Light modulation film and laminated glass

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to form light modulation regions in a wider variety of shapes.　The present invention comprises: a first transparent electrode layer and a second transparent electrode layer to which voltage is applied; and a light modulation layer provided between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer. The first transparent electrode layer includes a plurality of first segments. The second transparent electrode layer includes a plurality of second segments, which are, in a plan view, formed in a pattern different from the pattern in which the plurality of first segments are formed. In plan view, a pair formed by combining one of the plurality of first segments and one of the second segments includes an overlapping section and a non-overlapping section in a formulation region of the light modulation layer. The overlapping section forms a light modulation region.

Description

Light control film and laminated glass

[0001] The present invention relates to a light control film and a laminated glass.

[0002] Light-control films are known that can switch between high and low light transmittance by changing the applied voltage state, for example, by turning a switch on and off. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology in which a transparent electrode is divided into strips and a voltage is applied individually to each divided transparent electrode to switch the light-control region. Also known is window glass in which light-control films are applied to glass panels in vehicles or buildings, allowing the transmittance state to be changed.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-126153

[0004] The technology of Patent Document 1 can only form a simple rectangular-shaped light control region. From the viewpoint of design, it is desired to form light control regions of more diverse shapes. On the other hand, when forming light control regions of various shapes by assembling small sections (for example, sections that are so minute that they are difficult to see, such as in a liquid crystal display), a large number of complex electrodes and wiring are required, making it difficult to apply to laminated glass.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to provide a light control film and laminated glass that can form light control areas of more diverse shapes.

[0006] The light control film according to the present disclosure comprises a first transparent electrode layer and a second transparent electrode layer to which a voltage is applied, and a light control layer provided between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, wherein the first transparent electrode layer includes a plurality of first segments, and the second transparent electrode layer includes a plurality of second segments formed in a pattern different from that of the plurality of first segments in a planar view, and a pair formed by a combination of any one of the plurality of first segments and any one of the plurality of second segments has an overlapping portion and a non-overlapping portion in a formation region of the light control layer in a planar view, and the overlapping portion forms a light control region.

[0007] A laminated glass according to the present disclosure includes a first glass plate, a second glass plate, and the light control film according to claim 1 or 2 provided between the first glass plate and the second glass plate.

[0008] According to the present invention, light control regions of more diverse shapes can be formed.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of laminated glass according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of laminated glass according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a light control film according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a first transparent electrode layer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a second transparent electrode layer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the electrical connection between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an overlapping portion of a first pair of a first segment and a second segment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an overlapping portion of a second pair of a first segment and a second segment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an overlapping portion of a first segment of a first pair and a second segment of a second pair. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an overlapping portion of a first segment of a second pair and a second segment of the first pair. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a light control region formed by the first pair and the second pair. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an overlapping portion of a third pair of a first segment and a second segment. FIG. 13 is a plan view for explaining a third light control region. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a first example, which is another division pattern of the first segments and the second segments. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining a light control region according to the first example. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining a second example of another division pattern. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining a light control region according to the second example. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining a third example of another division pattern. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining a light control region according to the third example. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining a fourth example of another division pattern. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining a light control region according to the fourth example. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram for explaining a fifth example of another division pattern. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram for explaining a light control region according to the fifth example. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram for explaining a sixth example of another division pattern. FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram for explaining a light control region according to the sixth example. FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the formation of a light blocking layer in the sixth example. Fig. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a seventh example of another division pattern. Fig. 28 is a schematic diagram explaining a dimming region according to the seventh example. Fig. 29 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a dimming pattern according to the seventh example. Fig. 30 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of a dimming pattern according to the seventh example. Fig. 31 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of a dimming pattern according to the seventh example.Fig. 32 is a schematic diagram showing an eighth example of another division pattern. Fig. 33 is a schematic diagram illustrating a dimming region according to the eighth example. Fig. 34 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modification of the eighth example. Fig. 35 is a schematic diagram showing a comparative example in which island-shaped segments are provided.

[0010] Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, when there are multiple embodiments, the present invention also includes configurations that are made by combining the respective embodiments. Furthermore, numerical values ​​include the range of rounding.

[0011] (Laminated Glass) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a laminated glass according to a first embodiment. The laminated glass 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a laminated glass for a vehicle. The laminated glass 10 can be used, for example, as a roof glass, rear glass, side glass, quarter glass, extra glass, or windshield for a vehicle. The extra glass is glass attached to the rear of a vehicle to improve the rearward visibility of the driver. The first embodiment will be described with reference to a case where the laminated glass 10 is used as a roof glass provided on the ceiling of a vehicle. The vehicle here is typically an automobile, but refers to any moving body having glass, including a train, a ship, an aircraft, and the like. However, the use of the laminated glass 10 is not limited to a vehicle.

[0012] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a view of a laminated glass 10 installed in a vehicle from the interior to the exterior of the vehicle. While FIG. 1 illustrates the laminated glass 10 as a flat plate, the shape is not limited thereto and may be curved in one or more directions. While FIG. 1 illustrates the planar shape of the laminated glass 10 as a rectangular plate, the planar shape of the laminated glass 10 is not limited to a rectangular shape and may be any shape, including a trapezoid or a triangle. The planar shape here refers to the shape of a predetermined region of the laminated glass 10 as viewed from a normal direction to the interior surface of the laminated glass 10. In the following description, a planar view refers to a predetermined region of the laminated glass 10 viewed in direction Z (i.e., from a normal direction to the interior surface of the laminated glass 10). Hereinafter, the Z-direction surface of the first glass sheet 11 will be referred to as the first surface, and the surface opposite the first surface will be referred to as the second surface. The surface of the second glass plate 12 in the Z direction is referred to as the third surface, and the surface opposite to the third surface is referred to as the fourth surface. The first surface faces the exterior side of the laminated glass 10, and the fourth surface faces the interior side of the laminated glass 10.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a laminated glass according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the laminated glass 10 includes a first glass plate 11, a second glass plate 12, an intermediate layer 13, a shielding layer 14, and a light control film 15. If the direction from the inside of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle is designated as the Z direction, the laminated glass 10 is stacked in the following order toward the Z direction: the shielding layer 14, the second glass plate 12, the intermediate layer 13, the light control film 15, the intermediate layer 13, the shielding layer 14, and the first glass plate 11. The Z direction can also be considered the stacking direction. In the following description, a direction perpendicular to the Z direction is designated as the Y direction, a direction toward one of the Y directions is designated as the Y1 direction, and a direction toward the other of the Y directions is designated as the Y2 direction. Furthermore, a direction perpendicular to the Y direction is designated as the X direction, a direction toward one of the X directions is designated as the X1 direction, and a direction toward the other of the X directions is designated as the X2 direction. In the first embodiment, the laminated glass 10 is installed in the roof glass of a vehicle, so the Y direction is the front-rear direction of the vehicle and the X direction is the left-right direction of the vehicle. However, the relationship between the X direction and the Y direction and the direction of the vehicle is not limited thereto and may be any relationship.

[0014] The total thickness T0 of the laminated glass 10 is preferably 2.8 mm or more and 10 mm or less. If the total thickness T0 of the laminated glass 10 is 2.8 mm or more, sufficient rigidity can be ensured. Furthermore, if the total thickness of the laminated glass 10 is 10 mm or less, sufficient transmittance can be obtained and haze can be reduced. Note that the total thickness here and the thickness described below refer to the length in the Z direction.

[0015] (Glass Plates) The first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 are glass plates facing each other. The intermediate layer 13 and the light control film 15 are located between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12. The first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 are fixed together with the intermediate layer 13 and the light control film 15 sandwiched between them.

[0016] The first glass sheet 11 is an exterior glass sheet that faces the exterior of the vehicle when the laminated glass 10 is installed in the vehicle. The second glass sheet 12 is an interior glass sheet that faces the interior of the vehicle when the laminated glass 10 is installed in the vehicle. The first glass sheet 11 and the second glass sheet 12 may have a predetermined curvature.

[0017] The first glass sheet 11 and the second glass sheet 12 may be inorganic glass or organic glass. Examples of inorganic glass that can be used include, without particular limitation, soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, alkali-free glass, and quartz glass. The first glass sheet 11 is preferably inorganic glass from the viewpoint of scratch resistance, and soda-lime glass from the viewpoint of formability. When the first glass sheet 11 and the second glass sheet 12 are soda-lime glass, clear glass, green glass containing a predetermined amount or more of iron, UV-cut green glass, and deep, dark privacy glass can be suitably used. The inorganic glass may be either untempered glass or tempered glass. Untempered glass is produced by forming molten glass into a plate shape and slowly cooling it.

[0018] Tempered glass is untempered glass with a compressive stress layer formed on its surface. Tempered glass may be either physically tempered glass, such as air-cooled tempered glass, or chemically tempered glass. In the case of physically tempered glass, the glass surface can be tempered by generating a compressive stress layer on the glass surface due to the temperature difference between the glass surface and the interior of the glass through an operation other than slow cooling, such as rapidly cooling a glass sheet uniformly heated during bending from a temperature near its softening point.

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

[0020] The shapes of the first glass sheet 11 and the second glass sheet 12 are not particularly limited to a rectangular shape, and may be processed into various shapes and curvatures. Gravity forming, press forming, roller forming, etc. are used to bend the first glass sheet 11 and the second glass sheet 12. The forming method of the first glass sheet 11 and the second glass sheet 12 is also not particularly limited, but for example, in the case of inorganic glass, glass sheets formed by a float method or the like are preferred.

[0021] The thickness T1 of the first glass sheet 11 is not particularly limited, but can generally be selected appropriately within the range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm depending on the type and location of the vehicle to which the laminated glass 10 is applied. When the thickness T1 of the first glass sheet 11 is 0.3 mm or more, impact resistance is adequately maintained and strength such as stone chip resistance is sufficient. The thickness T1 of the first glass sheet 11 is preferably 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 0.7 mm or more, particularly preferably 1.1 mm or more, and most preferably 1.6 mm or more. Furthermore, when the thickness T1 of the first glass sheet 11 is 3 mm or less, the mass of the laminated glass 10 does not become too large, which is preferable in terms of vehicle fuel efficiency. The thickness T1 of the first glass sheet 11 is more preferably 2.6 mm or less, particularly preferably 2.1 mm or less. Here, the thickness T1 is preferably the thickness of the thinnest portion of the first glass sheet 11.

[0022] The same can be said about the thickness T2 of the second glass plate 12 as about the thickness T1 of the first glass plate 11. The second glass plate 12 may have a different composition and / or a different thickness from the first glass plate 11. For example, the second glass plate 12 may be thinner than the first glass plate 11.

[0023] When the thickness T2 of the second glass plate 12 is 1.1 mm or less, from the viewpoint of strength, the second glass plate 12 is preferably chemically strengthened glass.

[0024] At least one of the glass plates may have a surface formed with a coating having water-repellent properties, ultraviolet- or infrared-blocking properties, a coating having low reflectivity, low emissivity, or antifouling properties, a coating having anti-condensation properties, or a coating having visible light absorption or coloring, etc. For example, the water-repellent coating is preferably provided on the first surface, and the low reflectivity coating is preferably provided on the fourth surface. That is, at least one of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 may have one or more of a water-repellent layer, an ultraviolet-blocking layer, an infrared-reflecting layer, a low-reflectivity layer, a low-emissivity layer, an anti-fouling layer, an anti-condensation layer, a visible-light-absorbing layer, and a coloring layer.

[0025] In the first embodiment, the laminated glass 10 is a laminated glass having two glass plates, a first glass plate 11 and a second glass plate 12, but the number of glass plates is not limited to this and may be three or more.

[0026] (Intermediate Layer) The intermediate layer 13 is disposed between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12. The intermediate layer 13 has, for example, a first intermediate layer 13A bonded to the first glass plate 11 and a second intermediate layer 13B bonded to the second glass plate 12. The intermediate layer 13 further has a frame-shaped third intermediate layer 13C positioned between the first intermediate layer 13A and the second intermediate layer 13B and surrounding the outer periphery of the light control film 15. However, the intermediate layer 13 does not necessarily have to have the third intermediate layer 13C. When the third intermediate layer 13C is allowed to be included, for example, the outer periphery of the light control film 15 is surrounded by at least one of the first intermediate layer 13A and the second intermediate layer 13B.

[0027] The material of the intermediate layer 13 may be any material, for example, a thermoplastic resin. Examples of thermoplastic resins include plasticized polyvinyl acetal resins, plasticized polyvinyl chloride resins, saturated polyester resins, plasticized saturated polyester resins, polyurethane resins, plasticized polyurethane resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resins, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer resins, cycloolefin polymer resins, and ionomer resins. Polyvinyl acetal resins are preferably used. Examples of polyvinyl acetal resins include polyvinyl formal resins obtained by reacting polyvinyl alcohol (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "PVA" as needed) with formaldehyde, polyvinyl acetal resins in the narrow sense obtained by reacting PVA with acetaldehyde, and polyvinyl butyral resins (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "PVB" as needed) obtained by reacting PVA with n-butylaldehyde. PVB is particularly preferred.

[0028] The intermediate layer 13 may be a curable transparent resin also known as Optically Clear Resin (OCR) or Liquid Optically Clear Adhesive (LOCA), or a transparent adhesive sheet also known as Optically Clear Adhesive (OCA). The intermediate layer 13 may also contain functional particles such as an infrared absorber, an ultraviolet absorber, or a light-emitting agent. The intermediate layer 13 may also have a colored portion called a shade hand.

[0029] The thickness of the intermediate layer 13 is preferably 0.3 mm or more at its thinnest portion. When the thickness of the thinnest portion of the intermediate layer 13 is 0.3 mm or more, the impact resistance required for the laminated glass 10 is sufficient. The thickness of the intermediate layer 13 is preferably 3 mm or less at its thickest portion. When the maximum thickness of the intermediate layer 13 is 3 mm or less, the mass of the laminated glass 10 does not become too large. The maximum thickness of the intermediate layer 13 is more preferably 2.8 mm or less, and even more preferably 2.6 mm or less. Note that the thickness of the intermediate layer 13 refers to, for example, the thickness of the intermediate layer 13 only, excluding the thickness of the light control film 15. Therefore, the thickness of the intermediate layer 13 refers to the length obtained by subtracting the thickness T4 of the light control film 15 (see FIG. 3) from the thickness T3 (see FIG. 4) from the surface of the second intermediate layer 13B facing the second glass plate 12 to the surface of the first intermediate layer 13A facing the first glass plate 11.

[0030] The intermediate layer 13 may be one layer or may have two or more layers, particularly three or more layers. The first intermediate layer 13A and the second intermediate layer 13B included in the intermediate layer 13 are preferably all formed of the same material, but some or all of the first intermediate layer 13A and the second intermediate layer 13B may be formed of different materials. That is, the first intermediate layer 13A and the second intermediate layer 13B may be integrally formed or may be formed separately from each other.

[0031] (Shielding Layer) The shielding layer 14 is an opaque layer and can be provided, for example, in a strip shape along the peripheral edge of the laminated glass 10. For example, in a plan view, the shielding layer 14 overlaps the peripheral edge of the glass plate and the peripheral edge of the light control film 15. The shielding layer 14 is, for example, an opaque (e.g., black) colored ceramic. The shielding layer 14 may be a colored interlayer or colored film with light-blocking properties, or a combination of a colored interlayer and colored ceramic. The colored film may be integrated with an infrared reflective film or the like. The colored interlayer or colored film may be colored entirely, or the surface may be colored or painted.

[0032] The laminated glass 10 has an opaque shielding layer 14. The shielding layer 14 prevents ultraviolet light from deteriorating a resin such as urethane that holds the peripheral edge of the laminated glass 10 to the vehicle body. The shielding layer 14 also conceals the electrodes and wiring 33, 34 that are electrically connected to the light control film 15 so that they are difficult to see from at least one of the outside and the inside of the vehicle.

[0033] The shielding layer 14 can be formed, for example, by applying a ceramic color paste containing a fusible glass frit containing a black pigment onto a glass plate by screen printing or the like, and then firing the paste, but is not limited to this. The shielding layer 14 may also be formed, for example, by applying an organic ink containing a black or dark color pigment onto a glass plate by screen printing, inkjet printing, or the like, and then drying the ink.

[0034] In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the shielding layer 14 is provided on the peripheral edge of the surface (second surface) of the first glass sheet 11 facing the interior of the vehicle and on the peripheral edge of the surface (fourth surface) of the second glass sheet 12 facing the interior of the vehicle. However, the shielding layer 14 may be provided at any position, and may be provided on the surface (third surface) of the second glass sheet 12 facing the exterior of the vehicle, or between the first glass sheet 11 and the second glass sheet 12. Here, the region through which light passes when viewed from the direction from the interior of the vehicle cabin toward the exterior of the vehicle cabin (viewed in the Z direction) is defined as the opening region 14A. The opening region 14A is a region that does not overlap with the shielding layer 14. In the first embodiment, the shielding layer 14 is provided on the peripheral edge of the laminated glass 10, and therefore the region of the entire laminated glass 10 that is surrounded by the shielding layer 14 is the opening region 14A.

[0035] (Light Control Film) FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the light control film according to the first embodiment. The light control film 15 is a film capable of changing the light transmittance. The light control film 15 may be disposed over almost the entire laminated glass 10. The planar shape of the light control film 15 is, for example, a rectangle smaller than the planar shape of the laminated glass 10. However, the planar shape of the light control film 15 does not have to be rectangular. In a planar view, the peripheral portion of the light control film 15 is offset from the periphery toward the center of the laminated glass 10 by the amount of the frame-shaped third intermediate layer 13C. The light control film 15 is disposed over the entire opening region 14A. The peripheral portion of the light control film 15 is positioned so as to overlap with the shielding layer 14 in a planar view. Note that, although the light control film 15 is disposed on the laminated glass 10 in the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto and the light control film 15 may be used for any purpose.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3 , the light-controlling film 15 includes a first transparent substrate 16A, a first transparent electrode layer 17A, a light-controlling layer 18, a second transparent electrode layer 17B, and a second transparent substrate 16B, and is disposed between intermediate layers 13, 13. The light-controlling film 15 is stacked in the Z direction in the following order: second transparent substrate 16B, second transparent electrode layer 17B, light-controlling layer 18, first transparent electrode layer 17A, and first transparent substrate 16A. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first transparent substrate 16A and the second transparent substrate 16B, they will be referred to as substrate 16, and when there is no need to distinguish between the first transparent electrode layer 17A and the second transparent electrode layer 17B, they will be referred to as electrode layer 17. The light-controlling film 15 has electrodes connected thereto. The electrodes include a first electrode 31 connected to the first transparent electrode layer 17A and a second electrode 32 connected to the second transparent electrode layer 17B. The electrodes (first electrode 31 and second electrode 32) connected to the light control film 15 are connected to wiring 33 and 34 for connecting the electrodes to a control unit 35.

[0037] The thickness T4 of the light control film 15 is, for example, 0.05 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, and preferably 0.1 mm or more and 0.8 mm or less.

[0038] (Substrate) The first transparent substrate 16A and the second transparent substrate 16B are a pair of substrates that support the first transparent electrode layer 17A and the second transparent electrode layer 17B and sandwich the light-controlling layer 18. The first transparent substrate 16A is located further in the Z direction than the light-controlling layer 18, and the second transparent substrate 16B is located in the opposite direction from the light-controlling layer 18 in the Z direction.

[0039] The substrate 16 is preferably a transparent resin layer and preferably contains one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyamide, polyether, polysulfone polyethersulfone, polycarbonate, polystyrene, cyclic polyolefin, polyarylate, polyetherimide, polyetheretherketone, polyimide, aramid, polybutylene terephthalate, triacetyl cellulose, polyurethane, and cycloolefin polymer.

[0040] The first transparent base material 16A and the second transparent base material 16B may be made of the same material as described above, but are not limited to this and may be made of different materials.

[0041] The thickness T5 of each substrate 16 is, for example, 5 μm or more and 500 μm or less, preferably 10 μm or more and 200 μm or less, and more preferably 50 μm or more and 150 μm or less. If the substrate 16 is thick, the possibility of foaming or residual bubbles occurring increases, so by setting the thickness T5 to 500 μm or less, the possibility of foaming or residual bubbles occurring is reduced. Note that the first transparent substrate 16A and the second transparent substrate 16B have the same thickness T5, but the thicknesses may be different.

[0042] (Electrode Layer) The first transparent electrode layer 17A is formed on the surface of the first transparent substrate 16A facing away from the Z direction and is in contact with the surface of the light-controlling layer 18 facing away from the Z direction. The second transparent electrode layer 17B is formed on the surface of the second transparent substrate 16B facing away from the Z direction and is in contact with the surface of the light-controlling layer 18 facing away from the Z direction. That is, the first transparent electrode layer 17A and the second transparent electrode layer 17B are a pair of electrode layers sandwiching the light-controlling layer 18. The first transparent electrode layer 17A and the second transparent electrode layer 17B are connected to the control unit 35, and a voltage is applied between the two electrode layers from the control unit 35. The first transparent electrode layer 17A and the second transparent electrode layer 17B can be formed over the entire surfaces of the first transparent substrate 16A and the second transparent substrate 16B, respectively.

[0043] The electrode layer 17 may be made of, for example, a transparent conductive oxide (TCO), such as, but not limited to, tin-doped indium oxide (ITO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), or indium-doped cadmium oxide.

[0044] Transparent conductive polymers such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) or poly(4,4-dioctylcyclopentadithiophene) can also be suitably used for the electrode layer 17. Furthermore, a laminated film of a metal phase and a dielectric layer, silver nanowires, a metal mesh of silver or copper, or the like can also be suitably used for the electrode layer 17.

[0045] (Segments) FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a first transparent electrode layer according to the first embodiment in a plan view. The first transparent electrode layer 17A covers substantially the entire surface (surface in the Z direction) of the light-controlling layer 18, excluding the portion where the insulating portion 17A1 (described later) is formed. As shown in FIG. 4 , the first transparent electrode layer 17A includes a plurality of first segments 40. A segment is a divided portion of a transparent electrode layer. Therefore, the first segments 40 are divided regions that constitute a portion of the first transparent electrode layer 17A. The plurality of first segments 40 are electrically isolated from each other. The plurality of first segments 40 are connected to different first electrodes 31 (31A, 31B, 31C) and are independently applied with voltages by the control unit 35. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the first transparent electrode layer 17A includes a first non-conducting segment NS1. The first non-conducting segment NS1 is electrically isolated from the plurality of first segments 40 and is not connected to the first electrode 31. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the first transparent electrode layer 17A is divided into four regions: three first segments 40A, 40B, and 40C and one first non-conductive segment NS1. The first non-conductive segment NS1 is located at the edge of the first transparent electrode layer 17A. The first non-conductive segment NS1 can also be considered to be located at the edge of the light-controlling film. Because the first non-conductive segment NS1 is not connected to an electrode, it is a non-driven region to which no voltage is applied from the control unit 35. By providing the first non-conductive segment NS1 at the edge of the light-controlling film, the region to which voltage is continuously applied can be defined within the light-controlling film, improving long-term reliability and durability. For example, this helps prevent localized increases in leakage current, accelerated deterioration due to Joule heat, and unexpected current paths caused by moisture or other substances entering the region to which voltage is continuously applied from the edge of the light-controlling film. The first non-conductive segment NS1 may be provided as an optional component and is not a required component.

[0046] The first transparent electrode layer 17A can drive any one of the first segments 40A, 40B, and 40C, any two of the first segments 40A, 40B, and 40C, or all three of the first segments 40A, 40B, and 40C. In this specification, "driving" a segment means applying a voltage (also referred to as energizing) to the segment. The arrangement and shape of the first segments 40A, 40B, and 40C will be described later.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the second transparent electrode layer according to the first embodiment. The second transparent electrode layer 17B covers substantially the entire other surface (the surface opposite the Z direction) of the light-controlling layer 18, excluding the insulating portion 17A1. As shown in FIG. 5 , the second transparent electrode layer 17B includes a plurality of second segments 50. The second segments 50 are divided regions that constitute part of the second transparent electrode layer 17B. The second segments 50 are electrically isolated from one another. The second segments 50 are connected to separate second electrodes 32 (32A, 32B, 32C), and voltages are applied to each of the second segments 50 independently by the control unit 35. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the second transparent electrode layer 17B includes a second non-conducting segment NS2 that is electrically isolated from the second segments 50 and is not connected to the second electrode 32. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the second transparent electrode layer 17B is divided into four regions: three second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C and one second non-conducting segment NS2. The second non-conducting segment NS2 is located at the edge of the second transparent electrode layer 17B. The second non-conducting segment NS2 can also be considered to be located at the edge of the light-controlling film. Because the second non-conducting segment NS2 is not connected to an electrode, it is a non-driven region to which no voltage is applied from the control unit 35. By providing the second non-conducting segment NS2 at the edge of the light-controlling film, the region to which voltage is continuously applied can be defined within the light-controlling film, improving long-term reliability and durability. For example, this helps prevent localized increases in leakage current, accelerated deterioration due to Joule heat, and unexpected current paths caused by moisture or other substances entering the region to which voltage is continuously applied from the edge of the light-controlling film. The second non-conducting segment NS2 may be provided as an optional component and is not a required component. When providing the first non-conducting segment NS1 and the second non-conducting segment NS2, it is particularly effective to define them so as to form a frame-shaped region surrounding at least one dimming region in plan view. It is also particularly effective to define the first non-conducting segment NS1 and the second non-conducting segment NS2 so as to separate at least one dimming region from the electrodes (first electrode and second electrode) in plan view.Here, "divide" means that any line connecting the target dimming region and the electrode overlaps with at least one of the first non-conducting segment NS1 and the second non-conducting segment NS2. The area of ​​the dimming region enclosed or divided by the first non-conducting segment NS1 and the second non-conducting segment NS2 is preferably large; for example, the area is preferably 50% or more of the total area of ​​all dimming regions, more preferably 70% or more, and even more preferably 80% or more. The area of ​​the dimming region enclosed or divided by the first non-conducting segment NS1 and the second non-conducting segment NS2 may be, for example, 99% or less, 95% or less, or 90% or less.

[0048] The second transparent electrode layer 17B can drive any one of the second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C, any two of the second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C, or all three of the second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C. The arrangement and shape of the second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C will be described later.

[0049] Each segment may be formed by any method. For example, each segment may be formed by dividing the electrode layer 17 with an insulating portion 17A1. In other words, each segment may be electrically disconnected by being adjacent to the other segments via the insulating portion 17A1. In the example of FIG. 3 , the insulating portion 17A1 is an insulating member (insulating material) that divides the electrode layer 17. For example, each segment is formed by removing a single sheet-like transparent conductive film along the dividing lines (boundaries) of each segment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , and then placing the insulating portion 17A1 in the gaps created by the removing process. The removing process may be, for example, mechanical processing using a cutter or energy beam processing using a laser. The insulating portion 17A1 may be a gap without an insulating member (insulating material). Alternatively, the gap may be filled with a material contained in the light-control layer described below. Note that, in reality, the width of the insulating portion 17A1 is very small, so for ease of explanation, the width of the insulating portion 17A1 is exaggerated in FIG. 3 .

[0050] (Light Control Layer) As shown in Fig. 3, the light control layer 18 is a layer capable of changing the light transmittance and haze. The light control layer 18 is provided between the first transparent electrode layer 17A and the second transparent electrode layer 17B. The light control layer 18 may include a sealant (not shown) that seals the side surfaces of the light control layer 18. The light control layer 18 is, for example, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC). However, the light-controlling layer 18 is not limited to PDLC, and may be, for example, a polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC), a guest-host liquid crystal (GHLC), a suspended particle device (SPD), or an electrochromic (EC). For example, if the light-controlling layer 18 does not contain liquid crystal or the like and does not require a sealant, the sealant need not be provided. In this case, the outer edge of the light-controlling layer 18 becomes the edge of the light-controlling layer 18.

[0051] Polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) is a material that has an active layer in which liquid crystal droplets are dispersed within a transparent polymer medium. The alignment of the liquid crystal droplets held in the active layer changes when a voltage is applied to the electrode layer. As a result, the active layer changes the strength of scattering of incident light depending on the voltage applied to the electrode layer. The degree of light scattering can be expressed, for example, by haze.

[0052] Guest-host liquid crystal (GHLC) is a material with an active layer formed by mixing a dichroic dye (guest) that has anisotropic light absorption along the long and short axes of the molecules with a liquid crystal material (host). The orientation of the liquid crystal molecules held in the active layer changes when a voltage is applied to the electrode layer. As a result, the active layer changes the degree of absorption of incident light depending on the voltage applied to the electrode layer.

[0053] (Electrodes) The first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are connected to the electrode layer 17, and apply a voltage from an external device (controller 35) to the electrode layer 17. In the example of Fig. 1, the electrodes are located at the bottom (end in the Y2 direction) of the laminated glass 10, but the positions of the electrodes are not limited thereto and may be arbitrary. For example, the electrodes may be located on any side of the laminated glass 10 in a plan view.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 1, the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are disposed, for example, outside the opening region 14A in a plan view. The first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 may be disposed in a position overlapping with the shielding layer 14. As shown in Fig. 4, three first electrodes 31A, 31B, and 31C are connected to first segments 40A, 40B, and 40C of the first transparent electrode layer 17A, respectively. As shown in Fig. 5, three second electrodes 32A, 32B, and 32C are connected to second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C of the second transparent electrode layer 17B, respectively.

[0055] 6 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical connection between the first transparent electrode layer 17A and the second transparent electrode layer 17B. As shown in FIG. 6, the first electrodes 31A, 31B, and 31C are either positive or negative electrodes, and are connected to the control unit 35 via wiring 33. The second electrodes 32A, 32B, and 32C are the other positive or negative electrodes, and are connected to the control unit 35 via wiring 34. Note that the positive and negative electrodes are set for convenience of explanation, and the distinction need not be clear, for example, when the waveform changes periodically.

[0056] When a voltage is supplied from the control unit 35 to the light-switching layer 18 via the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32, the light transmittance of the light-switching layer 18 changes depending on the voltage.

[0057] The material of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive material, and examples thereof include metal materials. Examples of metal materials include gold, silver, copper, and tin. These metals may be plated, or may be alloys or composites with resin.

[0058] From the viewpoints of cost and availability, a metal ribbon or flat-braided metal wire such as copper can be suitably used for the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32. The metal ribbon or flat-braided metal wire may be plated. The first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 may be formed integrally with the wiring 33, 34 or may be formed separately. Furthermore, by using, for example, an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) as the wiring 33, 34, the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 can be formed separately from the wiring 33, 34.

[0059] The electrodes (first electrode 31, second electrode 32) can be bonded to the corresponding electrode layer 17 and, if necessary, to separately formed wirings 33, 34, by any of a conductive adhesive material (conductive adhesive layer), an anisotropic conductive film, and solder. The electrodes may also be in direct contact with the electrode layer 17 without the conductive adhesive material, anisotropic conductive film, or solder. Alternatively, the electrodes may be formed by a printing method such as screen printing, inkjet printing, offset printing, flexographic printing, or gravure printing.

[0060] The electrodes have a length and shape necessary and sufficient for conducting electricity to the electrode layer 17. The shape of the electrodes is not particularly limited and may be, for example, substantially rectangular or L-shaped. From the viewpoint of shortening the length of the wiring 33, 34, the electrodes are arranged, for example, substantially parallel to the peripheral edges of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 at positions where the segments converge. Furthermore, the number of first electrodes 31 arranged on the first transparent electrode layer 17A is the same as the number of first segments 40. In the first embodiment, since the number of first segments 40 is three, the number of first electrodes 31 is also three. The number of second electrodes 32 arranged on the second transparent electrode layer 17B is the same as the number of second segments 50. In the first embodiment, since the number of second segments 50 is three, the number of second electrodes 32 is also three.

[0061] The electrodes are preferably disposed in the Y1 direction at least 5 mm, and more preferably at least 8 mm, from the peripheral edges (edges) of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12. Such an arrangement reduces the risk of moisture entering from the peripheral edges of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12, causing corrosion of the electrodes or a short circuit between different potentials.

[0062] There is no particular limitation on the length of the electrode, but it is preferably 5 mm or more in order to ensure sufficient current-carrying function and improve workability.

[0063] The thickness of the electrode is preferably 0.05 mm to 0.4 mm. By making the thickness of the electrode 0.05 mm or more, sufficient strength can be obtained, thereby suppressing the occurrence of defects such as disconnection. Furthermore, by making the thickness of the electrode 0.4 mm or less, the thickness deviation between the electrode and other parts is reduced. This makes it possible to suppress stress generated in the first glass sheet 11 and the second glass sheet 12, and reduces the risk of the first glass sheet 11 and the second glass sheet 12 breaking.

[0064] The wirings 33 and 34 are connected at one end to the corresponding electrodes (first electrodes 31 and second electrodes 32) and at the other end to the control unit 35. The wirings 33 extend from the control unit 35 toward the first transparent electrode layer 17A in multiple numbers, i.e., the number of wirings 33 is the same as the number of first electrodes 31 (first segments). The wirings 34 extend from the control unit 35 toward the second transparent electrode layer 17B in multiple numbers, i.e., the number of wirings 34 is the same as the number of second electrodes 32 (second segments 50). From the viewpoint of applying the light control film to laminated glass, it is preferable that the total number of electrodes and wirings is not too large. The total number of electrodes is, for example, 30 or less, preferably 20 or less, and may be 16 or less, 12 or less, 10 or less, or 7 or less. The same applies to the total number of wirings.

[0065] 6 , the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are arranged on the same side of the outer periphery of the light-controlling layer 18 in a plan view. That is, the three first electrodes 31A, 31B, and 31C connected to the first segments 40A, 40B, and 40C of the first transparent electrode layer 17A are arranged on the first side 18A in the Y2 direction. Similarly, the three second electrodes 32A, 32B, and 32C connected to the second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C of the second transparent electrode layer 17B are arranged on the first side 18A. Therefore, the connections (wiring processes) of the wiring 33 and 34 to these first electrodes 31 and second electrodes 32 can be concentrated on the first side 18A.

[0066] (Control Unit) The control unit 35 controls the current and voltage. The control unit 35 also supplies electricity to the laminated glass 10. The control unit 35 may include, for example, a control device that controls the current and voltage, a switch 35A that switches the connection of each segment, a power supply unit 35B, a power switch, an operation button, etc. The control unit 35 is connected to the electrode layer 17. The control unit 35 applies a voltage to the electrode layer 17 to drive the light control layer 18 and perform light control.

[0067] Depending on the operation mode, the control unit 35 applies a constant voltage to the first transparent electrode layer 17A or applies different voltages to each segment. For example, the control unit 35 applies a constant voltage to each segment. This allows the laminated glass 10 (light control film 15) to transmit light at a constant level. In other words, a constant level of brightness can be obtained within the opening region 14A.

[0068] The control unit 35 selectively drives the desired segments. Specifically, the control unit 35 energizes one or more of the multiple first segments 40 in combination with one or more of the multiple second segments 50. As will be described later, different light control regions 60 are driven in the light control film 15 depending on the combination of segments energized. The light control region 60 refers to a region of the light control film 15 (light control layer 18) whose light transmittance changes in response to the application of voltage in a planar view. In this specification, "driving a light control region" means changing the light transmittance of the light control region by applying a voltage to the electrode layer.

[0069] The control unit 35 may also apply different voltages to each segment. For example, the control unit 35 may apply a first voltage to the first segment 40A and the second segment 50A, and a second voltage lower than the first voltage to the first segment 40B and the second segment 50B. This allows the light transmittance of the activated dimming region 60 to be changed in stages. Note that the magnitude of the applied voltage is not limited to this and may be any magnitude.

[0070] The control unit 35 may control the applied voltage based on, for example, sensors and navigation systems mounted on the vehicle, changes in the surrounding environment, the passage of time, etc. The control unit 35 may also control the voltage by combining the controls described above.

[0071] (Light Control Region) Next, the light control region 60 formed in the light control film 15 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0072] 4 and 5, the second segments 50 of the second transparent electrode layer 17B are formed in a different pattern in plan view from the first segments 40. The pattern here refers to the design of the electrode layer made up of the segments, i.e., the regularity of the planar shapes of the segments, or the planar shapes of each segment.

[0073] 4 , the first segment 40A, the first segment 40B, and the first segment 40C are arranged in order from the X2 direction to the X1 direction on the first side 18A in the Y2 direction of the light-switching layer 18. The first segment 40A extends in the X2 direction from a predetermined position on the first side 18A, bends in the Y1 direction, and then bends and extends again in the X1 direction. The first segments 40B and 40C each extend in the X2 direction from a predetermined position on the first side 18A, bends in the Y1 direction, extends in the X1 direction, bends again in the Y1 direction, extends in the X2 direction, and contacts the second side 18B adjacent to one end (the end in the X2 direction) of the first side 18A.

[0074] The first segments 40B, 40C extend from a first side 18A on the outer periphery of the light-switching layer 18 in plan view and contact a second side 18B adjacent to one end of the first side 18A.

[0075] 5 , the second segment 50C, the second segment 50B, and the second segment 50A are arranged in order from the X2 direction to the X1 direction on the first side 18A of the switchable layer 18. The second segment 50A extends in the X1 direction from a predetermined position on the first side 18A, bends in the Y1 direction, and then bends and extends again in the X2 direction. The second segments 50B and 50C each extend in the X1 direction from a predetermined position on the first side 18A, bends in the Y1 direction, extends in the X2 direction, bends again in the Y1 direction, extends again in the X1 direction, and contacts the third side 18C that is adjacent to the other end (X1 direction end) of the first side 18A.

[0076] The second segments 50B, 50C extend from a first side 18A on the outer periphery of the light-controlling layer 18 in plan view and contact a third side 18C adjacent to the other end of the first side 18A.

[0077] 4 and 5, the first segments 40A, 40B, and 40C of the first transparent electrode layer 17A and the second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C of the second transparent electrode layer 17B are generally symmetrical (bilaterally symmetrical) in the X direction. The first segment 40A and the second segment 50A extend from the X2-direction end and the X1-direction end of the switchable layer 18 toward the center, respectively, and locally overlap in the Z direction at the center of the switchable layer 18. The first segments 40B and 40C and the second segments 50B and 50C overlap at their portions extending in the X direction. The first segment 40A and the second segments 50B and 50C, and the second segment 50A and the first segments 40B and 40C overlap at their intersections.

[0078] That is, in the first embodiment, a pair formed by combining one of the plurality of first segments 40A, 40B, 40C with one of the plurality of second segments 50A, 50B, 50C has, in a planar view, an overlapping portion and a non-overlapping portion within the formation region of the light control layer 18. Then, the light control film 15 forms a light control region 60 by the overlapping portion between this first segment 40 and second segment 50.

[0079] 7 is a diagram illustrating the overlapping portion of the first pair of the first segment 40A and the second segment 50A. As shown in FIG. 7, the first pair of the first segment 40A and the second segment 50A has overlapping portions in the center of the photochromic layer 18 and near the center of the first edge 18A, and the remaining portions are non-overlapping portions. Therefore, the first pair of the first segment 40A and the second segment 50A forms a first photochromic region 61 and a photochromic region 71.

[0080] The first light control region 61 is separated from any side of the light control layer 18 in a planar view. Thus, in the first embodiment, the light control region 60 includes an island-shaped first light control region 61 separated from the outer periphery of the light control layer 18 in a planar view. According to the first embodiment, the island-shaped first light control region 61 can be formed without overlapping the peripheral edge of the light control film 15 with the opening region 14A, resulting in excellent aesthetics. Note that, in a planar view, the separation distance between the first light control region 61 and the side of the light control layer 18 may be 10 mm or more, 20 mm or more, 30 mm or more, 50 mm or more, 100 mm or more, or 200 mm or more. The side of the light control layer 18 that satisfies these separation distances may be at least one side of the side that constitutes the light control layer 18, but preferably two or more sides, more preferably three or more sides, and even more preferably all sides.

[0081] 8 is a diagram illustrating the overlapping portion of the second pair of the first segment 40B and the second segment 50B. As shown in FIG. 8 , the second pair of the first segment 40B and the second segment 50B has an overlapping portion extending in the X direction and adjacent to the first light control region 61 in the Y1 direction, an overlapping portion extending in the X direction and adjacent to the first light control region 61 in the Y2 direction, and an overlapping portion adjacent to the light control region 71 in the Y1 direction. The other portions of the first segment 40B and the second segment 50B are non-overlapping portions. Therefore, the second pair of the first segment 40B and the second segment 50B forms a first portion 62A of the second light control region 62 and a light control region 72, which will be described later. In this manner, the second pair of the first segment 40B and the second segment 50B forms a light control region (first portion 62A) adjacent to the first light control region 61.

[0082] 9 is a diagram illustrating the overlapping portion between the first segment 40A of the first pair and the second segment 50B of the second pair. As shown in FIG. 9, the pair of the first segment 40A and the second segment 50B has an overlapping portion extending in the Y direction adjacent to the first light control region 61 in the X2 direction and an overlapping portion adjacent to the light control region 71 in the X2 direction. The other portions of the first segment 40A and the second segment 50B are non-overlapping portions. Therefore, the pair of the first segment 40A and the second segment 50B forms a second portion 62B of the second light control region 62, which will be described later, and a light control region 73.

[0083] 10 is a diagram illustrating the overlapping portion between the first segment 40B of the second pair and the second segment 50A of the first pair. As shown in FIG. 10, the pair of the first segment 40B and the second segment 50A has an overlapping portion that extends in the Y direction and is adjacent to the first light control region 61 in the X1 direction, and an overlapping portion that is adjacent to the light control region 71 in the X2 direction. The other portions of the first segment 40B and the second segment 50A are non-overlapping portions. Therefore, the pair of the first segment 40B and the second segment 50A forms a third portion 62C of the second light control region 62, which will be described later, and a light control region 74.

[0084] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a dimming region by the first pair and the second pair.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 11 , in the first embodiment, the light control region 60 includes a frame-shaped second light control region 62 that surrounds the first light control region 61 .

[0086] Specifically, a first pair of first segment 40A and second segment 50A is driven to form an island-shaped first dimming region 61. Then, while the first pair is still driven, a second pair of first segment 40B and second segment 50B is additionally driven to form a second dimming region 62.

[0087] The second light control region 62 is configured to include a first portion 62A, a second portion 62B, and a third portion 62C. Although the first portion 62A, the second portion 62B, and the third portion 62C are each independent light control regions, in this specification, these regions are collectively referred to as the second light control region 62. As described above, the first portion 62A is formed by the second pair of the first segment 40B and the second segment 50B. The second portion 62B is formed by the first segment 40A of the first pair and the second segment 50B of the second pair. The third portion 62C is formed by the first segment 40B of the second pair and the second segment 50A of the first pair.

[0088] As described above, in the first embodiment, the first dimming region 61 is driven by applying a voltage only to the first pair. Then, both the first dimming region 61 and the second dimming region 62 are driven by applying a voltage to the first pair and the second pair. In the first embodiment, the first dimming region 61 and the second dimming region 62 are formed by one set of first pairs and one set of second pairs.

[0089] This allows the island-shaped first dimming region 61 in the center of the dimming layer 18 to be driven independently. Then, by additionally driving the second dimming region 62, the island-shaped dimming range can be expanded to be one size larger than the first dimming region 61. Conversely, by stopping the current flow to the second pair when both the first pair and the second pair are energized, the island-shaped dimming range can be reduced from the range of the second dimming region 62 to the range of the first dimming region 61.

[0090] As can be seen from Figures 7 to 10, if only the pair of first segment 40A and second segment 50B is energized, only the second portion 62B can be driven, and if only the pair of first segment 40B and second segment 50A is energized, only the third portion 62C can be driven.

[0091] In this way, the light control film 15 of the first embodiment forms a plurality of light control regions 60 with different shapes by combining different pairs of segments. As a result, by switching the combination of segments to be driven, it is possible to switch between transmission and blocking for various light control regions 60 with different positions and shapes. This makes it possible to realize light control regions 60 with complex designs.

[0092] 12 is a diagram illustrating the overlapping portion of the third pair of the first segment 40C and the second segment 50C. As shown in FIG. 12, the third pair of the first segment 40C and the second segment 50C has an overlapping portion extending in the X direction and adjacent to the second light control region 62 in the Y1 direction, an overlapping portion extending in the X direction and adjacent to the second light control region 62 in the Y2 direction, and an overlapping portion adjacent to the light control region 72 in the Y1 direction. The other portions of the first segment 40C and the second segment 50C are non-overlapping portions. Therefore, the third pair of the first segment 40C and the second segment 50C forms two fourth portions 63A that constitute the third light control region 63 (described later) and a light control region 75.

[0093] In the first embodiment, in addition to the first pair (first segment 40A, second segment 50A) and the second pair (first segment 40B, second segment 50B) shown in Figure 11, the third dimming area 63 can be driven by additionally energizing a third pair (first segment 40C, second segment 50C).

[0094] 13 is a plan view illustrating the third dimming region 63. The third dimming region 63 is composed of the overlapping portion of the third pair of first segment 40C and second segment 50C and the overlapping portions with other pairs of segments. That is, the third dimming region 63 includes a fourth portion 63A, a fifth portion 63B, a sixth portion 63C, a seventh portion 63D, and an eighth portion 63E.

[0095] As described above, the two fourth portions 63A are formed by the third pair of the first segment 40C and the second segment 50C. Furthermore, the first segment 40C forms a fifth portion 63B by overlapping with the second segment 50A of the first pair. The first segment 40C forms two sixth portions 63C by overlapping with the second segment 50B of the second pair.

[0096] The second segment 50C forms a seventh portion 63D with the overlapping portion with the first segment 40A of the first pair. The second segment 50C forms two eighth portions 63E with the overlapping portion with the first segment 40B of the second pair.

[0097] In this way, in the first embodiment, the first dimming region 61, the second dimming region 62, and the third dimming region 63 are driven by applying voltages to the first pair, the second pair, and the third pair.

[0098] By additionally driving the third dimming region 63, the dimming range can be expanded to further increase the size of the second dimming region 62. Conversely, by stopping the current flow to the third pair when the current is flowing to the first pair, second pair, and third pair, the dimming range can be reduced from the third dimming region 63 to the second dimming region 62.

[0099] 13 , the combined area of ​​the first light control region 61, the second light control region 62, and the third light control region 63 corresponds to the opening region 14A of the shielding layer 14. In plan view, the shielding layer 14 covers the entire light control layer 18 except for the first light control region 61, the second light control region 62, and the third light control region 63. That is, in plan view, the shielding layer 14 includes a first shielding portion MS1 ​​that covers the region of the light control film 15 outside the light control region 60 (the region where the first non-conducting segment NS1 and the second non-conducting segment NS2 are formed). Furthermore, the light control regions 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, etc. formed near the first side 18A are located outside the opening region 14A and are covered by the shielding layer 14, and therefore cannot be seen from the outside. That is, the shielding layer 14 includes a second shielding portion MS2 that covers part of the light control region 60 (light control regions 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75) in a plan view.

[0100] (Method for manufacturing laminated glass) Next, a method for manufacturing the laminated glass 10 described above will be described. To manufacture the laminated glass 10, a laminate is prepared by sandwiching the intermediate layer 13 and the light control film 15 between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12. Then, for example, this laminate is placed in a rubber bag and pre-pressed at a temperature of approximately 50°C to 100°C in a vacuum with a gauge pressure of -100 kPa to -65 kPa. The heating conditions, temperature conditions, vacuum conditions, and lamination method for the pre-pressing are appropriately selected in consideration of the properties of the light control layer 18 so as not to deteriorate during lamination. The pre-pressing step may be performed using a nip roller or the like instead of a rubber bag.

[0101] Furthermore, by performing a heating and pressing treatment in an autoclave under conditions of, for example, 80° C. to 150° C. and a pressure of 0.6 MPa to 1.3 MPa, a more durable laminated glass 10 can be obtained. However, in some cases, this heating and pressing step may not be used in consideration of simplification of the process and the properties of the material to be sealed in the laminated glass 10.

[0102] In the process of producing the laminate, when a transparent adhesive sheet (OCA) is used as the intermediate layer 13, a laminate may be produced by first producing a first laminate in which the light control film 15 is attached to the second glass plate 12 via a second intermediate layer 13B that becomes part of the intermediate layer 13, and then attaching the first glass plate 11 to the light control film 15 of the first laminate via a first intermediate layer 13A that becomes part of the intermediate layer 13. In this case, an adhesive film may be used for the intermediate layer 13.

[0103] The temperature and vacuum conditions are appropriately selected so as not to deteriorate the stack, taking into consideration the properties of the intermediate layer 13 and the photochromic layer 18. A frame-shaped third intermediate layer 13C may also be added, positioned between the first intermediate layer 13A and the second intermediate layer 13B and surrounding the outer periphery of the photochromic layer 18.

[0104] Furthermore, when a curable transparent resin (OCR) is used as the intermediate layer 13 in the process of producing the laminate, for example, the position of the light control film 15 is fixed in the space between the second glass plate 12 and the first glass plate 11. Then, the periphery of the space between the second glass plate 12 and the first glass plate 11 is sealed with tape or the like to separate the space from the outside. Then, the curable transparent resin is poured into the space to fill it with the curable transparent resin. The curable transparent resin is then cured to form the intermediate layer 13. Note that any method for curing the curable transparent resin may be used, and examples thereof include heat curing, light curing, and moisture curing.

[0105] When the laminated glass 10 has a curved shape, the first glass sheet 11 and the second glass sheet 12 may be bent by a conventionally known bending method. For example, the first glass sheet 11 and the second glass sheet 12 may be stacked and placed in a ring-shaped mold, heated to a temperature above their softening point, and bent by their own weight. Alternatively, the first glass sheet 11 and the second glass sheet 12 may be press-molded individually or together while heated.

[0106] The above-described manufacturing process for the laminated glass 10 is an example, and the laminated glass 10 may be manufactured using, for example, a cold bending method.

[0107] (Other Examples) Next, other examples of the embodiment will be described. In particular, variations in the division patterns of the first segments 40 and the second segments 50 and variations in the dimming areas 60 formed thereby will be described. In the other examples, descriptions of parts that are common to the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

[0108] (First Example) Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of another division pattern of the first segments 40 and the second segments 50. Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a dimming region 60 according to the first example.

[0109] 14, the first example shows a division pattern based on a triangular shape. The first segments 40A, 40B, and 40C extend in the X2 direction from a predetermined position on the first side 18A, protrude in the X1 direction from the second side 18B or near the second side 18B, and form a triangular pattern with a vertex near the third side 18C. The second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C extend in the X1 direction from a predetermined position on the first side 18A, protrude in the X2 direction from the third side 18C or near the third side 18C, and form a triangular pattern with a vertex near the second side 18B.

[0110] 15 , a first pair of first segment 40A and second segment 50A forms a diamond-shaped first dimming region 61. The first pair and a second pair of first segment 40B and second segment 50B form a diamond-shaped, frame-shaped second dimming region 62 that surrounds first dimming region 61. Second dimming region 62 includes a first portion 102A, a second portion 102B, and a third portion 102C. The first pair, the second pair, and a third pair of first segment 40C and second segment 50C form a diamond-shaped, frame-shaped third dimming region 63 that surrounds second dimming region 62. Third dimming region 63 includes a fourth portion 103A, a fifth portion 103B, a sixth portion 103C, a seventh portion 103D, and an eighth portion 103E.

[0111] For example, the shielding layer 14 has a first shielding portion MS1 ​​that forms a diamond-shaped opening region 14A that corresponds to the outer shape of the third light control region 63. This realizes a diamond-shaped design that allows for stepwise dimming from the center to the outer periphery. However, the outer shape of the third light control region 63 and the outer shape of the opening region 14A do not necessarily have to be the same.

[0112] (Second Example) Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of another division pattern, and Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining a light control region 60 according to the second example.

[0113] As shown in Fig. 16, the second example shows a division pattern based on an ellipse. Note that the concept of an ellipse includes a perfect circle. An ellipse whose major axis and minor axis are equal in length is a perfect circle.

[0114] The first segments 40A, 40B, and 40C extend in the X2 direction from predetermined positions on the first side 18A to the vicinity of the second side 18B, protrude in the X1 direction from the second side 18B or the vicinity of the second side 18B, and are formed in an arc-shaped pattern having a vertex near the third side 18C. The second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C extend in the X1 direction from predetermined positions on the first side 18A to the vicinity of the third side 18C, protrude in the X2 direction from the third side 18C or the vicinity of the third side 18C, and are formed in an arc-shaped pattern having a vertex near the second side 18B.

[0115] 17 , a first pair of first segment 40A and second segment 50A forms an elliptical first dimming region 61. The first pair and a second pair of first segment 40B and second segment 50B form an elliptical, frame-shaped second dimming region 62 that surrounds first dimming region 61. Second dimming region 62 includes first portion 112A, second portion 112B, and third portion 112C. The first pair, second pair, and a third pair of first segment 40C and second segment 50C form an elliptical, frame-shaped third dimming region 63 that surrounds second dimming region 62. Third dimming region 63 includes fourth portion 113A, fifth portion 113B, sixth portion 113C, seventh portion 113D, and eighth portion 113E.

[0116] For example, the shielding layer 14 has a first shielding portion MS1 ​​that forms an elliptical opening region 14A that corresponds to the outer shape of the third light control region 63. This achieves an elliptical design that allows for stepwise dimming from the center to the outer periphery. However, the outer shape of the third light control region 63 and the outer shape of the opening region 14A do not necessarily have to be the same.

[0117] (Third Example) Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of another division pattern. Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating a light control region 60 according to the third example. Note that in the above-described examples, the first segment 40 and the second segment 50 extend from the same side (first side 18A) and the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 can be aggregated on one side (first side 18A). However, in the following examples, examples will be shown in which the first segment 40 and the second segment 50 contact different sides of the light control layer 18. In these examples, the first segment 40 and the second segment 50 may also be configured to contact the same side.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 18, the third example shows a division pattern based on an obliquely slanted rectangular shape.

[0119] The first segments 40A, 40B, and 40C are formed in a rectangular pattern extending from a corner C1 between the fourth side 18D and the second side 18B toward a diagonal corner C2. The fourth side 18D is the side opposite the first side 18A in the Y direction. That is, the first segments 40A, 40B, and 40C extend diagonally from the upper left corner to the lower right corner of the photochromic layer 18 in FIG. 18 . The second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C are formed in a rectangular pattern extending from a corner C2 between the first side 18A and the third side 18C toward a diagonal corner C1. That is, the second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C extend diagonally from the lower right corner to the upper left corner of the photochromic layer 18 in FIG. 18 . The first segments 40A, 40B, 40C and the second segments 50A, 50B, 50C are formed in a symmetrical pattern with respect to a diagonal line connecting the corner C3 between the first side 18A and the second side 18B and the corner C4 between the fourth side 18D and the third side 18C.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 19 , a first pair of first segment 40A and second segment 50A forms a diamond-shaped (diagonally tilted rectangle) first dimming region 61. The first pair and a second pair of first segment 40B and second segment 50B form a diamond-shaped, frame-shaped second dimming region 62 that surrounds first dimming region 61. Second dimming region 62 includes first portion 122A, second portion 122B, and third portion 122C. The first pair, second pair, and a third pair of first segment 40C and second segment 50C form a diamond-shaped, frame-shaped third dimming region 63 that surrounds second dimming region 62. Third dimming region 63 includes fourth portion 123A, fifth portion 123B, sixth portion 123C, seventh portion 123D, and eighth portion 123E.

[0121] In this way, the third example is an example in which a scalable diamond-shaped light control area 60 is formed in a division pattern different from that of the first example in FIGS.

[0122] (Fourth Example) Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth example of another division pattern, and Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining a light control area 60 according to the fourth example.

[0123] In the above examples, the first segment 40 and the second segment 50 are formed in a symmetrical division pattern, such as bilateral symmetry or diagonal symmetry, but the fourth example shows an asymmetrical division pattern.

[0124] 20, the first segments 40A, 40B, and 40C are formed in a rectangular pattern extending in the X1 direction from the second side 18B toward the third side 18C, while the second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C are formed in a rectangular pattern extending in the Y2 direction from the fourth side 18D toward the first side 18A.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 21 , a first pair of first segment 40A and second segment 50A forms a rectangular first dimming region 61. The first pair and a second pair of first segment 40B and second segment 50B form a diamond-shaped, frame-shaped second dimming region 62 that surrounds first dimming region 61. Second dimming region 62 includes a first portion 132A, a second portion 132B, and a third portion 132C. The first pair, the second pair, and a third pair of first segment 40C and second segment 50C form a diamond-shaped, frame-shaped third dimming region 63 that surrounds second dimming region 62. Third dimming region 63 includes a fourth portion 133A, a fifth portion 133B, a sixth portion 133C, a seventh portion 133D, and an eighth portion 133E.

[0126] In this way, the fourth example is an example in which a scalable rectangular dimming area 60 is formed in a pattern different from that shown in FIG.

[0127] (Fifth Example) Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a fifth example of another division pattern, and Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram for explaining a light control area 60 according to the fifth example.

[0128] The above examples show an example in which a triple concentric dimming area 60 is formed by an island-shaped first dimming area 61 and a second dimming area 62 and a third dimming area 63 surrounding the first dimming area 61, but the fifth example shows an example in which a dimming area 60 with a different pattern is formed.

[0129] As shown in Figure 22, the first segments 40A, 40B, and 40C are formed in a pattern extending from the second side 18B in the X1 direction, then bending toward the Y1 direction near the center to contact the fourth side 18D. In the fifth example, the first segment 40B, the first segment 40A, and the first segment 40C are arranged in this order along the second side 18B in the Y1 direction. Meanwhile, the second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C are formed in a pattern extending from the third side 18C in the X2 direction, then bending toward the Y2 direction to contact the first side 18A. In the fifth example, the second segment 50C, the second segment 50A, and the second segment 50B are arranged in this order along the third side 18C in the Y1 direction.

[0130] 23 , a first pair of a first segment 40A and a second segment 50A forms a rectangular first dimming region 61. Three pairs, namely, the first pair, a second pair of a first segment 40B and a second segment 50B, and a third pair of a first segment 40C and a second segment 50C, form a rectangular, frame-shaped second dimming region 62 that surrounds the first dimming region 61.

[0131] The second dimming region 62 includes a first portion 142A, a second portion 142B, a third portion 142C, and a fourth portion 142D. The first pair and the second pair form the dimming regions 60, each consisting of the first portion 142A, the second portion 142B, and the third portion 142C. Therefore, when the first pair and the second pair are energized, the second dimming region 62 is driven, excluding the two fourth portions 142D at the upper left and lower right corners of the dimming layer 18 in FIG. 23 . When the third pair is additionally energized, the two fourth portions 142D at the upper left and lower right corners are driven. In other words, when the first pair, the second pair, and the third pair are energized, the first dimming region 61 and the entire frame-shaped second dimming region 62 are dimmed.

[0132] In this fifth example, the first segment 40C and the second segment 50C do not overlap with each other and have no overlapping portion. The first segment 40C has an overlapping portion with the second segment 50B that corresponds to one of the fourth portions 142D. The second segment 50C has an overlapping portion with the first segment 40B that corresponds to the other of the fourth portions 142D.

[0133] (Sixth Example) Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a sixth example of another division pattern. Fig. 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating a light control region 60 according to the sixth example. Fig. 26 is a schematic diagram showing an example of forming the shielding layer 14 in the sixth example.

[0134] In each of the above examples, the division pattern is such that the first segment 40A is surrounded by other first segments 40B or 40C, but in this sixth example, the first segment 40A has a portion that is not surrounded by other first segments.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 24 , the first transparent electrode layer 17A includes first segments 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, and 40E. The first segment 40A extends in the X1 direction from the center of the second side 18B. The first segment 40B is adjacent to the first segment 40A in the Y1 direction, and the first segment 40C is adjacent to the first segment 40A in the Y2 direction. The first segment 40B and the first segment 40C extend in the X1 direction from the second side 18B but are shorter than the first segment 40A. The first segment 40D is adjacent to the first segment 40B in the Y1 direction, and the first segment 40E is adjacent to the first segment 40C in the Y2 direction. The first segments 40D and 40E extend in the X1 direction from the second side 18B and then bend, with their tips adjacent to the first segment 40A in the Y direction. The tip of the first segment 40A in the X1 direction is not surrounded by the other first segments 40B to 40E.

[0136] Similarly, the second transparent electrode layer 17B includes second segments 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, and 50E. Each of the second segments 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, and 50E extends in the X2 direction from the third side 18C and has a pattern that is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the first segments 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, and 40E. The tip of the second segment 50A in the X2 direction is not surrounded by the other second segments 50B to 50E.

[0137] As shown in Figure 25, a first pair of first and second segments 40A and 50A form a rectangular dimming region 64A (first dimming region). A second pair of first and second segments 40B and 50B form a dimming region 64B adjacent to dimming region 64A in the Y1 direction and extending in the X direction. A third pair of first and second segments 40C and 50C form a dimming region 64C adjacent to dimming region 64A in the Y2 direction and extending in the X direction. A fourth pair of first and second segments 40D and 50D form a dimming region 64D adjacent to dimming region 64B in the Y1 direction and extending in the X direction. A fifth pair of first and second segments 40E and 50E form a dimming region 64E adjacent to dimming region 64C in the Y2 direction and extending in the X direction.

[0138] Additionally, a sixth pair of the first segment 40B and the second segment 50D and a seventh pair of the first segment 40D and the second segment 50B form a dimming region 64F adjacent to the dimming region 64B in the X direction. An eighth pair of the first segment 40C and the second segment 50E and a ninth pair of the first segment 40E and the second segment 50C form a dimming region 64G adjacent to the dimming region 64C in the X direction.

[0139] 26 , in the sixth example, the shielding layer 14 includes second shielding portions MS2A and MS2B that cover a portion of the light control region 60 in a plan view. The second shielding portion MS2A overlaps with the second side 18B of the light control layer 18 and extends in the Y direction from the first side 18A to the fourth side 18D. The second shielding portion MS2A covers the X2-direction ends of the light control regions 64A to 64E. The second shielding portion MS2B overlaps with the third side 18C of the light control layer 18 and extends in the Y direction from the first side 18A to the fourth side 18D. The second shielding portion MS2B covers the X1-direction ends of the light control regions 64A to 64E. The second shielding portions MS2A and MS2B of the shielding layer 14 form an opening region 14B that exposes a portion of the light control region 60 of the light control film 15 and covers another portion of the light control region 60. The second shielding portions MS2A and MS2B allow the shape of the dimming area 60 (the shape of the portion exposed from the shielding layer 14) that is visible when viewing the laminated glass 10 from the outside to be a shape that is independent of the shape of the overlapping portions of each segment.

[0140] 26, strip-shaped light control regions 64A to 64E that are equal in length in the X direction and aligned in the Y direction are formed within the opening region 14B. This allows the light control regions 64A to 64E to be visually recognized as having a blind-like shape.

[0141] (Seventh Example) Fig. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a seventh example of another division pattern. Fig. 28 is a schematic diagram illustrating a dimming region 60 according to the seventh example. In the seventh example, pairs each formed by combining one of the plurality of first segments 40 with one of the plurality of second segments 50 overlap at multiple locations in a plan view, thereby forming multiple dimming regions 60 that are separated from one another.

[0142] 27 , the first transparent electrode layer 17A includes first segments 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D. Each of the first segments 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D extends in the Y direction from the first side 18A to the fourth side 18D of the switchable layer 18. Each of the first segments 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D has a shape that extends in a zigzag pattern in the Y direction. A shape that extends in a zigzag pattern in the Y direction means that any side of the segment is repeatedly bent alternately in the X1 direction and the X2 direction, and extends in the Y direction as a whole.

[0143] The first segment 40A has a straight X2-direction side that is in contact with the second side 18B, and a zigzag X1-direction side. The first segment 40B is adjacent to the first segment 40A in the X1 direction and extends zigzag in both the X1 and X2 directions. The first segment 40C is adjacent to the first segment 40B in the X1 direction and has the same shape as the first segment 40B. The first segment 40D is adjacent to the first segment 40C in the X1 direction and has a zigzag X2-direction side that is in contact with the third side 18C and extends straight. In the seventh example, the first non-conducting segment NS1 is not provided, and the first segments 40A to 40D substantially cover the entire switchable layer 18 (opening region 14A).

[0144] The second transparent electrode layer 17B includes second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C and sub-segments 51 and 52. Each segment extends in the Y direction from the first side 18A to the fourth side 18D of the switchable layer 18. Each segment has a shape that extends in a zigzag pattern in the Y direction. The sub-segment 51, second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C, and sub-segment 52 are arranged in this order in the X1 direction. In the seventh example, the second non-conducting segment NS2 is not provided, and the second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C and the sub-segments 51 and 52 substantially cover the entire switchable layer 18 (opening region 14A).

[0145] The second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C extend in a zigzag pattern in both the X1 and X2 directions. The second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C have a shape that is the left-right (X-direction) inversion of the first segments 40B and 40C. The sub-segment 51 is tangent to the second edge 18B, and its X1-direction edge extends in a zigzag pattern. The sub-segment 51 entirely overlaps with a portion of the first segment 40A. The sub-segment 52 is tangent to the third edge 18C, and its X2-direction edge extends in a zigzag pattern. The sub-segment 52 entirely overlaps with a portion of the first segment 40D. A sub-segment is a segment that entirely overlaps with another segment and has no non-overlapping portions. Therefore, when a segment with an overlapping sub-segment and the sub-segment are energized together, a dimming region of the same shape as the sub-segment is formed.

[0146] In this way, in the seventh example, the direction of the zigzag parting lines PL1 of the first transparent electrode layer 17A and the direction of the zigzag parting lines PL2 of the second transparent electrode layer 17B are opposite to each other in the X direction. Also, in the X direction, the positions of the first segments 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D and the positions of the second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C are shifted by one width of the zigzag parting lines PL1 and PL2.

[0147] As a result, as shown in FIG. 28 , pairs of first and second segments 40 and 50 that partially overlap each other have multiple diamond-shaped overlapping portions. FIG. 28 illustrates the overlapping portion of a pair of a first segment 40B and a second segment 50B, and the overlapping portion of a pair of a first segment 40C and a second segment 50B. Thus, in the seventh example, pairs each consisting of a combination of one of the multiple first segments 40 and one of the multiple second segments 50 overlap at multiple locations in a plan view, thereby forming multiple separate dimming regions 60. In this seventh example, the multiple dimming regions 60 formed by one pair are regularly arranged in a predetermined pattern. In FIG. 28 , the multiple dimming regions 60 are arranged in a linear pattern along the Y direction. The other segment pairs are similar to FIG. 28 .

[0148] By selectively energizing one or more of the first segments 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D and one or more of the second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C, dimming can be performed in various patterns as shown in Figures 29 to 31. Figure 29 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a dimming pattern according to the seventh example. Figure 30 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of a dimming pattern according to the seventh example. Figure 31 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of a dimming pattern according to the seventh example.

[0149] For example, Fig. 29 shows an example in which all first segments 40, all second segments 50, and sub-segments 51 and 52 are energized to dim the entire opening region 14A in the driven dimming region 60. Fig. 30 shows an example in which all first segments 40 and all second segments 50 are energized, and the sub-segments 51 and 52 are de-energized. In this case, a dimming pattern is formed with a wide driven portion in the center in the X direction. Zigzag non-driven portions (portions with low light transmittance) are formed at both ends in the X direction.

[0150] In Fig. 31, the first segments 40A, 40C, and 40D are energized, and the first segment 40B is de-energized. Then, the second segments 50A, 50B and the sub-segment 52 are energized, and the second segment 50C and the sub-segment 51 are de-energized. This forms a dimming pattern in which three of the rows of the dimming regions 60 shown in Fig. 28 are driven. In this way, in the seventh example, a wide variety of dimming patterns can be formed, such as forming a dimming pattern in a regularly arranged row, or forming a dimming pattern in which the light transmittance of most of the opening region 14A is increased or decreased.

[0151] (Eighth Example) Fig. 32 is a schematic diagram showing an eighth example of another division pattern, and Fig. 33 is a schematic diagram for explaining a light control region 60 according to the eighth example.

[0152] In the eighth example, light control areas 65A (see FIG. 33) of an arbitrary shape are regularly arranged.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 32 , the first transparent electrode layer 17A includes first segments 40A, 40B, and 40C. The first segments 40A, 40B, and 40C have the same shape and extend in the X direction from the second side 18B to the third side 18C. The first segments 40A, 40B, and 40C include a feature portion E1 and a connection portion E2. Multiple feature portions E1 are arranged at intervals along the segment extension direction (X direction). The connection portions E2 extend linearly in the X direction and connect the feature portions E1. The feature portion E1 is a portion of any shape that matches the shape of the dimming region 65A and is circular in FIG. 32 . However, because the circular feature portion E1 is connected to the connection portions E2 at both ends in the X direction, the circular outline only extends over approximately a quarter arc in the Y1 direction and approximately a quarter arc in the Y2 direction.

[0154] The first transparent electrode layer 17A further includes first segments 40D, 40E, 40F, and 40G. The first segments 40D, 40E, 40F, and 40G are portions of the region overlapping with the light-controlling layer 18 excluding the first segments 40A, 40B, and 40C.

[0155] The second transparent electrode layer 17B includes second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C. The second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C have the same shape and extend in the Y direction from the first side 18A to the fourth side 18D. The second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C include a feature portion E3 having the same shape (i.e., circular) as the feature portion E1, and a connection portion E4. Multiple feature portions E3 are arranged at intervals along the segment extension direction (Y direction). The connection portions E4 extend linearly in the Y direction and connect each feature portion E3. In the second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C, the circular feature portion E3 is connected to the connection portions E4 at both ends in the Y direction, so the circular outline of each segment only extends over approximately a quarter arc in the X1 direction and approximately a quarter arc in the X2 direction. The characteristic portion E3 of the second transparent electrode layer 17B is disposed at a position overlapping (the same position as) the characteristic portion E1 of the first transparent electrode layer 17A in plan view.

[0156] The second transparent electrode layer 17B further includes second segments 50D, 50E, 50F, and 50G. The second segments 50D, 50E, 50F, and 50G are portions of the region overlapping with the light-controlling layer 18 excluding the second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C.

[0157] As shown in FIG. 33 , the light control region 60 of the light control film 15 according to the eighth example includes a light control region 65A, a light control region 65B, and a light control region 65C. The intersections of each pair of first segments 40A, 40B, and 40C and second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C, i.e., the feature portions E1 and E3, form overlapping portions, forming the light control region 65A. The light control regions 65A are arranged in a matrix of three rows and three columns. The light control region 65A has a circular shape, reflecting the shapes of the feature portions E1 and E3. The outline of the light control region 65A is a combination of the outlines of both ends of the feature portion E1 in the Y direction and the outlines of both ends of the feature portion E3 in the X direction. Thus, in the eighth example, by making the feature portions E1 and E3 overlapping, an arrangement of light control regions 65A of a desired shape can be formed. In FIG. 33, the characteristic portions E1 and E3 are circular, and a circular dimming area 65A is formed, but the shape of the characteristic portions E1 and E3 is arbitrary, and they may be star-shaped or the like.

[0158] In each pair consisting of a first segment 40A, 40B, 40C and a second segment 50D, 50E, 50F, 50G, the overlapping portion is the connection E2. Similarly, in each pair consisting of a second segment 50A, 50B, 50C and a first segment 40D, 40E, 40F, 40G, the overlapping portion is the connection E4. These overlapping portions form a dimming region 65B that reflects the shapes of the connection E2 and the connection E4. The dimming region 65B corresponding to the connection E2 has a linear shape extending in the X direction. The dimming region 65B corresponding to the connection E4 has a linear shape extending in the Y direction.

[0159] Each pair of first segments 40D, 40E, 40F, and 40G and second segments 50D, 50E, 50F, and 50G forms a light control region 65C that corresponds to the remaining portion of the region that overlaps with light control layer 18. Light control region 65C is divided into 16 divided regions by light control region 65A and light control region 65B, and each divided region is rectangular.

[0160] FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modification of the eighth example. As shown in FIG. 34, the widths of the connecting portions E2 and E4 may be reduced. In this case, the width of the dimming region 65B is reduced, and the shape of the dimming region 65A is relatively emphasized. Therefore, even when the dimming regions 65A and 65B, which are connected to each other, are driven simultaneously, the shape of the dimming region 65A (circular in the eighth example) can be clearly seen.

[0161] In addition, in the eighth example, the connecting portions E2 and E4 do not have to be provided. In other words, the first segments 40A, 40B, and 40C may be composed of only a plurality of feature portions E1. In this case, the X-direction ends of adjacent feature portions E1 are directly connected to each other. Similarly, the second segments 50A, 50B, and 50C may be composed of only a plurality of feature portions E3. In this case, the Y-direction ends of adjacent feature portions E3 are directly connected to each other. As a result, the light control film 15 (opening region 14A) as a whole has a shape in which the light control regions 65A are arranged so that they are in contact with each other.

[0162] (Effects) The light control film 15 according to the first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first transparent electrode layer 17A and a second transparent electrode layer 17B to which a voltage is applied, and a light control layer 18 provided between the first transparent electrode layer 17A and the second transparent electrode layer 17B, wherein the first transparent electrode layer 17A includes a plurality of first segments 40, and the second transparent electrode layer 17B includes a plurality of second segments 50 formed in a pattern different from that of the plurality of first segments 40 in a planar view, and a pair formed by a combination of any one of the plurality of first segments 40 and any one of the plurality of second segments 50 has an overlapping portion and a non-overlapping portion in a formation region of the light control layer 18 in a planar view, and the overlapping portion forms a light control region 60. In the light control film 15 according to the present disclosure, the first segments 40 and the second segments 50 are partially overlapped, and the overlapping portion forms the light control region 60. Therefore, the shape of the light control region 60 can be determined by the shape of the overlapping portion without being limited to the planar shape of a single segment. Therefore, compared to when the light control region 60 is formed in the shape of the first segment 40 or the second segment 50 itself, the light control region 60 can be formed in a wider variety of shapes.

[0163] The light control film 15 according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is the light control film 15 according to the first aspect, in which different combinations of pairs form a plurality of light control regions 60 with different shapes. As a result, by switching the pair to which a voltage is applied, light control regions 60 with different shapes are driven, thereby realizing a wider variety of light control patterns.

[0164] The light control film 15 according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the light control film 15 according to the first or second aspect, in which the light control region 60 includes, in a plan view, an island-shaped first light control region 61 that is separated from the outer peripheral edge of the light control layer 18. This makes it possible to form the island-shaped first light control region 61 without forming one or both of the first segment 40 and the second segment 50 in an island-shaped form that is separated from the outer peripheral edge of the light control layer 18.

[0165] That is, to realize the island-shaped first dimming region 61 as shown in FIG. 13 , it is usually necessary to provide island-shaped segments separated from the outer periphery of the dimming layer 18. FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram showing a comparative example in which island-shaped segments SEG are provided. As shown in FIG. 35 , when providing segments SEG separated from the outer periphery (first side 18A to fourth side 18D) of the dimming layer 18, the electrodes ELE of the segments SEG must be disposed within the opening region 14A and wiring must be performed within the opening region 14A. In this case, even if a transparent material is used for the electrodes ELE and wiring, the electrodes ELE and wiring will stand out due to differences in light transmittance and color tone compared to other parts, impairing the design.

[0166] In contrast, in the light control film 15 according to the third embodiment, the segments themselves are not formed in an island shape, but the overlapping portions of the first segment 40 and the second segment 50 are formed in an island shape, thereby forming an island-shaped light control region 60. Because the first segment 40 and the second segment 50 can be extended to the outer periphery of the light control layer 18, the electrodes (first electrode 31, second electrode 32) and wiring 33, 34 can be arranged outside the opening region 14A. Therefore, the design is not impaired as in the comparative example of FIG.

[0167] The light control film 15 according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the light control film 15 according to the third aspect, wherein the light control region 60 further includes a frame-shaped second light control region 62 (see FIG. 11 ) surrounding the first light control region 61. This not only switches the light transmittance of the island-shaped first light control region 61 between high and low, but also makes it possible to switch the light control pattern as if expanding or contracting the range of the first light control region 61. This allows for more flexible light control patterns to be realized.

[0168] A light control film 15 according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the light control film 15 according to the fourth aspect, wherein the plurality of first segments 40 and the plurality of second segments 50 include, in a planar view, a first pair that forms a first light control region 61 and a second pair that forms a second light control region 62 adjacent to the first light control region 61. Applying a voltage to the first pair and the second pair controls the dimming of both the first and second light control regions 61 and 62. Driving the second pair in addition to the first pair enables light control switching that isotropically expands the island-shaped light control pattern. Stopping driving the second pair from a state in which both the first and second pairs are driven enables light control switching that isotropically shrinks the island-shaped light control pattern.

[0169] The light control film 15 according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the light control film 15 according to the fifth aspect, in which one first pair and one second pair form the first light control region 61 and the second light control region 62. This makes it possible to form the first light control region 61 and the second light control region 62, which are island-shaped and can be expanded or contracted, using only two pairs. This makes it possible to achieve a light control pattern with excellent design while suppressing an increase in the number of segments and complexity.

[0170] A light control film 15 according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the light control film 15 according to the sixth aspect, wherein the second light control region 62 (see FIG. 11 ) includes a first portion 62A, a second portion 62B, and a third portion 62C, where the first portion 62A is formed by the first segment 40B and the second segment 50B of the second pair, the second portion 62B is formed by the first segment 40A of the first pair and the second segment 50B of the second pair, and the third portion 62C is formed by the first segment 40B of the second pair and the second segment 50A of the first pair. In this way, by utilizing the light control region (second portion 62B and third portion 62C) formed by the overlapping portions of segments that constitute different pairs, a frame-shaped second light control region 62 can be formed even with a small number of segments.

[0171] The light control film 15 according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the light control film 15 according to any one of the fourth to seventh aspects, wherein the light control region 60 further includes a frame-shaped third light control region 63 (see FIG. 13 ) surrounding the second light control region 62. This allows the first light control region 61, the second light control region 62, and the third light control region 63 to form a triple-nested light control region 60. This allows the island-shaped light control pattern to be expanded and contracted in multiple stages, further diversifying the possible light control patterns.

[0172] The light control film 15 according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the light control film 15 according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, in which the pairs overlap in multiple places in a planar view to form multiple separated light control regions 60 (see FIG. 28 ). As a result, as shown in FIG. 28 , multiple light control regions 60 can be formed with one pair of a first segment 40 and a second segment 50. This makes it possible to realize even more diverse light control patterns.

[0173] A light control film 15 according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the light control film 15 according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, further comprising a first electrode 31 connected to a plurality of first segments 40 and a second electrode 32 connected to a plurality of second segments 50, wherein the first transparent electrode layer 17A includes a first non-conducting segment NS1 electrically isolated from the plurality of first segments 40 and not connected to the first electrode 31, and the second transparent electrode layer 17B includes a second non-conducting segment NS2 electrically isolated from the plurality of second segments 50 and not connected to the second electrode 32. As a result, a light control region 60 is not formed in the overlapping portion between the first segment 40 and the second non-conducting segment NS2. A light control region 60 is not formed in the overlapping portion between the second segment 50 and the first non-conducting segment NS1. Therefore, by providing the first non-conductive segment NS1 and the second non-conductive segment NS2, it is possible to easily exclude from the light control region 60 areas where, for design purposes, it is not desired to form the light control region 60. This allows for more freedom in designing the shape of the light control region 60. Furthermore, the long-term reliability and durability of the light control film 15 can be improved.

[0174] The light control film 15 according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is the light control film 15 according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, further comprising a first electrode 31 connected to a plurality of first segments 40 and a second electrode 32 connected to a plurality of second segments 50, the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 being arranged on the same side (first side 18A) of the outer periphery of the light control layer 18 in a planar view. This allows the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 to be concentrated on the same side. This simplifies wiring processing and shortens the length of the wires 33 and 34.

[0175] A light control film 15 according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is the light control film 15 according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the plurality of first segments 40 extend from a first side 18A of the outer periphery of the light control layer 18 in a planar view and contact a second side 18B adjacent to one end of the first side 18A, and the plurality of second segments 50 extend from the first side 18A of the outer periphery of the light control layer 18 in a planar view and contact a third side 18C adjacent to the other end of the first side 18A (see Figures 8, 12, 14, 16, etc.). As a result, the first segments 40 and the second segments 50 extend in opposite directions, and therefore overlapping portions can be easily formed by crossing the first segments 40 and the second segments 50.

[0176] The laminated glass 10 according to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes a first glass plate 11, a second glass plate 12, and a light control film 15 according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects provided between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12. By including the light control film 15 according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the laminated glass 10 can form light control regions 60 with a wider variety of shapes.

[0177] The laminated glass 10 according to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the laminated glass 10 according to the thirteenth aspect, and includes a shielding layer 14 that overlaps the peripheral edges of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 and the peripheral edge of the light control film 15 in a plan view, and the shielding layer 14 includes a first shielding portion MS1 ​​that covers the area of ​​the light control film 15 outside the light control area 60 in a plan view. This allows the non-light control area outside the light control area 60 to be hidden from the outside by the first shielding portion MS1. This allows the design of the light control pattern of the laminated glass 10 to be improved.

[0178] A laminated glass 10 according to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the laminated glass 10 according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, and includes a shielding layer 14 that overlaps the peripheral edges of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 and the peripheral edge of the light control film 15 in a plan view. The shielding layer 14 includes a second shielding portion MS2 (MS2A, MS2B, see FIG. 26 ) that covers a portion of the light control region 60 in a plan view. This makes it possible to use the second shielding portion MS2 to limit the portion of the light control region 60 that is to be visible from the outside and to hide the other portion from the outside. Therefore, the external shape of the light control region 60 can be adjusted by the second shielding portion MS2, and the shape of the light control pattern in the laminated glass 10 can be more freely set to match the design concept.

[0179] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the contents of the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the above-described embodiments.

[0180] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Laminated glass 11 First glass plate 12 Second glass plate 13 Intermediate layer 13A First intermediate layer 13B Second intermediate layer 13C Third intermediate layer 14 Shielding layer 14A Opening region 14B Opening region 15 Light control film 16 Substrate 16A First transparent substrate 16B Second transparent substrate 17 Electrode layer 17A First transparent electrode layer 17A1 Insulating portion 17B Second transparent electrode layer 18 Light control layer 18A First side 18B Second side 18C Third side 18D Fourth side 31, 31A, 31B, 31C First electrode 32, 32A, 32B, 32C Second electrode 33 Wiring 34 Wiring 35 Control unit 35A Switch 35B Power supply unit 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E First segment 50, 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 50E Second segment 51, 52 Sub-segment 60 Dimming region 61 First dimming region 62 Second dimming region 62A, 102A, 112A, 122A, 132A, 142A First portion 62B, 102B, 112B, 122B, 132B, 142B Second portion 62C, 102C, 112C, 122C, 132C, 142C Third portion 63 Third dimming region 63A, 103A, 113A, 123A, 133A, 142D Fourth portion 63B, 103B, 113B, 123B, 133B Fifth part 63C, 103C, 113C, 123C, 133C Sixth part 63D, 103D, 113D, 123D, 133D Seventh part 63E, 103E, 113E, 123E, 133E Eighth part 64A, 64B, 64C, 64D, 64E, 64F, 64G Light control area 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 Light control area C1, C2, C3, C4 Corner MS1 First shielding part MS2, MS2A, MS2B Second shielding part NS1 First non-conducting segment NS2 Second non-conducting segment PL1, PL2 Parting line The entire contents of the specification, claims, drawings and abstract of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-107580 filed on July 3, 2024 are hereby incorporated by reference as the disclosure of the specification of the present invention.

Claims

1. A light control film comprising: a first transparent electrode layer and a second transparent electrode layer to which a voltage is applied; and a light control layer provided between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, wherein the first transparent electrode layer includes a plurality of first segments; and the second transparent electrode layer includes a plurality of second segments formed in a pattern different from that of the plurality of first segments in a planar view; and wherein a pair formed by a combination of any of the plurality of first segments and any of the plurality of second segments has overlapping and non-overlapping portions within the formation area of ​​the light control layer in a planar view, and the overlapping portions form a light control area.

2. The light control film according to claim 1, wherein different combinations of the pairs form a plurality of light control regions with different shapes.

3. The light-control film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light-control region includes an island-shaped first light-control region separated from the outer periphery of the light-control layer in a planar view.

4. The light control film according to claim 3, wherein the light control region further includes a frame-shaped second light control region surrounding the first light control region.

5. The light control film of claim 4, wherein the plurality of first segments and the plurality of second segments include, in a planar view, a first pair that forms the first light control area and a second pair that forms the second light control area adjacent to the first light control area, and wherein light is controlled in both the first light control area and the second light control area by applying a voltage to the first pair and the second pair.

6. The light control film according to claim 5, wherein the first light control area and the second light control area are formed by one set of the first pair and one set of the second pair.

7. The light-controlling film of claim 5, wherein the second light-controlling region is configured to include a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, the first portion being formed by the first segment and the second segment that constitute the second pair, the second portion being formed by the first segment of the first pair and the second segment of the second pair, and the third portion being formed by the first segment of the second pair and the second segment of the first pair.

8. The light control film according to claim 4, wherein the light control region further includes a frame-shaped third light control region surrounding the second light control region.

9. The light control film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pairs overlap at multiple locations in a plan view to form multiple light control regions that are separated from one another.

10. The light control film of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a first electrode connected to the plurality of first segments and a second electrode connected to the plurality of second segments, wherein the first transparent electrode layer includes first non-conducting segments that are electrically isolated from the plurality of first segments and are not connected to the first electrode, and the second transparent electrode layer includes second non-conducting segments that are electrically isolated from the plurality of second segments and are not connected to the second electrode.

11. A light-controlling film as described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a first electrode connected to the plurality of first segments and a second electrode connected to the plurality of second segments, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged on the same side of the outer periphery of the light-controlling layer in a planar view.

12. A light-controlling film as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of first segments extend from a first side of the outer peripheral edge of the light-controlling layer in a planar view and contact a second side adjacent to one end of the first side, and the plurality of second segments extend from the first side of the outer peripheral edge of the light-controlling layer in a planar view and contact a third side adjacent to the other end of the first side.

13. A laminated glass comprising: a first glass plate and a second glass plate; and the light control film according to claim 1 or 2 provided between the first glass plate and the second glass plate.

14. The laminated glass according to claim 13, further comprising a shielding layer that overlaps the peripheral edges of the first and second glass plates and the peripheral edge of the light control film in a plan view, and the shielding layer includes a first shielding portion that covers an area of ​​the light control film outside the light control area in a plan view.

15. The laminated glass according to claim 13, further comprising a shielding layer that overlaps the peripheral edges of the first and second glass plates and the peripheral edge of the light control film in a plan view, and the shielding layer includes a second shielding portion that covers part of the light control region in a plan view.

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