dimming device

Abstract

This invention provides a dimming device that makes it easier to visually confirm misalignment of stacked panels. The dimming device includes a panel unit on which multiple dimming panels, each having a first substrate, a second substrate, and multiple alignment marks disposed on at least one of the first and second substrates, are stacked in a first direction. When two adjacent dimming panels in the first direction are configured as one dimming panel disposed on one side of the first direction and another dimming panel disposed on the other side of the first direction, when viewed from the first direction, a first alignment mark in one dimming panel (one of the multiple alignment marks) and a second alignment mark in the other dimming panel (one of the multiple alignment marks and corresponding to the first alignment mark) surround the other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to dimming devices. Background Technology

[0002] Dimming devices that stack multiple panels are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In dimming devices, there are cases where dimming panels for p-wave polarized light and dimming panels for s-wave polarized light (after rotating the p-wave polarized light dimming panel by 90 degrees) are alternately stacked. In such cases, it is necessary to reduce the misalignment between the individual dimming panels. In Patent Document 1, each panel has rectangular alignment marks of the same size. Multiple panels are stacked sequentially while overlapping two panels and adjusting their positions to align the alignment marks. The alignment marks on all panels are rectangular and of the same size.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: JP 2019-70734 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In Patent Document 1, when the dimming device is viewed from above, and multiple alignment marks overlap to appear as a rectangle, it is possible to confirm that all panels are properly positioned. However, when the multiple alignment marks are subtly offset, it is not easy to identify which panel is offset in which direction.

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dimming device that makes it easier to visually identify misalignment of stacked panels.

[0008] A dimming device according to one aspect of this disclosure includes a panel unit having a plurality of dimming panels stacked in a first direction. The dimming panels have a first substrate, a second substrate, and a plurality of alignment marks disposed on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate. When two dimming panels adjacent in the first direction are configured as a dimming panel disposed on one side of the first direction and another dimming panel disposed on the other side of the first direction, when a first alignment mark in the first dimming panel, which is one of the plurality of alignment marks, and a second alignment mark in the other dimming panel, which is one of the plurality of alignment marks and corresponds to the first alignment mark, are viewed from the first direction, one of the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark surrounds the other. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view of the dimming device according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the dimming device of the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the dimming panel of the first embodiment viewed from above.

[0012] Figure 4 Viewed from above Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the first substrate included in the dimming panel.

[0013] Figure 5 Viewed from above Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the second substrate included in the dimming panel.

[0014] Figure 6 Viewed from above Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the uppermost dimming panel included in the dimming device.

[0015] Figure 7 Viewed from above Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the second dimming panel included in the dimming device.

[0016] Figure 8 Viewed from above Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the third dimming panel from the top of the dimming device.

[0017] Figure 9 Viewed from above Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the fourth dimming panel from the top of the dimming device.

[0018] Figure 10 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the XX line.

[0019] Figure 11 It's enlarged. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the alignment marks.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the dimming panel of the second embodiment viewed from above.

[0021] Figure 13 It is Figure 12 A diagram showing the alignment marks overlapping and enlarged.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the dimming panel of the third embodiment viewed from above.

[0023] Figure 15 It is Figure 14 A diagram showing the alignment marks overlapping and enlarged.

[0024] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0025] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F dimming panels

[0026] 10 and 20 terminal groups

[0027] 11 First side

[0028] 12 Second side

[0029] 13 Third side

[0030] 14th side

[0031] 15th side

[0032] 16th side

[0033] 17th side

[0034] 18th side

[0035] 2 1st substrate

[0036] 21 First side

[0037] 22 Second side

[0038] 23 Third side

[0039] 24. Fourth side

[0040] 25. Fifth side

[0041] 26th side

[0042] 27th side

[0043] 28th side

[0044] 3 2nd substrate

[0045] 31 First side

[0046] 32 Second side

[0047] 33 Third side

[0048] 34 Fourth side

[0049] 35. Fifth side

[0050] 36th side

[0051] 37th side

[0052] 38th side

[0053] 4 Alignment Marks

[0054] 40 Fate

[0055] Alignment marks 41, 42, 43, and 44

[0056] 5 Alignment Marks

[0057] Alignment marks 51, 52, 53, and 54

[0058] 6 Alignment Marks

[0059] Alignment marks 61, 62, 63, and 64

[0060] 100 dimming device

[0061] 101 Terminal 1

[0062] 102 Terminal 2

[0063] 103 Terminal 3

[0064] 104 Terminal 4

[0065] 110 panel unit

[0066] 120 light source

[0067] 130 light

[0068] 140 Translucent Adhesive

[0069] 201 Terminal 5

[0070] 202 Terminal 6

[0071] 203 Terminal 7

[0072] 204 Terminal 8

[0073] Wiring 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217

[0074] 220, 230 connecting parts

[0075] 251, 252, 381, 382 LCD driving electrodes

[0076] 300 Edge Section

[0077] 305 and 306 connecting parts

[0078] 350 First Wiring

[0079] 350a Edge

[0080] 350b and 350c end caps

[0081] 350d corner

[0082] 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356

[0083] 360th second wiring

[0084] 360a edge

[0085] 360b and 360c ends

[0086] 361, 362, 363, 364, 365 edges

[0087] 370 circle

[0088] 371, 372, 373, 374 radii

[0089] 400 misalignment confirmation part

[0090] 410, 420, 430, 440 misalignment confirmation parts

[0091] 2131, 2132, 2161, 2162 ends

[0092] A light-shielding area (frame area)

[0093] A10 first light-shielding area

[0094] A20 second light-shielding area

[0095] B10 light-transmitting area (effective area)

[0096] B20 non-light-shielding area

[0097] O center Detailed implementation manners

[0098] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the manners (implementation manners) for implementing the present disclosure will be described in detail. The present disclosure is not limited by the content described in the following implementation manners. In addition, the constituent elements described below include constituent elements that are substantially the same and can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art. Moreover, the constituent elements described below can be appropriately combined.

[0099] In addition, the present disclosure is merely an example, and appropriate changes that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art while maintaining the gist of the disclosure are of course included in the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, in order to make the description clearer, sometimes the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part are schematically shown in the drawings compared with the actual form, but this is merely an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present disclosure. In addition, in this specification and each drawing, the same reference numerals are assigned to elements that are the same as those already described in the accompanying drawings, and detailed descriptions may sometimes be appropriately omitted.

[0100] Furthermore, in the XYZ coordinates shown in the attached diagram, the X direction is the front-to-back direction, with the X1 side opposite to the X2 side. The X1 side is also called the rear side, and the X2 side is also called the front side. The Y direction is the left-to-right direction, with the Y1 side opposite to the Y2 side. The Y1 side is also called the left side, and the Y2 side is also called the right side. The Z direction is the up-down direction (stacked direction). The Z1 side is opposite to the Z2 side. The Z1 side is also called the top side, and the Z2 side is also called the bottom side. In addition, the Z direction is also called the first direction. The Z2 side is one side of the first direction, and the Z1 side is the other side of the first direction. Furthermore, in the dimming device of the embodiment, a dimming panel (liquid crystal cell) for p-wave polarized light and a dimming panel (liquid crystal cell) for s-wave polarized light are stacked and combined. Specifically, a dimming panel for p-wave polarized light and a dimming panel for s-wave polarized light after rotating the dimming panel for p-wave polarized light by 90 degrees are alternately stacked.

[0101] [First Implementation]

[0102] First, the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view of the dimming device according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the dimming device of the first embodiment. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the dimming panel of the first embodiment viewed from above. Figure 4 Viewed from above Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the first substrate included in the dimming panel. Figure 5 Viewed from above Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the second substrate included in the dimming panel.

[0103] The dimming device 100 of the first embodiment consists of four stacked octagonal dimming panels 1. This will be described in detail below. Figure 1 As shown, the panel unit 110 included in the dimming device 100 has an outer edge that is a regular octagon when viewed from above. A circular light-transmitting area (effective area) B10 is provided in the center, and a light-shielding area (frame area) A is provided on the outer periphery of the light-transmitting area B10. The light-transmitting area B10 is a circular area for light from a light source to shine on. The light-shielding area A includes a first light-shielding area A10 and a second light-shielding area A20.

[0104] like Figure 1As shown, four misalignment confirmation portions 400 are arranged on the outer periphery of the light-transmitting area B10 in the panel unit 110. That is, the misalignment confirmation portions 410, 420, 430, and 440 are located on the circumference of a circle 370 centered on the center O of the circular light-transmitting area B10. The circle passing through the center of each misalignment confirmation portion 400 is circle 370. The radii of circle 370 are radii 371, 372, 373, and 374, respectively. Specifically, the radius connecting the center of misalignment confirmation portion 410 and center O is radius 371. The radius connecting the center of misalignment confirmation portion 420 and center O is radius 372. The radius connecting the center of misalignment confirmation portion 430 and center O is radius 373. The radius connecting the center of misalignment confirmation portion 440 and center O is radius 374. In each misalignment confirmation portion 400, four alignment marks 4 are arranged from the center outwards. Specifically, alignment marks 41, 42, 43, and 44 are arranged from the central side outwards. Alignment mark 4 will be described in detail later.

[0105] like Figure 1 As shown, the misalignment confirmation parts 410, 420, 430, and 440 are arranged at equal intervals on the circumference of circle 370. That is, the central angles between adjacent radii in the circumferential direction are all 90 degrees. Specifically, the central angle between radius 371 and radius 372 is 90 degrees. The central angle between radius 372 and radius 373 is 90 degrees. The central angle between radius 373 and radius 374 is 90 degrees. The central angle between radius 374 and radius 371 is 90 degrees. Furthermore, in Figure 1 In the middle, the topmost of the stacked dimming panels 1 is Figure 2 The dimming panel 1A is shown, therefore, the outline of the light-shielding area A of the dimming panel 1A is only represented by a thick solid line.

[0106] like Figure 2 As shown, the dimming device 100 includes a panel unit 110 and a light source 120. The light source 120 is, for example, an LED (light emitting diode). The light 130 emitted from the light source 120 is blocked by the light-blocking area A and passes through the light-transmitting area B10 to travel upward.

[0107] like Figure 2As shown, four dimming panels 1 are stacked in panel unit 110. Each dimming panel 1 has a first substrate 2 and a second substrate 3. The four dimming panels 1 include dimming panel 1A, dimming panel 1B, dimming panel 1C, and dimming panel 1D. Dimming panel 1A is located on the top side (Z1 side). Dimming panel 1B is the second from the top. Dimming panel 1C is the third from the top. Dimming panel 1D is the fourth from the top. That is, dimming panel 1D is located on the bottom side. The adjacent dimming panels 1 are bonded together by a light-transmitting adhesive 140. The light-transmitting adhesive 140 can be, for example, light-transmitting double-sided tape (OCA: Optical Clear Adhesive).

[0108] like Figure 3 As shown, the dimming panel 1 is octagonal when viewed from above. The dimming panel 1 has a first side 11, a second side 12, a third side 13, a fourth side 14, a fifth side 15, a sixth side 16, a seventh side 17, and an eighth side 18. The dimming panel 1 has two terminal groups (terminal groups 10 and 20). Terminal group 10 is located at the edge of the second side 12, and terminal group 20 is located at the edge of the first side 11. The dimming panel 1 includes a light-transmitting first substrate 2 and a light-transmitting second substrate 3 disposed on the upper side of the first substrate 2. The first substrate 2 will be described below.

[0109] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the first substrate 2 is octagonal, having a first side 21, a second side 22, a third side 23, a fourth side 24, a fifth side 25, a sixth side 26, a seventh side 27, and an eighth side 28. Figure 4 As shown, the first substrate 2 is provided with wiring, liquid crystal driving electrodes, and connection portions. Furthermore, the connection portion 220 of the first substrate 2 and the connection portion 306 of the second substrate 3 (see reference) Figure 5 They are electrically connected via conductive posts (not shown). Similarly, the connection portion 230 of the first substrate 2 and the connection portion 305 of the second substrate 3 (see reference) are also electrically connected. Figure 5 Electrically connected via conductive posts (not shown).

[0110] like Figure 4 As shown, the terminal group 10 includes a first terminal 101, a second terminal 102, a third terminal 103, and a fourth terminal 104. The first terminal 101, the second terminal 102, the third terminal 103, and the fourth terminal 104 are arranged along the X direction.

[0111] Additionally, terminal group 20 includes a fifth terminal 201, a sixth terminal 202, a seventh terminal 203, and an eighth terminal 204. The fifth terminal 201, the sixth terminal 202, the seventh terminal 203, and the eighth terminal 204 are arranged along the Y direction.

[0112] like Figure 4 As shown, in the central portion of the first substrate 2, a pair of semi-circular wirings 216 and 213 are arranged opposite each other. Wiring 216 is located on the Y1 side, and wiring 213 is located on the Y2 side. Wiring 216 extends from end 2161 to end 2162. Wiring 213 extends from end 2131 to end 2132. The inner peripheral edges of wirings 216 and 213 are arc-shaped, and a light-transmitting area B10 is formed by the inner peripheral edges of wirings 216 and 213 (see reference). Figure 3 (a circle)

[0113] Terminal 101 and terminal 8 204 are connected via wiring 217. Connector 230 is connected to wiring 217. Terminal 202 is connected to wiring 216. Terminal 3 103 and terminal 6 202 are connected via wiring 211. Terminal 4 104 and terminal 5 201 are connected via wiring 214 and connector 220. Connector 220 is connected to wiring 214. Terminal 6 202 is connected to wiring 213 via wiring 212. Terminal 7 203 is connected to wiring 216 via wiring 215. Wiring 215 is disposed inside wiring 217 (on the center side of the substrate), and wiring 213 is disposed inside wiring 215.

[0114] Multiple liquid crystal driving electrodes 251 are connected to wiring 213. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 251 extend linearly in the Y direction. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 251 are arranged at equal intervals in the X direction. Multiple liquid crystal driving electrodes 252 are connected to wiring 216. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 252 extend linearly in the Y direction. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 252 are arranged at equal intervals in the X direction. Furthermore, the liquid crystal driving electrodes 251 and 252 are arranged alternately in the X direction.

[0115] like Figure 5 As shown, the second substrate 3 is provided with wiring, liquid crystal driving electrodes, and connection portions. In this embodiment, as... Figure 5 As shown, the second substrate 3 is octagonal, having a first side 31, a second side 32, a third side 33, a fourth side 34, a fifth side 35, a sixth side 36, a seventh side 37, and an eighth side 38. Here, when the second substrate 3 overlaps the upper side of the first substrate 2, it is used as follows... Figure 4 As indicated by the double-dotted lines, the first side 31, the second side 32, and the third side 33 are located inside the first side 21, the second side 22, and the third side 23 of the first substrate 2. Specifically, as... Figure 4 As shown, side 31 is located on the X1 side compared to side 21, side 32 is located on the Y2 side compared to side 22, and side 33 is located on both the X1 and Y2 sides compared to side 23. Therefore, as... Figure 3 as well as Figure 4As shown, in the dimming panel 1, the edges along the first side 21, the second side 22, and the third side 23 of the first substrate 2 are exposed. Therefore, the terminal groups 10 and 20 are also exposed.

[0116] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second substrate 3 has a first wiring 350 and a second wiring 360 formed along the outline of the second substrate 3 or the outline of the light-transmitting region B10. These first wirings 350 and second wirings 360 serve as light-shielding layers, and therefore have a larger width than the other wirings.

[0117] Wiring 1 350 and wiring 2 360 as follows Figure 5 The first wiring 350 corresponds to the first light-shielding area A10, and the second wiring 360 corresponds to the second light-shielding area A20. The first wiring 350 is disposed on the X1 side of the second substrate 3, and the second wiring 360 is disposed on the X2 side of the second substrate 3. The first wiring 350 and the second wiring 360 include at least one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (1), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu). Therefore, the first wiring 350 and the second wiring 360 have light-shielding properties. Furthermore, the first wiring 350 and the second wiring 360 can be formed as a solid film of metal layer or as a dense mesh.

[0118] The outer edge of the first wiring 350 has edges 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, and 356. The inner edge of the first wiring 350 has edge 350a. Edge 350a extends along a circle centered at center O. The X2 side end of the first wiring 350 has an end 350b on the Y2 side and an end 350c on the Y1 side.

[0119] The outer edge of the second wiring 360 has edges 361, 362, 363, 364, and 365. The inner edge of the second wiring 360 has edge 360a. Edge 360a extends along a circle centered at center O. Edges 350a and 360a extend along circles of the same radius centered at center O. The X1 side end of the second wiring 360 has an Y2 side end 360b and a Y1 side end 360c. The edges 300 of the first side 31 and the eighth side 38 in the second substrate 3 are provided with a non-shielding area B20. The second wiring 360 is disposed between the non-shielding area B20 and the light-transmitting area B10.

[0120] Multiple liquid crystal driving electrodes 381 are connected to the second wiring 360. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 381 extend linearly in the X direction. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 381 are arranged at equal intervals in the Y direction. Multiple liquid crystal driving electrodes 382 are connected to the first wiring 350. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 382 extend linearly in the X direction. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 382 are arranged at equal intervals in the Y direction. Furthermore, the liquid crystal driving electrodes 381 and 382 are arranged alternately in the Y direction.

[0121] Specifically, in Figure 1 The misalignment confirmation part 400 as described in the text Figure 5 The alignment mark 4 is provided on the second substrate 3. The alignment mark 4 is, for example, a metal pattern. The alignment mark 4 is, for example, made of the same material as the first wiring 350 and the second wiring 360, and can be formed together with the first wiring 350 and the second wiring 360 in the same process, or it can be formed in another process. Hereinafter, the misalignment confirmation unit 400 and the alignment mark 4 will be described in detail.

[0122] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 As shown, a misalignment confirmation part 410 is provided at the end 360c of the second wiring 360. In the misalignment confirmation part 410, an outer edge 40 has a non-shaded area B20 with a square shape. An alignment mark 41 is provided at the center of the non-shaded area B20. The alignment mark 41 has a small square shape.

[0123] A misalignment confirmation section 420 is provided on the edge portion 300 of the second substrate 3. An alignment mark 42 is provided in the misalignment confirmation section 420. The alignment mark 42 has a square annular shape.

[0124] A misalignment confirmation part 430 is provided at the end 350b of the first wiring 350. The misalignment confirmation part 430 has an outer edge 40 with a non-shaded area B20 having a square shape. An alignment mark 43 is provided at the center of the non-shaded area B20. The alignment mark 43 has a square annular shape.

[0125] A misalignment confirmation part 440 is provided at the corner 350d of the first wiring 350. The corner 350d is the portion surrounded by edges 353, 354, 352, and 350a. Within the misalignment confirmation part 440, an outer edge 40 has a non-shaded area B20 with a square shape. An alignment mark 44 is provided at the center of the non-shaded area B20. The alignment mark 44 has a square annular shape.

[0126] Next, the four dimming panels 1 contained in panel unit 110 will be described in sequence. Figure 6 Viewed from above Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the uppermost dimming panel included in the dimming device. Figure 7Viewed from above Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the second dimming panel included in the dimming device. Figure 8 Viewed from above Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the third dimming panel from the top of the dimming device. Figure 9 Viewed from above Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the fourth dimming panel from the top of the dimming device. Figure 10 Based on Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the XX line. Figure 11 It's enlarged. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the alignment marks.

[0127] like Figure 6 As shown, the dimming panel 1A located at the top and Figure 3 Same. For example... Figure 7 As shown, viewed from above, the second dimming panel 1B from the top is in the same state as the dimming panel 1A after it has been rotated 90 degrees clockwise around center O. Figure 8 As shown, viewed from above, the third dimming panel 1C from the top is in the same state as the dimming panel 1B after it has been rotated 90 degrees clockwise around center O. Figure 9 As shown, viewed from above, the fourth dimming panel 1D from the top is in the same state as the dimming panel 1C after it has been rotated 90 degrees clockwise with center O as the center.

[0128] If these four dimming panels 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are overlapped, then the alignment mark of dimming panel 1C is arranged above the alignment mark of dimming panel 1D, the alignment mark of dimming panel 1B is arranged above the alignment mark of dimming panel 1C, and the alignment mark of dimming panel 1A is arranged above the alignment mark of dimming panel 1B.

[0129] Specifically, for example, in Figure 1 In the misalignment confirmation part 410, such as Figure 10 As shown, an alignment mark 43 of a dimming panel 1C is disposed above an alignment mark 44 of a dimming panel 1D, an alignment mark 42 of a dimming panel 1B is disposed above an alignment mark 43 of a dimming panel 1C, and an alignment mark 41 of a dimming panel 1A is disposed above an alignment mark 42 of a dimming panel 1B.

[0130] Therefore, if viewed from above Figure 1 The misalignment confirmation part 410, then as Figure 11As shown, four alignment marks 4 with square outer edges are visually identifiable. An alignment mark 41 is positioned in the center. Alignment mark 41 is square when viewed from above. Alignment mark 42 is formed as a square ring. Alignment mark 42 is positioned outside and surrounds alignment mark 41. Alignment mark 43 is formed as a square ring. Alignment mark 43 is positioned outside and surrounds alignment mark 42. Alignment mark 44 is formed as a square ring. Alignment mark 44 is positioned outside and surrounds alignment mark 43.

[0131] Consider two circumferentially adjacent alignment marks (e.g., alignment marks 41 and 42) centered at the center O of circle 370. Alignment mark 42 is located on one side of the circumferential direction, and alignment mark 41 is located on the other side. When alignment mark 42 overlaps with alignment mark 41, alignment mark 42 has a ring-shaped shape surrounding alignment mark 41. Similarly, with regard to alignment marks 42 and 43, and alignment marks 43 and 44, the alignment mark 4 on one side of the circumferential direction among two circumferentially adjacent alignment marks 4 has a square shape surrounding the alignment mark 4 on the other side of the circumferential direction.

[0132] In addition, the four alignment marks 41, 42, 43, and 44 are centered on the center O of circle 370, and their outer edges increase as they move in a counterclockwise direction.

[0133] Moreover, refer to Figure 10 Two adjacent dimming panels 1 in the Z direction are configured as a dimming panel (e.g., dimming panel 1B) disposed on the Z2 side (one side of the first direction) and another dimming panel (e.g., dimming panel 1A) disposed on the Z1 side (the other side of the first direction). When viewed from the Z direction, the alignment mark 42 (first alignment mark) of one dimming panel (dimming panel 1B) surrounds the alignment mark 41 (second alignment mark) of the other dimming panel (dimming panel 1A). The same applies to dimming panels 1B and 1C, and dimming panels 1C and 1D.

[0134] In other words, if Figure 10 The alignment mark 4 of the dimming panel 1C shown is designated as the first alignment mark, and the alignment mark 4 of the dimming panel 1B is designated as the second alignment mark. When viewed from the Z direction, one of the first alignment mark and the other of the second alignment mark surrounds the other. Specifically, when viewed from the Z direction, the first alignment mark of the dimming panel 1C surrounds the second alignment mark of the dimming panel 1B.

[0135] Furthermore, the designated alignment mark 4 of the dimming panel 1D is designated as the first alignment mark, and the designated alignment mark 4 of the dimming panel 1C is designated as the second alignment mark. When viewed from the Z direction, one of the first alignment mark and the other of the second alignment mark surrounds the other. Specifically, when viewed from the Z direction, the first alignment mark of the dimming panel 1D surrounds the second alignment mark of the dimming panel 1C.

[0136] like Figure 10 As shown, the lengths of alignment mark 41 in the X and Y directions are distance L1. The distances between the outer edge of alignment mark 41 and the inner edge of alignment mark 42 along the X and Y directions are distance L2. The width of alignment mark 42 is distance L3. The distances between the outer edge of alignment mark 42 and the inner edge of alignment mark 43 along the X and Y directions are distance L4. The width of alignment mark 43 is distance L5. The distances between the outer edge of alignment mark 43 and the inner edge of alignment mark 44 along the X and Y directions are distance L6. The width of alignment mark 44 is distance L7. In this embodiment, distances L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, and L7 are, for example, all of the same length, but they may also be set to different lengths.

[0137] As described above, the dimming device 100 of the first embodiment includes a dimming panel 1 having a first substrate 2 and a second substrate 3, and a plurality of panel units 110 are stacked in the Z direction (first direction). When two dimming panels 1 that are adjacent in the Z direction among the plurality of dimming panels 1 are configured as a dimming panel (e.g., dimming panel 1B) disposed on the Z2 side (one side of the first direction) and another dimming panel (e.g., dimming panel 1A) disposed on the Z1 side (the other side of the first direction), the alignment mark 42 (first alignment mark) of one dimming panel surrounds the alignment mark 41 (second alignment mark) of the other dimming panel.

[0138] As described above, in a dimming device, dimming panels for p-wave polarized light and dimming panels for s-wave polarized light, after the p-wave polarized light dimming panels have been rotated 90 degrees, are alternately stacked. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the misalignment between the individual dimming panels. Here, in Patent Document 1, all alignment marks have the same size and the same rectangular shape. Therefore, when the dimming device is viewed from above, if the multiple alignment marks are slightly offset, it may be difficult to identify which panel is offset in which direction.

[0139] In contrast, in this embodiment, when viewing two adjacent dimming panels (e.g., dimming panels 1A and 1B) in the Z direction, the alignment mark 42 of one dimming panel (dimming panel 1B) surrounds the alignment mark 41 of the other dimming panel (dimming panel 1A). Therefore, when all dimming panels 1 are overlapped, it becomes easier to identify which panel is offset in which direction. Thus, according to this embodiment, a dimming device 100 is obtained that allows for easier visual confirmation of misalignment of stacked dimming panels 1.

[0140] In addition, a plurality of alignment marks 4 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of a circle 370 centered on the central portion of the dimming panel 1. For two adjacent alignment marks (e.g., alignment marks 41, 42) in the circumferential direction, the alignment mark on one side in the circumferential direction (e.g., alignment mark 42) surrounds the alignment mark on the other side in the circumferential direction (e.g., alignment mark 41).

[0141] Therefore, multiple identical dimming panels 1 are prepared, and they are made to overlap in the Z direction by rotating each of the multiple dimming panels 1 by a specified angle with the center O as the center. By appropriately adjusting the positional relationship between the alignment mark 41 and the alignment mark 42, a dimming device 100 is obtained that can more easily visually confirm the misalignment of the stacked dimming panels 1.

[0142] Furthermore, the outer edge of the alignment mark 4 has a square shape when viewed from the Z direction (first direction), so it is easy to visually confirm whether the misalignment direction of each dimming panel 1 is the X direction or the Y direction.

[0143] [Second Implementation]

[0144] Next, the second implementation method will be described. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the dimming panel of the second embodiment viewed from above. Figure 13 It is Figure 12 A schematic diagram showing the alignment marks overlapping and enlarged. The alignment mark 4 of the first embodiment has a square shape with an outer edge. In contrast, the alignment mark 5 of the second embodiment has a circular shape with an outer edge.

[0145] like Figure 12 As shown, in the misalignment confirmation section 410 of the dimming panel 1E in the second embodiment, there is a non-shaded area B20 with a square shape on the outer edge 40. An alignment mark 51 is provided at the center of the non-shaded area B20. The alignment mark 51 has a small circular shape.

[0146] Alignment mark 52 is provided in the misalignment confirmation part 420. Alignment mark 52 has a circular ring shape.

[0147] In the misalignment confirmation section 430, there is an outer edge 40 with a non-shaded area B20 having a square shape. An alignment mark 53 is provided in the center of the non-shaded area B20. The alignment mark 53 has a circular annular shape.

[0148] In the misalignment confirmation section 440, there is an outer edge 40 with a non-shaded area B20 having a square shape. An alignment mark 54 is provided in the center of the non-shaded area B20. The alignment mark 54 has a circular annular shape.

[0149] like Figure 13 As shown, when viewing the misalignment confirmation section 410 from above, four alignment marks 5 with circular outer edges can be visually confirmed. An alignment mark 51 is positioned in the center. The alignment mark 51 is circular when viewed from above. An alignment mark 52 is formed in a circular ring shape. The alignment mark 52 is positioned outside and surrounds the alignment mark 51. An alignment mark 53 is formed in a circular ring shape. The alignment mark 53 is positioned outside and surrounds the alignment mark 52. An alignment mark 54 is formed in a circular ring shape. The alignment mark 54 is positioned outside and surrounds the alignment mark 53.

[0150] like Figure 13 As shown, the diameter of alignment mark 51 is distance L11. The distance between the outer edge of alignment mark 51 and the inner edge of alignment mark 52 is distance L12. The width of alignment mark 52 is distance L13. The distance between the outer edge of alignment mark 52 and the inner edge of alignment mark 53 is distance L14. The width of alignment mark 53 is distance L15. The distance between the outer edge of alignment mark 53 and the inner edge of alignment mark 53 is distance L16. The width of alignment mark 55 is distance L17. The outer edges of alignment marks 51, 52, 53, and 54 are concentric circles centered on center O. In this embodiment, distances L11, L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, and L17 are, for example, all of the same length, but they may also be set to different lengths instead of the same length.

[0151] As explained above, in the second embodiment, the outer edge of the alignment mark 5 has a circular shape when viewed from the Z direction (first direction). When viewing two adjacent dimming panels 1 in the Z direction, the alignment mark 52 of one dimming panel surrounds the alignment mark 51 of the other dimming panel 1. Therefore, when all dimming panels 1 are overlapped, it becomes easy to identify which panel is offset in which direction. Specifically, a square alignment mark 4, for example, if misaligned to the X1 and Y1 sides, is not easily visually confirmed, but if it is a circular alignment mark 5, an offset in any radial direction relative to the center of the alignment mark 5 is easily visually confirmed.

[0152] [Third Implementation]

[0153] Next, the third embodiment will be described. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the dimming panel of the third embodiment viewed from above. Figure 15 It is Figure 14 A schematic diagram showing the alignment marks overlapping and enlarged. The alignment mark 4 of the first embodiment has a square shape with an outer edge. In contrast, the alignment mark 6 of the third embodiment has a cross shape with an outer edge.

[0154] like Figure 14 As shown, in the misalignment confirmation section 410 of the dimming panel 1F in the third embodiment, there is a non-shaded area B20 with a square shape on the outer edge 40. An alignment mark 61 is provided at the center of the non-shaded area B20. The alignment mark 61 has a small cross shape.

[0155] The misalignment confirmation unit 420 is provided with an alignment mark 62. The alignment mark 62 has a cross-shaped ring.

[0156] In the misalignment confirmation section 430, there is a non-shaded area B20 with a square shape on the outer edge 40. An alignment mark 63 is provided in the center of the non-shaded area B20. The alignment mark 63 has a ring shape with a cross-shaped outer edge.

[0157] In the misalignment confirmation section 440, there is a non-shaded area B20 with a square shape on the outer edge 40. An alignment mark 64 is provided in the center of the non-shaded area B20. The alignment mark 64 has a ring shape with a cross-shaped outer edge.

[0158] like Figure 15 As shown, if the misalignment confirmation part 410 is viewed from above, the four alignment marks 6 with cross-shaped outer edges can be visually confirmed. An alignment mark 61 is positioned in the center. The alignment mark 61 forms a cross when viewed from above. An alignment mark 62 is formed as a ring with a cross-shaped outer edge. The alignment mark 62 is positioned outside and surrounds the alignment mark 61. An alignment mark 63 is formed as a ring with a cross-shaped outer edge. The alignment mark 63 is positioned outside and surrounds the alignment mark 62. An alignment mark 64 is formed as a ring with a cross-shaped outer edge. The alignment mark 64 is positioned outside and surrounds the alignment mark 63.

[0159] like Figure 15As shown, the maximum length of alignment mark 61 in both the Y and X directions is distance L21. The maximum length of alignment mark 62 in both the Y and X directions is distance L22. Distance L22 is greater than distance L21. The maximum length of alignment mark 63 in both the Y and X directions is distance L23. Distance L23 is greater than distance L22. The maximum length of alignment mark 64 in both the Y and X directions is distance L24. Distance L24 is greater than distance L23.

[0160] As explained above, in the third embodiment, the outer edge of the alignment mark 6 has a cross-shaped ring when viewed from the Z direction (first direction). When two dimming panels 1 are adjacent in the Z direction, the alignment mark 6 of one dimming panel 1 (e.g., alignment mark 62) surrounds the alignment mark 6 of the other dimming panel 1 (e.g., alignment mark 61). Therefore, when all dimming panels 1 are overlapped, it becomes easier to identify which dimming panel 1 is offset in which direction.

Claims

1. A dimming device, characterized in that, The device includes a panel unit having four dimming panels stacked in a first direction. Each dimming panel has a first substrate, a second substrate, and four alignment marks disposed on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate. The four alignment marks in each dimming panel are: a first alignment mark arranged circumferentially on the circumference of a circle centered on the center of the dimming panel; a second alignment mark located at a position rotated 90 degrees to one side of the circumference relative to the first alignment mark; a third alignment mark located at a position rotated 90 degrees to one side of the circumference relative to the second alignment mark; and a fourth alignment mark located at a position rotated 90 degrees to one side of the circumference relative to the third alignment mark. When the four alignment marks are viewed from the first direction, the second alignment mark has a ring-shaped shape that can surround the first alignment mark, the third alignment mark has a ring-shaped shape that can surround the second alignment mark, and the fourth alignment mark has a ring-shaped shape that can surround the third alignment mark. The four dimming panels are stacked in the order of first dimming panel, second dimming panel, third dimming panel, and fourth dimming panel. The second dimming panel is rotated 90 degrees relative to the first dimming panel in the circumferential direction, the third dimming panel is rotated 90 degrees relative to the second dimming panel in the circumferential direction, and the fourth dimming panel is rotated 90 degrees relative to the third dimming panel in the circumferential direction. When two adjacent dimming panels in the first direction are arranged as one dimming panel on one side of the first direction and another dimming panel on the other side of the first direction, When one of the four alignment marks in the dimming panel and another alignment mark in the other dimming panel, which is one of the four alignment marks and corresponds to the first alignment mark, are observed from the first direction, one of the alignment marks and the other alignment mark surrounds the other.

2. The dimming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer edge of the alignment mark has a square shape when viewed from the first direction.

3. The dimming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer edge of the alignment mark has a circular shape when viewed from the first direction.

4. The dimming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer edge of the alignment mark has a cross shape when viewed from the first direction.

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