of the roof 101 of the automobile 100. The dimming panel 1 is configured to take in light outside the automobile 100 (mainly sunlight) into the vehicle interior. The dimming panel 1 can adjust the amount of light taken in from the outside.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the dimming panel 1 includes a base material 2, a first transparent electrode layer 3, a liquid crystal layer 4, a second transparent electrode layer 5, a protective material 6, a first light emitter 7A, and a second light emitter 7B.

[0018] In the present embodiment, in a state where the dimming panel 1 is attached to the automobile 100, an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the automobile 100 is defined as the X-axis, an axis parallel to the lateral direction of the automobile 100 is defined as the Y-axis, and an axis parallel to the vertical direction of the automobile 100 (that is, the thickness direction of the dimming panel 1) is defined as the Z-axis.

[0019] [Base Material] The base material 2 is a plate-shaped member having light transmissivity. The base material 2 forms the outermost layer of the dimming panel 1. As the material of the base material 2, for example, resins such as polycarbonate and glass can be used.

[0020] [First Transparent Electrode Layer] The first transparent electrode layer 3 is disposed so as to overlap the inner plate surface of the base material 2. The first transparent electrode layer 3 has conductivity and light transmissivity.

[0021] As the material for the first transparent electrode layer 3, for example, indium oxide-based transparent electrode materials mainly composed of indium tin oxide, indium oxide, indium zinc oxide, etc., transparent conductive films mainly composed of tin oxide, zinc oxide, etc., and conductive polymer compounds such as polyaniline and polyacetylene can be used.

[0022] <Liquid crystal layer> The liquid crystal layer 4 is placed on top of the plate surface (i.e., the output surface) of the first transparent electrode layer 3 opposite to the substrate 2. The liquid crystal layer 4 has multiple liquid crystal molecules and a transparent polymer layer. The transparent polymer layer is a matrix composed of light-transmitting polymers and holds multiple liquid crystal molecules. The multiple liquid crystal molecules are dispersed within the transparent polymer layer.

[0023] When no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 4, multiple liquid crystal molecules are oriented irregularly. As a result, light that passes through the substrate 2 and enters the liquid crystal layer 4 is scattered, creating a light-shielding state in which the visibility of light from the exit side of the liquid crystal layer 4 is reduced.

[0024] On the other hand, when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 4 in the thickness direction, multiple liquid crystal molecules orient themselves along the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer 4. As a result, scattering of light entering the liquid crystal layer 4 is suppressed, and a light-transmitting state is achieved in which the visibility of light from the exit side of the liquid crystal layer 4 is maximized.

[0025] <Second transparent electrode layer> The second transparent electrode layer 5 is placed on the opposite side of the liquid crystal layer 4 from the first transparent electrode layer 3 (i.e., the emission side). Together with the first transparent electrode layer 3, the second transparent electrode layer 5 sandwiches the liquid crystal layer 4 in the thickness direction. The material of the second transparent electrode layer 5 is the same as that of the first transparent electrode layer 3.

[0026] The second transparent electrode layer 5 has a plurality of electrode elements 51 that are electrically independent of each other and are arranged side by side along the surface of the liquid crystal layer 4. The plurality of electrode elements 51 constitute a matrix (i.e., a grid) having a plurality of columns along the X axis and the Y axis, respectively.

[0027] The application and release of voltage to each of the multiple electrode elements 51 can be controlled individually. In the liquid crystal layer 4, the areas overlapping with the electrode elements 51 to which voltage is applied become light-transmitting, while the areas overlapping with the electrode elements 51 to which voltage is not applied become light-blocking. The multiple electrode elements 51 correspond to pixels that constitute the dimming pattern in the liquid crystal layer 4.

[0028] By applying voltage to all electrode elements 51, a dimming pattern is obtained in which the entire liquid crystal layer 4 is in a light-transmitting state. On the other hand, by not applying voltage to all electrode elements 51, a dimming pattern is obtained in which the entire liquid crystal layer 4 is in a light-blocking state.

[0029] Furthermore, by applying a voltage to any electrode element 51 among the multiple electrode elements 51, dimming patterns having the patterns shown in Figures 3A and 3B can be obtained. Figure 3A is a dimming pattern in which the light-blocking portion consists of multiple dots and the light-transmitting portion consists of areas other than the multiple dots. Figure 3B is a dimming pattern in which the light-blocking portion consists of lines that constitute a geometric figure and the light-transmitting portion consists of the internal area of ​​the geometric figure.

[0030] In addition, dimming patterns composed of shapes such as leaves or fractal shapes can also be formed by the second transparent electrode layer 5. Such dimming patterns can recreate the effect of sunlight filtering through trees inside the vehicle. As a result, the visual effect of sunlight filtering through trees can provide occupants with a relaxing effect and reduce physical and mental fatigue.

[0031] <Protective material> The protective material 6 shown in Figure 2B is a translucent plate-shaped component. The protective material 6 is placed on top of the plate surface of the second transparent electrode layer 5 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4. The protective material 6 constitutes the innermost layer of the dimming panel 1 (i.e., the top surface of the vehicle interior). For the material of the protective material 6, for example, resins such as polycarbonate or glass can be used.

[0032] <Luminous object> The first light-emitting element 7A and the second light-emitting element 7B each supply light into the interior of the substrate 2. As shown in Figure 4A, the first light-emitting element 7A is attached to a side surface 23 of the substrate 2 that intersects with the plate surface (i.e., the incident surface 21 and the exit surface 22), and supplies light into the interior of the substrate 2 from this side surface 23.

[0033] The side surface 23 on which the first light-emitting element 7A is attached is the front surface of the automobile 100 on the base material 2. The second light-emitting element 7B is attached to the side surface opposite to the side surface 23 on which the first light-emitting element 7A is attached (see Figure 2A). In other words, the first light-emitting element 7A and the second light-emitting element 7B are arranged so as to sandwich the base material 2 along the X-axis. However, the first light-emitting element 7A and the second light-emitting element 7B may be arranged so as to sandwich the base material 2 along the Y-axis.

[0034] The first light-emitting element 7A comprises a light source 71 and a housing 72. For example, an LED emitting illumination light L with a spectrum close to that of sunlight can be used as the light source 71. The light source 71 extends along the Y-axis and faces the side surface 23 of the substrate 2. The housing 72 holds the light source 71 internally and is attached to the end of the substrate 2.

[0035] The incident surface 21 of the substrate 2 is a plate surface located on the opposite side from the first transparent electrode layer 3 (not shown in Figure 4A) and faces the substrate 2 (not shown in Figure 4A). The incident surface 21 has no irregularities.

[0036] The exit surface 22 of the substrate 2 is a plate surface facing the first transparent electrode layer 3. The exit surface 22 has a plurality of inclined surfaces 22A that intersect both the thickness direction (i.e., the Z-axis) of the substrate 2 and the incident surface 21. The plurality of inclined surfaces 22A are formed by notches that are recessed toward the incident surface 21 on the exit surface 22. The notches that make up the inclined surfaces 22A are, for example, cone-shaped recesses or grooves.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4B, the illumination light L emitted from the light source 71 and passing through the side surface 23 travels through the interior of the substrate 2, repeatedly reflecting off the incident surface 21 and off parts of the exit surface 22 other than the inclined surface 22A. When the illumination light L reaches the inclined surface 22A at an incident angle below the critical angle, it passes through the inclined surface 22A and is emitted to the outside of the substrate 2. As a result, as shown in Figure 4A, the illumination light L is emitted towards the vehicle interior along with the external light S.

[0038] The second light-emitting element 7B has the same configuration as the first light-emitting element 7A. The illumination light L emitted from the second light-emitting element 7B is also emitted from the inclined surface 22A toward the interior of the vehicle.

[0039] The first light-emitting element 7A and the second light-emitting element 7B can recreate the effect of dappled sunlight inside the vehicle even in conditions of weak sunlight, such as rain or cloudy weather. Furthermore, at night, the first light-emitting element 7A and the second light-emitting element 7B can be used as dome lamps.

[0040] [1-2. Effects] According to the embodiments described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained. (1a) By controlling the voltage applied to each of the multiple electrode elements 51 of the second transparent electrode layer 5 which become pixels, a dimming pattern corresponding to the voltage application pattern of the electrode elements 51 can be formed in the liquid crystal layer 4. Therefore, light can be brought into the interior of the automobile 100 with any dimming pattern.

[0041] (1b) The first light-emitting element 7A and the second light-emitting element 7B allow light to enter the interior of the automobile 100 even in rainy or cloudy weather. (1c) The emission surface 22 of the substrate 2 has an inclined surface 22A, which allows light from the first light emitter 7A and the second light emitter 7B to be efficiently guided to the liquid crystal layer 4.

[0042] [2. Second Embodiment] [2-1. Structure] The vehicle lighting system 10 shown in Figure 5 adjusts the lighting inside the vehicle using a lighting panel 1 in the automobile 100 shown in Figure 1. The vehicle lighting system 10 comprises a lighting panel 1, a sensor 11, and a control device 12. The lighting panel 1 is the one described in the first embodiment.

[0043] <Sensor> Sensor 11 is configured to detect the position of the occupants of the automobile 100. As shown in Figure 1, for example, a camera that acquires images of the interior of the vehicle can be used as sensor 11.

[0044] <Control device> The control device 12 is configured to control the dimming panel 1. The control device 12 is a computer (i.e., an information processing device) that includes, for example, a processor, a storage medium such as RAM or ROM, an input / output unit, and a network communication unit.

[0045] The control device 12 includes a storage unit 12A, a pattern forming unit 12B, and a communication unit 12C. The control device 12 may also be incorporated into an electronic control unit (ECU) mounted on the automobile 100.

[0046] <Storage section> The memory unit 12A is configured to store multiple dimming patterns. The memory unit 12A can also store additional new dimming patterns, for example, downloaded from a server.

[0047] <Pattern forming section> The pattern forming unit 12B is configured to apply voltage to a plurality of electrode elements 51 of the second transparent electrode layer 5 so that the dimming pattern stored in the memory unit 12A is formed.

[0048] The dimming pattern formed by the pattern forming unit 12B is set, for example, by input from the occupant to the control device 12. Alternatively, the pattern forming unit 12B may automatically change the dimming pattern using a timer or the like.

[0049] Furthermore, the pattern forming unit 12B controls the application of voltage to the multiple electrode elements 51 of the second transparent electrode layer 5 based on the position of the occupant detected by the sensor 11. For example, if the pattern forming unit 12B determines that "the occupant's face (especially the eyes) is in a position where light transmitted through the dimming panel 1 is hitting it," the pattern forming unit 12B switches the dimming panel 1 to a dimming pattern that prevents light from hitting the occupant's face.

[0050] Furthermore, the determination of which parts of the occupant are illuminated by light transmitted through the dimming panel 1 can be performed, for example, by image analysis acquired by sensor 11.

[0051] <Communications Department> The communication unit 12C is configured to communicate wirelessly with an external server of the automobile 100. The communication unit 12C downloads a new dimming pattern from the server.

[0052] [2-2. Effects] According to the embodiments described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained. (2a) By adding dimming patterns to the memory unit 12A, the crew can use new dimming patterns.

[0053] (2b) By controlling the application of voltage to multiple electrode elements 51 based on the position of the occupant detected by the sensor 11, it becomes possible to control the blocking of light entering the occupant's eyes. As a result, occupant comfort in the automobile 100 is improved.

[0054] [3. Other Embodiments] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can take various forms.

[0055] (3a) In the vehicle dimming panel of the above embodiment, instead of the second transparent electrode layer, a plurality of electrode elements constituting a dimming pattern may be provided in the first transparent electrode layer.

[0056] (3b) In the vehicle dimming panel of the above embodiment, the emission surface of the substrate does not necessarily have to be an inclined surface. Also, the vehicle dimming panel does not necessarily have to include a light-emitting element.

[0057] (3c) The vehicle dimming panel of the above embodiment can also be used in vehicles other than automobiles, such as railway cars, ships, and aircraft. Furthermore, the vehicle dimming panel can also be applied to windows installed in parts of the vehicle other than the roof (for example, side walls).

[0058] (3d) The vehicle dimming system of the above embodiment does not necessarily have to include a sensor for detecting the position of the occupant. The pattern forming unit does not necessarily have to control the application of voltage to the multiple electrode elements based on the position of the occupant.

[0059] (3e) The functions of one component in the above embodiment may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Also, some parts of the configuration of the above embodiment may be omitted. Also, at least some parts of the configuration of the above embodiment may be added to, substituted for, or otherwise used in the configuration of other above embodiments. Any aspect of the technical concept specified by the wording of the claims is an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1... Dimming panel for vehicles, 2... Substrate, 3... First transparent electrode layer, 4... Liquid crystal layer 5...Second transparent electrode layer, 6...Protective material, 7A...First light-emitting element, 7B...Second light-emitting element, 10...Vehicle lighting system, 11...Sensor, 12...Control device, 12A...Memory unit 12B...Pattern forming section, 12C...Communication section, 21...Injection surface, 22...Output surface, 22A...inclined surface, 23...side, 51...electrode element, 71...light source, 72...housing 100...car, 101...roof.

Claims

1. A vehicle-type dimming panel that constitutes the window of a vehicle, A translucent plate-shaped substrate, A first transparent electrode layer is placed on top of the substrate, A liquid crystal layer is arranged on top of the first transparent electrode layer and has a plurality of liquid crystal molecules and a transparent polymer layer that holds the plurality of liquid crystal molecules, A second transparent electrode layer is placed on top of the liquid crystal layer, A light-emitting element that supplies light into the interior of the substrate from the side surface of the substrate, Equipped with, At least one of the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer has a plurality of electrode elements that are electrically independent of each other and arranged in a grid pattern along the surface of the liquid crystal layer. The substrate is positioned on the exterior side of the vehicle, relative to the first transparent electrode layer. Dimming panel for vehicles.

2. A vehicle dimming panel according to claim 1, The aforementioned substrate is The incident surface is located on the opposite side of the first transparent electrode layer, The exit surface facing the preceding first transparent electrode layer, It has, The light-emitting surface has a plurality of inclined surfaces that intersect both the thickness direction of the substrate and the incident surface, wherein the light-emitting surface is a dimming panel for vehicles.

3. A vehicle dimming panel according to claim 1 or claim 2, A control device configured to control the vehicle dimming panel, Equipped with, The control device is A memory unit configured to store dimming patterns, A pattern forming unit configured to apply voltage to the plurality of electrode elements in order to form the dimming pattern, A vehicle lighting system having [a specific feature / feature].

4. A vehicle lighting control system according to claim 3, The vehicle further comprises a sensor configured to detect the position of the occupant, A vehicle dimming system wherein the pattern forming unit is configured to control the application of voltage to the plurality of electrode elements based on the position of the occupant detected by the sensor.

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