Light adjusting unit

Abstract

A light adjusting unit includes a light adjusting sheet and a wiring portion. The light adjusting sheet is sandwiched by a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode. The first transparent electrode has a first wiring area including a part of an edge of the first transparent electrode and exposed from the light adjusting sheet. The second transparent electrode has a second wiring area including a part of an edge of the second transparent electrode and exposed from the light adjusting sheet. The wiring portion includes a mounting portion and an extension portion. The mounting portion extends in a first direction along the edge of the first transparent electrode and is mounted to the first wiring area. The extension portion extends in a second direction crossing the first direction and extends from the mounting portion toward outside of the first transparent electrode. A dimension of the mounting portion in a direction orthogonal to the first direction, i.e., a first width, is smaller than a dimension of the extension portion in a direction orthogonal to the second direction, i.e., a second width.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a dimming unit. Background Technology

[0002] The dimming sheet includes a first transparent electrode, a second transparent electrode, and a dimming layer sandwiched between the first and second transparent electrodes. Each transparent electrode has a wiring area exposed from the dimming layer. Wiring for connecting the transparent electrode to a drive unit is installed in the wiring area of ​​each transparent electrode. By applying a voltage between the two transparent electrodes through the wiring installed on the first transparent electrode and the wiring installed on the second transparent electrode, the transmittance of the dimming sheet is changed relative to before the voltage is applied (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-200303 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, with the increasing popularity of dimming films, their applications have become more diverse. Therefore, from the perspective of further expanding the applications of dimming films, there is a need to further expand the dimming area where the transmittance of the dimming film can be varied relative to the area of ​​the film's coverage.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dimming unit that can expand the dimming area in a dimming film.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] A dimming unit for solving the aforementioned problem includes a dimming sheet and a wiring section. The dimming sheet includes a first transparent electrode, a second transparent electrode, and a dimming layer. The dimming layer is held between the first and second transparent electrodes. The first transparent electrode has a first wiring region that includes a portion of its edge and is exposed from the dimming layer. The second transparent electrode has a second wiring region that includes a portion of its edge and is exposed from the dimming layer. The wiring section includes a mounting portion and an extension portion. The mounting portion extends in a first direction along the edge of the first transparent electrode and is mounted in the first wiring region. The extension portion extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction and extends outward from the mounting portion toward the first transparent electrode. The dimension of the mounting portion, i.e., the first width, in the direction orthogonal to the first direction is smaller than the dimension of the extension portion, i.e., the second width, in the direction orthogonal to the second direction.

[0011] According to the dimming unit described above, compared with the case where the first width of the mounting portion is greater than or equal to the second width of the extension portion, the laying width of the mounting portion in the first transparent electrode can be reduced, thereby enabling the dimming area in the dimming sheet to be expanded. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a dimming unit equipped with a standard type of dimming disc.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a dimming unit with a reverse-type dimming disc.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a plan view showing the structure of the first wiring substrate.

[0015] Figure 4 It is a simplified plan view showing the structure of the first wiring substrate.

[0016] Figure 5 It means along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the VV line construction.

[0017] Figure 6 It means along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the construction of the VI-VI line.

[0018] Figure 7 It is a planar diagram showing a portion of the dimming film cut out.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a plan view used to illustrate the bending method of the first wiring substrate.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a plan view used to illustrate the bending method of the first wiring substrate.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a plan view used to illustrate the bending method of the first wiring substrate.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a plan view showing the construction of a first modified example of the wiring substrate.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a plan view showing the construction of a second modified example of the wiring substrate. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Reference Figures 1 to 10 One embodiment of the dimming unit will be described. Hereinafter, the bending methods of the dimming unit, the line substrate, and the wiring substrate will be described sequentially.

[0025] [Dimming Unit]

[0026] Reference Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The dimming unit will be described below. The dimming unit of this disclosure includes a dimming disc and a wiring section. The dimming disc can be either a standard type or a reverse type. Hereinafter, reference will be made to... Figure 1 This section describes a dimming unit with a standard dimming disc, referring to... Figure 2 A dimming unit with a reverse-type dimming disc is described.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the dimming unit 10 can include a conventional dimming disc 11N. The dimming disc 11N includes a first transparent electrode 21, a second transparent electrode 22, and a dimming layer 23. The dimming layer 23 is exposed by the first transparent electrode 21 and the second transparent electrode 22 in such a way that a wiring region 21A, which is part of the first transparent electrode 21 and includes a portion of the edge of the first transparent electrode 21, and a wiring region 22A, which is part of the second transparent electrode 22 and includes a portion of the edge of the second transparent electrode 22.

[0028] In other words, the first transparent electrode 21 has a wiring region 21A. Wiring region 21A is an example of a first wiring region. Wiring region 21A includes a portion of the edge of the first transparent electrode 21 and is exposed from the dimming layer 23. The second transparent electrode 22 has a wiring region 22A. Wiring region 22A is an example of a second wiring region. Wiring region 22A includes a portion of the edge of the second transparent electrode 22 and is exposed from the dimming layer 23.

[0029] The dimming disc 11N also includes a first transparent substrate 24 supporting the first transparent electrode 21 and a second transparent substrate 25 supporting the second transparent electrode 22. The dimming unit 10 includes a first wiring substrate 12A mounted on the wiring region 21A of the first transparent electrode 21 and a second wiring substrate 12B mounted on the wiring region 22A of the second transparent electrode 22. The first wiring substrate 12A and the second wiring substrate 12B are examples of wiring sections.

[0030] The first transparent electrode 21 and the second transparent electrode 22 are translucent enough to allow visible light to pass through. The first transparent electrode 21 is translucent enough to allow visual recognition of objects through the dimming sheet 11N. The second transparent electrode 22 has the same translucent properties as the first transparent electrode 21, and is also capable of visually recognizing objects through the dimming sheet 11N.

[0031] The material used to form each transparent electrode 21, 22 is, for example, any one selected from the group consisting of indium tin oxide, fluorine-doped tin oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, carbon nanotubes and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene).

[0032] The dimming layer 23 comprises a transparent polymer layer and a liquid crystal composition. The transparent polymer layer has voids filled by the liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal composition fills the voids in the transparent polymer layer. The liquid crystal composition contains liquid crystal molecules. An example of liquid crystal molecules is any one selected from the group consisting of Schiff bases, azo compounds, azo oxides, biphenyls, terphenyls, benzoic acid esters, diphenylacetylene compounds, pyrimidines, cyclohexane carboxylates, phenylcyclohexanes, and dioxanes.

[0033] The liquid crystal composition is held in a manner selected from the group consisting of polymer network, polymer dispersion, and capsule types. The polymer network type has a transparent polymer network with a three-dimensional mesh-like structure, holding the liquid crystal composition within the interconnected mesh-like voids. The polymer network is an example of a transparent polymer layer. The polymer dispersion type has multiple independent voids within a transparent polymer layer, holding the liquid crystal composition within the voids dispersed in the polymer layer. The capsule type holds a capsule-shaped liquid crystal composition within a transparent polymer layer. In addition to the liquid crystal molecules described above, the liquid crystal composition may also contain monomers for forming the transparent polymer layer and dichroic pigments, etc.

[0034] The materials forming the transparent substrates 24 and 25 can be synthetic resins or inorganic compounds. Synthetic resins include, for example, polyesters, polyacrylates, polycarbonates, and polyolefins. Polyesters include, for example, polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate. Polyacrylates include, for example, polymethyl methacrylate. Inorganic compounds include, for example, silicon dioxide, silicon oxynitride, and silicon nitride.

[0035] Each wiring substrate 12A and 12B is, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The FPC includes a support layer, a conductor portion, and a protective layer. The conductor portion is sandwiched between the support layer and the protective layer. The support layer and the protective layer are formed of an insulating synthetic resin. For example, the support layer and the protective layer are formed of polyimide. The conductor portion is, for example, formed of a metal thin film. The material forming the metal thin film can be, for example, copper.

[0036] Furthermore, each wiring substrate 12A, 12B is mounted to each transparent electrode 21, 22 via a conductive adhesive layer (not shown). In the portion of each wiring substrate 12A, 12B connected to the conductive adhesive layer, the conductor portion is exposed from the protective layer or the support layer.

[0037] The conductive adhesive layer can be formed, for example, from anisotropic conductive film (ACF), anisotropic conductive paste (ACP), isotropic conductive film (ICF), and isotropic conductive paste (ICP). From the viewpoint of operability in the manufacturing process of the dimming unit 10, the conductive adhesive layer is preferably anisotropic conductive film.

[0038] The dimming layer 23 receives voltage changes generated between the two transparent electrodes 21 and 22, thereby altering the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules. This change in orientation alters the scattering, absorption, and transmission of visible light entering the dimming layer 23. A typical dimming disc 11N has relatively high transmittance when energized and relatively low transmittance when de-energized. For example, a typical dimming disc 11N may be transparent when energized and opaque when de-energized. The region in the dimming disc 11N where transmittance changes depending on whether energized or de-energized is called the dimming region.

[0039] Dimming sheets 11N are used, for example, in windows of moving vehicles and aircraft. Additionally, dimming sheets 11N are used in windows of various buildings such as residences, train stations, and airports; in office partitions; in shop windows; and in projection screens. The shape of the dimming sheet 11N can be flat or curved.

[0040] The dimming strip 11N can also be flexible. When the dimming strip 11N is flexible, it can be used, for example, in the following way: Before installing the dimming strip 11N onto the window, it is stored in a planar state to prevent the load from being concentrated on a single part of the strip. Alternatively, after installing the dimming strip 11N onto the window, it can be used in a curved state that follows the two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape of the window surface.

[0041] like Figure 2As shown, the dimming unit 10 can include a reverse-type dimming sheet 11R. The dimming sheet 11R includes a first transparent electrode 21, a second transparent electrode 22, a first alignment film 26, a second alignment film 27, and a dimming layer 23. The dimming layer 23 is located between the first alignment film 26 and the second alignment film 27. The first alignment film 26 is located between the dimming layer 23 and the first transparent electrode 21, and is in contact with the dimming layer 23. The second alignment film 27 is located between the dimming layer 23 and the second transparent electrode 22, and is in contact with the dimming layer 23.

[0042] The materials used to form the first alignment film 26 and the second alignment film 27 are organic compounds, inorganic compounds, and mixtures thereof. Examples of organic compounds include polyimide, polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, and cyanide. Examples of inorganic compounds include silicon oxide and zirconium oxide. Alternatively, the materials used to form the alignment films 26 and 27 can also be organosilicon. Organosilicon is a compound possessing both inorganic and organic components.

[0043] The first alignment film 26 and the second alignment film 27 are, for example, vertical alignment films or horizontal alignment films. A vertical alignment film aligns the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules so that it is perpendicular to the surface opposite to the surface connected to the first transparent electrode 21 and the surface opposite to the surface connected to the second transparent electrode 22. A horizontal alignment film aligns the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules so that it is approximately parallel to the surface opposite to the surface connected to the first transparent electrode 21 and the surface opposite to the surface connected to the second transparent electrode 22. Thus, regardless of the type of alignment film 26 and 27, they restrict the orientation of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules contained in the dimming layer 23.

[0044] The reverse-type dimming sheet 11R has relatively low light transmittance when the dimming sheet 11R is energized. The reverse-type dimming sheet 11R has relatively high light transmittance when the dimming sheet 11R is not energized. For example, the reverse-type dimming sheet 11R is opaque when the dimming sheet 11R is energized and transparent when the dimming sheet 11R is not energized.

[0045] [Wiring substrate]

[0046] Reference Figures 3 to 6 The shapes of wiring substrates 12A and 12B will be described. Furthermore, while the first wiring substrate 12A and the second wiring substrate 12B have different mounting positions within the dimming discs 11N and 11R, their shapes are common. Therefore, the shape of the first wiring substrate 12A will be described in detail below, while the shape of the second wiring substrate 12B will be omitted from the description.

[0047] Figure 3This indicates the shape of the first wiring substrate 12A as seen from a viewpoint opposite to the protective layer provided on the first wiring substrate 12A.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the first wiring substrate 12A includes a mounting portion 12A1 and an extension portion 12A2. When mounted on the first transparent electrode 21, the mounting portion 12A1 has a shape extending along the edge of the first transparent electrode 21 and is mounted on the wiring region 21A of the first transparent electrode 21. The extension portion 12A2 has a shape extending in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the mounting portion 12A1 and extends from the mounting portion 12A1 toward the outside of the first transparent electrode 21. Figure 3 In the example shown, the extending direction of the mounting portion 12A1 is orthogonal to the extending direction of the extending portion 12A2. The extending direction of the mounting portion 12A1 is the first direction D1. The extending direction of the extending portion 12A2 is the second direction D2.

[0049] In other words, the mounting portion 12A1 extends along a first direction D1 along the edge of the first transparent electrode 21. The extension portion 12A2 extends along a second direction D2 that intersects the first direction D1 and extends from the mounting portion 12A1 toward the outside of the first transparent electrode 21.

[0050] The mounting portion 12A1 on the second direction D2, which is orthogonal to the first direction D1, has a dimension equal to its width, i.e., a first width W1. The extension portion 12A2 on the first direction D1, which is orthogonal to the second direction D2, has a dimension equal to its width, i.e., a second width W2. The first width W1 of the mounting portion 12A1 is smaller than the second width W2 of the extension portion 12A2. Therefore, compared to the case where the first width W1 of the mounting portion 12A1 is greater than or equal to the second width W2 of the extension portion 12A2, the laying width of the mounting portion 12A1 in the first transparent electrode 21 can be reduced, thereby expanding the dimming area in the dimming sheets 11N and 11R.

[0051] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the mounting portion 12A1 has a generally rectangular shape extending along a first direction D1. The extension portion 12A2 has a rectangular shape extending along a second direction D2. In the first wiring substrate 12A, the shape formed by the outer shape of the mounting portion 12A1 and the outer shape of the extension portion 12A2 is generally T-shaped. In the portion formed by the mounting portion 12A1 and the extension portion 12A2, the conductor portion 31 has a generally T-shaped shape, and the protective layer 32 has a generally T-shaped shape capable of covering the conductor portion 31. In addition, the portion of the conductor portion 31 included in the mounting portion 12A1 has a comb-like shape. In the conductor portion 31, the portion with the comb-like shape is the portion connected to the aforementioned conductive adhesive layer. Therefore, the portion with the comb-like shape is exposed to the outside.

[0052] The first wiring substrate 12A has a protrusion 12A3 at at least one of its two ends in the first direction D1, which protrudes toward the extension 12A2 relative to the mounting portion 12A1. In other words, the protrusion 12A3 protrudes from the mounting portion 12A1 toward the outside of the first transparent electrode 21. In this embodiment, the first wiring substrate 12A has a protrusion 12A3 at each of its two ends in the first direction D1. When the first wiring substrate 12A is mounted on the first transparent electrode 21, the protrusion 12A3 can be held together with the end of the mounting portion 12A1, or the protrusion 12A3 can be used for positioning the first wiring substrate 12A. Therefore, even if the laying width of the mounting portion 12A1 is reduced, the reduction in the mounting accuracy of the first wiring substrate 12A relative to the first transparent electrode 21 can be suppressed.

[0053] Each protrusion 12A3 has a generally rectangular shape extending along the second direction D2. In the second direction D2, the length of the protrusion 12A3 is shorter than the length of the extension 12A2. On the other hand, the sum of the first width W1 of the mounting portion 12A1 and the length of the protrusion 12A3 is greater than the second width W2 of the extension 12A2. Therefore, when the first wiring substrate 12A is mounted on the first transparent electrode 21, even if the first width W1 of the mounting portion 12A1 is smaller than the second width W2 of the extension 12A2, it is easy to grasp the end of the first wiring substrate 12A in the first direction D1.

[0054] The protrusion 12A3 includes a portion of the conductor portion 31. However, the portion of the conductor portion 31 included in the protrusion 12A3 is not connected to the portion of the conductor portion 31 included in the mounting portion 12A1. That is, the portion of the conductor portion 31 included in the protrusion 12A3 is insulated from the portion of the conductor portion 31 included in the mounting portion 12A1 by the protective layer 32 and the support layer. Therefore, when the protrusion 12A3 is removed from the mounting portion 12A1, no unwanted conductor caused by the protrusion 12A3 remains in the mounting portion 12A1.

[0055] exist Figure 4 For ease of explanation, only the shape of the mounting portion 12A1 and the shape of the extension portion 12A2 in the first wiring substrate 12A are shown. Figure 4 This indicates the first wiring board 12A in the state where the protrusion 12A3 has been removed from the mounting section 12A1.

[0056] like Figure 4As shown, the angle formed by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is the reference angle θR. The extension 12A2 has a first bending line A21 that guides the bending of the extension 12A2. The first bending line A21 extends along a direction parallel to the line SL that bisects the reference angle θR. The direction parallel to the line SL that bisects the reference angle θR is an example of a third direction. Thus, by bending the extension 12A2 along the first bending line A21, the extension 12A2 can be pulled out along the first direction D1 regardless of the angle formed by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0057] By pulling out the extension 12A2 along the first direction D1, the length of the extension 12A2 along the second direction D2 can be reduced. Therefore, when the dimming discs 11N and 11R are mounted on a mounting surface, the width of the component used to block the first wiring substrate 12A along the second direction D2 can be reduced. As a result, the mounting surface for the dimming discs 11N and 11R can be expanded.

[0058] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are orthogonal to each other, so the reference angle θR is 90°. The line SL is the line that bisects the reference angle θR, so the angle formed by the first direction D1 and the line SL is 45°, and the angle formed by the second direction D2 and the line SL is also 45°.

[0059] The extension 12A2 also includes a second bending line A22 that guides the bending of the extension 12A2. The second bending line A22 is a different bending line from the first bending line A21. The second bending line A22 is located closer to the boundary between the mounting portion 12A1 and the extension 12A2 than the first bending line A21. In other words, the distance between the second bending line A22 and the boundary between the mounting portion 12A1 and the extension 12A2 is less than the distance between the first bending line A21 and the boundary. The second bending line A22 extends along a first direction D1. Figure 4 In the example shown, the second bend line A22 is located at the boundary between the mounting portion 12A1 and the extension portion 12A2.

[0060] After bending the extension 12A2 along the first bend line A21, it is then bent along the second bend line A22, thereby reducing the size of the first wiring substrate 12A along the second direction D2 by an amount corresponding to the bending of the extension 12A2 along the second bend line A22. As a result, when the dimming discs 11N and 11R are mounted on a mounting surface, the width of the component used to block the first wiring substrate 12A along the second direction D2 can be reduced. Consequently, the mounting surface of the dimming discs 11N and 11R can be expanded.

[0061] exist Figure 4In the example shown, the angle between the straight line SL and the first direction D1 is 45°, therefore the angle between the first bend line A21 and the second bend line A22 is also 45°.

[0062] The first bend line A21 and the second bend line A22 are portions of the extension 12A2 with lower mechanical strength compared to the portions other than the bend lines A21 and A22. In other words, the bend lines A21 and A22 are portions of the extension 12A2 with lower rigidity compared to the portions other than the bend lines A21 and A22. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the extension 12A2 to bend it, the extension 12A2 is prone to bend along the first bend line A21 or the second bend line A22. Thus, the first bend line A21 and the second bend line A22 can guide the bending of the extension 12A2.

[0063] The maximum value Lmax of the distance between the first bend line A21 and the second bend line A22 in the second direction D2 is greater than the second width W2 of the extension 12A2 along the first direction D1. Therefore, when the extension 12A2 is bent along the first bend line A21, a portion of the extension 12A2 does not cover the second bend line A22. Thus, bending the extension 12A2 along both the first bend line A21 and the second bend line A22 is easier.

[0064] Figure 5 Indicates along Figure 3 The cross-sectional structure of the VV line is shown. On the other hand... Figure 6 Indicates along Figure 3 The cross-sectional structure of line VI-VI is shown.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, the first wiring substrate 12A includes a conductor portion 31, a protective layer 32, and a support layer 33. The conductor portion 31 is held by the protective layer 32 and the support layer 33 in the thickness direction of the first wiring substrate 12A. In the portion of the first wiring substrate 12A corresponding to the first bend line A21, the conductor portion 31 has a plurality of through holes 31H. The plurality of through holes 31H are arranged at intervals along a direction parallel to the straight line SL.

[0066] On the other hand, neither the support layer 33 supporting the conductor portion 31 nor the protective layer 32 covering the conductor portion 31 has through holes. Therefore, even if the portion of the conductor portion 31 located between adjacent through holes 31H breaks when the extension portion 12A2 is bent along the first bending line A21, the breakage of the protective layer 32 and the support layer 33 can be suppressed. Thus, the breakage of the extension portion 12A2 caused by bending the extension portion 12A2 along the first bending line A21 can be suppressed.

[0067] Furthermore, in the portion of extension 12A2 corresponding to the second bend line A22, conductor portion 31 also has multiple through holes. On the other hand, support layer 33 and protective layer 32 do not have through holes. Therefore, when extension 12A2 is bent along the second bend line A22, even if the portion of conductor portion 31 located between adjacent through holes breaks, breakage of protective layer 32 and support layer 33 can be suppressed. Thus, breakage of extension 12A2 caused by bending extension 12A2 along the second bend line A22 can be suppressed.

[0068] The protective layer 32 and the support layer 33 are translucent. Therefore, the operator bending the extension 12A2 can visually confirm the plurality of through holes 31H in the conductor portion 31 through the protective layer 32 or the support layer 33. Thus, the operator can visually identify that the first bend line A21 and the second bend line A22 are bend lines used to bend the extension 12A2. Furthermore, even when the bending operation of the extension 12A2 is performed by a device such as a robot, the first bend line A21 and the second bend line A22 can be detected by the imaging unit of the device. Therefore, the first bend line A21 and the second bend line A22 can guide the bending of the extension 12A2.

[0069] like Figure 6 As shown, the first wiring substrate 12A has through holes 12AH between the mounting portion 12A1 and each protrusion 12A3. The through holes 12AH have a shape extending along a first direction D1. Each through hole 12AH penetrates the first wiring substrate 12A. That is, each through hole 12AH is formed by through holes in the protective layer 32, the conductor portion 31, and the support layer 33, respectively. Therefore, at the boundary between the mounting portion 12A1 and each protrusion 12A3, compared to the case where only the conductor portion 31 has a through hole, it is easier to cut the protrusion 12A3 from the mounting portion 12A1.

[0070] [Bending method of wiring board]

[0071] Reference Figures 7 to 10 The bending method of the first wiring substrate 12A will be described. Furthermore, the bending method of the second wiring substrate 12B is the same as that of the first wiring substrate 12A, therefore, the description of the bending method of the second wiring substrate 12B is omitted.

[0072] Figure 7 The planar structure of the first transparent electrode 21 on which the first wiring substrate 12A is mounted, the planar structure of the dimming layer 23, and the mounting object of the dimming plate 11N are shown together.

[0073] like Figure 7As shown, a dimming plate 11N is mounted on a mounting object T. In the dimming plate 11N, the first transparent electrode 21 and the dimming layer 23 are, for example, rectangular in shape. However, the dimming plate 11N, including the first transparent electrode 21 and the dimming layer 23, is not limited to a rectangular shape and can have any shape. The first transparent electrode 21 has a wiring region 21A that includes a portion of the edge of the first transparent electrode 21. The wiring region 21A protrudes from the dimming layer 23. A first wiring substrate 12A is mounted in the wiring region 21A. Furthermore, after the first wiring substrate 12A is mounted in the wiring region 21A, a protrusion 12A3 is cut off from the mounting portion 12A1 of the first wiring substrate 12A. An extension 12A2 of the first wiring substrate 12A is connected to a wire 13 for connecting the first transparent electrode 21 to a driving portion.

[0074] Figures 8 to 10 The first wiring substrate 12A and its peripheral structure are shown in an enlarged view.

[0075] like Figure 8 As shown, the mounting portion 12A1 of the first wiring substrate 12A is mounted on the wiring region 21A of the first transparent electrode 21. At this time, the comb-shaped portion of the conductor portion 31 included in the mounting portion 12A1 is mounted on the wiring region 21A via a conductive adhesive layer. Thus, the first wiring substrate 12A is electrically connected to the first transparent electrode 21. The first wiring substrate 12A is mounted on the wiring region 21A such that the extending direction of the mounting portion 12A1 is along the edge of the first transparent electrode 21.

[0076] like Figure 9 As shown, the extension 12A2 is bent along the first bend line A21. The end of the extension 12A2 that connects to the mounting portion 12A1 is the base end, and the end opposite the base end is the front end. When the extension 12A2 is bent along the first bend line A21, the extension 12A2 is bent such that the portion of the extension 12A2 closer to the front end than the first bend line A21 covers the portion of the extension 12A2 closer to the base end than the first bend line A21. In other words, the extension 12A2 is bent such that the portion of the extension 12A2 that is closer to the front end than the first bend line A21 covers the portion that is closer to the base end than the first bend line A21.

[0077] Therefore, the portion of the extension 12A2 that is further from the front end than the first bend line A21 extends in a direction parallel to the mounting portion 12A1. In other words, the portion that is closer to the front end than the first bend line A21 extends in a direction parallel to the mounting portion 12A1. Therefore, the wire 13 connected to the extension 12A2 is pulled out in a direction parallel to the mounting portion 12A1.

[0078] like Figure 10As shown, after bending the extension 12A2 along the first bend line A21, the extension 12A2 is further bent along the second bend line A22. At this time, the extension 12A2 is bent so that the extension 12A2, which has been bent along the second bend line A22, covers the mounting portion 12A1 mounted on the wiring region 21A. As a result, it is possible to prevent the first wiring substrate 12A from extending beyond the edge of the first transparent electrode 21 to the mounting portion 12A1 or more.

[0079] Alternatively, the extension 12A2 may be bent along the first bending line A21 but not along the second bending line A22. The bending method of the extension 12A2 is appropriately set according to the bending method of the first wiring substrate 12A required by the dimming unit 10 or the pulling method of the wire 13 required by the dimming unit 10. In addition, the bending method of the first wiring substrate 12A and the bending method of the second wiring substrate 12B may be the same as or different from each other.

[0080] As explained above, according to one embodiment of the dimming unit, the following effects can be obtained.

[0081] (1) Compared with the case where the first width W1 of the mounting portion 12A1 is greater than or equal to the second width W2 of the extension portion 12A2, the laying width of the mounting portion 12A1 in the first transparent electrode 21 can be reduced, thereby enabling the dimming area in the dimming sheets 11N and 11R to be expanded.

[0082] (2) When the first wiring substrate 12A is mounted to the first transparent electrode 21, the protrusion 12A3 can be held together with the end of the mounting portion 12A1, or the protrusion 12A3 can be used for positioning the first wiring substrate 12A. Therefore, even if the laying width of the mounting portion 12A1 is reduced, the reduction in the mounting accuracy of the first wiring substrate 12A relative to the first transparent electrode 21 can be suppressed.

[0083] (3) By bending the extension 12A2 along the first bend line A21, the extension 12A2 can be pulled out along the first direction D1 regardless of the angle formed by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0084] (4) After bending the extension 12A2 along the first bending line A21, it is then bent along the second bending line A22, thereby reducing the size of the first wiring substrate 12A along the second direction D2 by an amount corresponding to the bending of the extension 12A2 along the second bending line A22.

[0085] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be modified as follows. The modified example of the first wiring substrate 12A described below can also be applied to the second wiring substrate 12B.

[0086] [First bend line]

[0087] ·like Figure 11 As shown, the extension 12A2 of the first wiring substrate 42A may include a third bend line A23. In this case, the extension direction of the first bend line A21 is orthogonal to the extension direction of the third bend line A23.

[0088] In other words, the angle formed by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is the first reference angle θR1, and the supplementary angle of the first reference angle θR1 formed by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is the second reference angle θR2. The line that bisects the first reference angle θR1 is the first line SL1, and the line that bisects the second reference angle θR2 is the second line SL2. The first bend line A21 is a bend line parallel to the first line SL1 that bisects the first reference angle θR1. The third bend line A23 is a bend line parallel to the second line SL2 that bisects the second reference angle θR2.

[0089] In this case, the following effects can be achieved.

[0090] (5) The extension 12A2 can be bent along one of the two bending lines A21 and A23 depending on the position of the first wiring substrate 12A relative to the dimming plates 11N and 11R.

[0091] In addition, the extension portion of the second wiring substrate 12B can also have the same first bending line A21 and third bending line A23 as the first wiring substrate 12A.

[0092] • The extension 12A2 may also not have the first bend line A21. In this case, since the first width W1 of the mounting portion 12A1 is smaller than the second width W2 of the extension 12A2, the effect that meets the above (1) can be obtained. In addition, if the extension 12A2 does not have the first bend line A21, the extension 12A2 may also have the second bend line A22.

[0093] [Second bend line]

[0094] • The extension 12A2 may not have the second bend line A22. In this case, as long as the extension 12A2 has the first bend line A21, the effect described above (3) can be obtained. In addition, since the first width W1 of the mounting portion 12A1 is smaller than the second width W2 of the extension 12A2, the effect described above (1) can also be obtained. In addition, even if the extension 12A2 does not have the second bend line A22, the extension 12A2 may have the first bend line A21.

[0095] • The extension 12A2 may also have two or more second bend lines A22. In this case, the position of the extension 12A2 relative to the mounting portion 12A1 can be changed depending on which of the plurality of second bend lines A22 is bent along.

[0096] [Extension Section]

[0097] ·like Figure 12 As shown, the first wiring substrate 52A may also have multiple extensions 52A2. In Figure 12 In the example shown, the first wiring substrate 52A has two extensions 52A2. Multiple extensions 52A2 are arranged at intervals in a first direction D1. Each extension 52A2 has a first bend line A21. The first bend line A21 of one extension 52A2 extends in a direction orthogonal to the first bend line A21 of the other extension 52A2. Among each first bend line A21, the end closer to the mounting portion 12A1 is the base end, and the end farther from the mounting portion 12A1 is the front end. The distance between the front ends of the first bend lines A21 is greater than the distance between the base ends of the first bend lines A21.

[0098] In this case, the following effects can be achieved.

[0099] (6) The first wiring substrate 52A has multiple extensions 52A2, so even if one extension 52A2 is cut off, the dimming discs 11N and 11R can be connected to the drive unit using other extensions 52A2.

[0100] Furthermore, in the two first bend lines A21, the distance between the front ends is greater than the distance between the base ends. Therefore, when each extension 52A2 is bent along the first bend line A21, one extension 52A2 is pulled out in a direction away from the other extension 52A2. This prevents the extension 52A2 bent along the first bend line A21 from overlapping with other extensions 52A2.

[0101] Furthermore, the second wiring substrate 12B may also have multiple extensions similar to the first wiring substrate 52A. In addition, when the first wiring substrate 52A has multiple extensions 52A2, each extension 52A2 may also have a first bend line and a third bend line.

[0102] [Prominent part]

[0103] • The extension 12A2 may have a protrusion 12A3 only at one of its two ends in the first direction D1. In this case, the portion in the first wiring substrate 12A where the protrusion 12A3 is located can achieve the effect described in (2) above. Alternatively, the first wiring substrate 12A may not have a protrusion 12A3. In this case, since the first width W1 of the mounting portion 12A1 is smaller than the second width W2 of the extension 12A2, the effect described in (1) above can be achieved.

[0104] [Bending method of wiring board]

[0105] • When bending the extension 12A2 along the first bend line A21, the extension 12A2 can be bent such that the portion of the extension 12A2 closer to the base end than the first bend line A21 covers the portion closer to the front end than the first bend line A21. In other words, the extension 12A2 can be bent such that the portion of the extension 12A2 that is closer to the base end than the first bend line A21 covers the portion that is closer to the front end than the first bend line A21. In this case, since the extension 12A2 has the first bend line A21, the effect that meets the above (3) can also be obtained.

[0106] • When the extension 12A2 is bent along the first bend line A21 and then bent along the second bend line A22, the extension 12A2 can be bent such that the mounting portion 12A1, which is installed in the wiring area 21A, covers the extension 12A2. In this case, the extension 12A2 can be located on the opposite side of the mounting portion 12A1 relative to the first transparent electrode 21. In this case, since the extension 12A2 has the second bend line A22, the effect that meets the above (4) can be obtained.

[0107] Furthermore, the technical concept described in the appendix can be derived from the above-described embodiments and variations.

[0108] [Postscript 1]

[0109] A dimming unit includes a dimming plate and wiring. The dimming plate includes a first transparent electrode, a second transparent electrode, and a dimming layer.

[0110] The dimming layer is sandwiched between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode.

[0111] The first transparent electrode has a first wiring area, which includes a portion of the edge of the first transparent electrode and is exposed from the dimming layer.

[0112] The second transparent electrode has a second wiring region, which includes a portion of the edge of the second transparent electrode and is exposed from the dimming layer.

[0113] The aforementioned cabling section includes a mounting section and an extension section.

[0114] The aforementioned mounting portion extends in a first direction along the aforementioned edge of the first transparent electrode and is mounted in the aforementioned first wiring area.

[0115] The aforementioned extension extends along a second direction intersecting the aforementioned first direction, and extends from the aforementioned mounting portion toward the outside of the aforementioned first transparent electrode.

[0116] The angle formed by the first direction and the second direction mentioned above is the reference angle.

[0117] The aforementioned extension has a bend line when the extension is bent, and the first bend line extends in a direction parallel to the straight line that bisects the aforementioned reference angle.

[0118] According to the dimming unit described in Appendix 1 above, by bending the extension along the bending line, the extension can be pulled out along the first direction regardless of the angle between the first and second directions.

[0119] [Postscript 2]

[0120] As shown in Appendix 1, the dimming unit, in which,

[0121] The above-mentioned bend line is the first bend line.

[0122] The aforementioned extension has a second bend line.

[0123] The distance between the second bend line and the boundaries of the mounting portion and the extension portion is less than the distance between the first bend line and the boundary.

[0124] The aforementioned second bend line extends along the aforementioned first direction.

[0125] According to the dimming unit described in Appendix 2 above, after bending the extension along the first bending line, it is then bent along the second bending line, thereby reducing the size of the wiring portion along the direction orthogonal to the first direction and the amount of bending the extension along the second bending line.

Claims

1. A dimming unit comprising a dimming sheet and wiring, the dimming sheet comprising a first transparent electrode, a second transparent electrode, and a dimming layer, wherein, The dimming layer is sandwiched between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode. The first transparent electrode has a first wiring area, which includes a portion of the edge of the first transparent electrode and is exposed from the dimming layer. The second transparent electrode has a second wiring region, which includes a portion of the edge of the second transparent electrode and is exposed from the dimming layer. The aforementioned cabling section includes a mounting section and an extension section. The aforementioned mounting portion extends in a first direction along the aforementioned edge of the first transparent electrode and is mounted in the aforementioned first wiring area. The aforementioned extension extends along a second direction intersecting the aforementioned first direction, and extends from the aforementioned mounting portion toward the outside of the aforementioned first transparent electrode. The size of the mounting portion, i.e., the first width, in the direction orthogonal to the first direction is smaller than the size of the extension portion, i.e., the second width, in the direction orthogonal to the second direction. The aforementioned extension has a first bend line that guides the bending of the aforementioned extension. The angle formed by the first direction and the second direction mentioned above is the reference angle. The aforementioned first bend line extends along a third direction parallel to the line that bisects the aforementioned reference angle. The aforementioned extension also includes a second bending line that extends along the aforementioned first direction and guides the bending of the extension. The distance between the second bend line and the boundaries of the mounting portion and the extension portion is less than the distance between the first bend line and the boundary.

2. A dimming unit comprising a dimming sheet and wiring, wherein the dimming sheet comprises a first transparent electrode, a second transparent electrode, and a dimming layer, wherein... The dimming layer is sandwiched between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode. The first transparent electrode has a first wiring area, which includes a portion of the edge of the first transparent electrode and is exposed from the dimming layer. The second transparent electrode has a second wiring region, which includes a portion of the edge of the second transparent electrode and is exposed from the dimming layer. The aforementioned cabling section includes a mounting section and an extension section. The aforementioned mounting portion extends in a first direction along the aforementioned edge of the first transparent electrode and is mounted in the aforementioned first wiring area. The aforementioned extension extends along a second direction intersecting the aforementioned first direction, and extends from the aforementioned mounting portion toward the outside of the aforementioned first transparent electrode. The size of the mounting portion, i.e., the first width, in the direction orthogonal to the first direction is smaller than the size of the extension portion, i.e., the second width, in the direction orthogonal to the second direction. The aforementioned extension has a first bend line that guides the bending of the aforementioned extension. The angle formed by the first direction and the second direction mentioned above is the reference angle. The aforementioned first bend line extends along a third direction parallel to the line that bisects the aforementioned reference angle. The aforementioned extension also includes a third bending line that extends in a direction orthogonal to the aforementioned third direction and guides the bending of the aforementioned extension.

3. The dimming unit as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The wiring portion has a protrusion at at least one of its two ends in the first direction, and the protrusion protrudes outward from the mounting portion toward the first transparent electrode.

4. The dimming unit as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The aforementioned extension is the first of a plurality of extensions. The aforementioned multiple extensions are arranged at intervals in the aforementioned first direction.

Images