Dimming device and method for manufacturing dimming device

Abstract

The dimming device includes: a transparent substrate; a light control sheet configured by sandwiching a light control layer, which is provided with a transparent resin layer defining a plurality of voids and a liquid crystal composition filling the voids, with a first electrode film and a second electrode film therebetween, and which is provided with a surface on which the light control layer is to be adhered facing the transparent substrate on the first electrode film; an adhesive layer for adhering the surface to be adhered to the transparent substrate; and a sealing portion that fills a first gap between an edge portion of the surface to be adhered and the transparent substrate, and covers an end surface of the first electrode film and an end surface of the light modulation layer. The sealing portion has a thickness that separates an edge portion of the adhesive layer from the transparent substrate, and fills a second gap between the edge portion of the adhesive layer and the transparent substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a dimming device and a method for manufacturing the dimming device. Background Technology

[0002] One example of a dimming sheet includes a first transparent conductive film, a second transparent conductive film, and a dimming layer sandwiched between the first and second transparent conductive films. Each transparent conductive film has a substrate and a transparent electrode supported by the substrate. A portion of the transparent electrode of the first transparent conductive film is exposed from the second transparent conductive film and the dimming layer. A portion of the transparent electrode of the second transparent conductive film is exposed from the first transparent conductive film and the dimming layer. The dimming sheet includes a sealing portion that covers the exposed portion of the transparent electrode of the first transparent conductive film, the end face of the dimming layer, and the end face of the second transparent conductive film. The dimming sheet includes a sealing portion that covers the exposed portion of the transparent electrode of the second transparent conductive film, the end face of the dimming layer, and the end face of the first transparent conductive film (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-21016 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem that the invention aims to solve A portion of the sealing part covering the end face of the first transparent conductive film is also located on the surface of the first transparent conductive film opposite to the surface opposite the dimming layer, and is connected to the end face. For example, when the surface of the first transparent conductive film is adhered to the support member by an adhesive layer, because the height of the sealing part on the surface of the first transparent conductive film is greater than the thickness of the adhesive layer, the portion of the adhesive layer opposite to the sealing part peels off from the support member. The lower the height of the sealing part on the surface of the first transparent conductive film, the less adhesive layer peels off. However, the lower the height of the sealing part, the thinner the thickness of the sealing part in the direction protruding from the end face of the first transparent conductive film in a plane parallel to the surface of the first transparent conductive film. As a result, the sealing function of the sealing part in sealing the first transparent conductive film is reduced.

[0005] Methods for solving problems One method of a dimming device includes: a transparent substrate; a dimming sheet formed by a dimming layer sandwiched between a first electrode film and a second electrode film, the dimming layer comprising a transparent resin layer defining a plurality of gaps and a liquid crystal composition filling the gaps, the first electrode film having a bonding surface opposite to the transparent substrate; an adhesive layer for bonding the bonding surface to the transparent substrate; and a sealing portion for filling the gap between the edge of the bonding surface and the transparent substrate, and covering the end faces of the first electrode film and the end faces of the dimming layer. The sealing portion has a thickness sufficient to separate the edge of the adhesive layer from the transparent substrate, and fills the gap between the edge of the adhesive layer and the transparent substrate.

[0006] One method for manufacturing a dimming device includes: a transparent substrate; a dimming sheet sandwiched between a first electrode film and a second electrode film by a dimming layer, the dimming layer comprising a transparent resin layer defining a plurality of gaps and a liquid crystal composition filling the gaps, the first electrode film having a bonding surface opposite to the transparent substrate; and an adhesive layer for bonding the bonding surface to the transparent substrate. The dimming sheet includes a first sealing element covering an end face of the first electrode film and an end face of the dimming layer, the height of the first sealing element on the bonding surface being greater than the thickness of the adhesive layer. The manufacturing method includes: attaching the dimming sheet to the transparent substrate using the adhesive layer in such a way that the first sealing element is in contact with the transparent substrate, thereby separating the edge portion of the adhesive layer from the transparent substrate; filling the gap between the edge portion of the adhesive layer and the transparent substrate, and the gap between the adhesive layer and the first sealing element with an ionizing radiation-curable resin; and curing the ionizing radiation-curable resin by irradiating it with ionizing radiation, thereby forming a sealing portion from the first sealing element and the ionizing radiation-curable resin. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 It is a top view showing the structure of the dimming device as seen from a viewpoint opposite the plane extending from the dimming device.

[0008] Figure 2 It means along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the structure of the dimming device for line II-II shown.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a process diagram showing one step in the manufacturing process of a dimming device.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a process diagram showing one step in the manufacturing process of a dimming device.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a process diagram showing one step in the manufacturing process of a dimming device.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a process diagram showing one step in the manufacturing process of a dimming device. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Reference Figures 1 to 6 An embodiment of the dimming device and the method for manufacturing the dimming device will be described.

[0014] [Dimming Device] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The dimming device is described. Figure 1 The planar structure of the dimming device is shown as viewed from a viewpoint opposite the plane extending from the dimming device. Furthermore, in Figure 1 For ease of illustration, the diagram of the sealing part of the dimming device has been omitted.

[0015] like Figure 1 As shown, the dimming device 10 includes a transparent substrate 11 and a dimming plate 12. The dimming plate 12 is supported by the transparent substrate 11. Both the transparent substrate 11 and the dimming plate 12 are flat. Figure 1 In the example shown, the transparent substrate 11 and the dimming plate 12 have quadrilateral shapes. Viewed from a viewpoint opposite to the plane extending from the transparent substrate 11, the transparent substrate 11 is larger than the dimming plate 12, and the dimming plate 12 is located within the transparent substrate 11.

[0016] The type of dimming disc 12 can be, for example, a common type. A common type dimming disc 12 has a high haze value when no voltage is applied to the dimming disc 12, and has a low haze value when voltage is applied to the dimming disc 12 compared to the case where no voltage is applied to the dimming disc 12.

[0017] The dimming disc 12 includes a first electrode portion 21C exposed to the outside and a second electrode portion 22C located between the dimming disc 12 and the transparent substrate 11. A first electrode terminal 24 is connected to the first electrode portion 21C. A second electrode terminal 25 is connected to the second electrode portion 22C. A first wiring 15A is connected to the first electrode terminal 24 via solder 24A. A second wiring 15B is connected to the second electrode terminal 25 via solder 25A. Each wiring 15A and 15B is connected to a drive portion 16 that applies voltage to the dimming disc 12.

[0018] Figure 2 It shows along Figure 1 The cross-sectional structure of the dimming device 10 for line II-II shown.

[0019] like Figure 2As shown, the dimming device 10 also includes an adhesive layer 13 and a sealing portion 14. The adhesive layer 13 and the sealing portion 14 are transparent. The dimming sheet 12 includes a first electrode film 21, a second electrode film 22, and a dimming layer 23. The dimming layer 23 includes a transparent resin layer defining a plurality of gaps and a liquid crystal composition filling the gaps. The dimming layer 23 is sandwiched between the first electrode film 21 and the second electrode film 22. The dimming sheet 12 has a bonding surface 21S on the first electrode film 21 that faces the transparent substrate 11.

[0020] The first electrode film 21 includes a first substrate 21A and a first electrode layer 21B. Both the first substrate 21A and the first electrode layer 21B are transparent. The first substrate 21A supports the first electrode layer 21B. The second electrode film 22 includes a second substrate 22A and a second electrode layer 22B. Both the second substrate 22A and the second electrode layer 22B are transparent. The second substrate 22A supports the second electrode layer 22B. In the thickness direction of the dimming sheet 12, the first electrode layer 21B and the second electrode layer 22B are positioned opposite each other through the dimming layer 23.

[0021] The adhesive layer 13 is used to adhere the surface 21S to the transparent substrate 11. The adhesive layer 13 is located between the transparent substrate 11 and the surface 21S, and is in contact with both the transparent substrate 11 and the surface 21S, thereby adhering the surface 21S to the transparent substrate 11.

[0022] The sealing portion 14 fills the gap, i.e., the first gap G1, between the edge portion 21SE of the bonded surface 21S and the transparent substrate 11, and covers the end face 21E of the first electrode film 21 and the end face 23E of the dimming layer 23. Viewed from a perspective opposite to the bonded surface 21S, the edge portion 21SE of the bonded surface 21S has a closed loop shape along the outer edge of the first electrode film 21. Viewed from a perspective opposite to the bonded surface 21S, the edge portion 21SE of the bonded surface 21S has a width extending from the outer edge of the first electrode film 21 inwards into the bonded surface 21S. The first gap G1 is the space extending between the edge portion 21SE of the bonded surface 21S and the surface of the transparent substrate 11 opposite to the bonded surface 21S.

[0023] The end face 21E of the first electrode film 21 is a surface that connects the surface to be bonded 21S and the surface opposite to the surface to be bonded 21S in the thickness direction of the first electrode film 21. The end face 21E has a closed loop shape along the outer edge of the first electrode film 21. The end face 21E includes the end face of the first substrate 21A and the end face of the first electrode layer 21B. The end face of the first substrate 21A is a surface that connects a pair of surfaces of the first substrate 21A in the thickness direction of the dimming sheet 12. The end face of the first electrode layer 21B is a surface that connects a pair of surfaces of the first electrode layer 21B in the thickness direction of the dimming sheet 12. The end face 23E of the dimming layer 23 is a surface that connects a pair of surfaces of the dimming layer 23 in the thickness direction of the dimming layer 23. The end face 23E has a closed loop shape along the outer edge of the dimming layer 23.

[0024] The sealing portion 14 has a thickness sufficient to separate the edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 from the transparent substrate 11, and fills the gap between the edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 and the transparent substrate 11, i.e., the second gap G2. The thickness of the sealing portion 14 can also be the distance between the surface of the transparent substrate 11 in contact with the adhesive layer 13 and the second electrode layer 22B, and the distance at the portion of the sealing portion 14 where the thickness of the sealing portion 14 is greatest between the transparent substrate 11 and the bonded surface 21S. The edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 includes the outer edge of the adhesive layer 13, and has a closed loop shape along the outer edge when viewed from a viewpoint opposite to the plane extending from the adhesive layer 13. When viewed from a viewpoint opposite to the plane extending from the adhesive layer 13, the edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 has a width extending from the outer edge of the adhesive layer 13 into the adhesive layer 13, and has a thickness equal to that of the adhesive layer 13. The second gap G2 is the space extending between the surface of the transparent substrate 11 opposite to the adhesive layer 13 and the surface of the adhesive layer 13 opposite to the transparent substrate 11.

[0025] According to the dimming device 10 of this disclosure, the thickness of the sealing portion 14 is sufficient to allow the edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 to separate from the transparent substrate 11, thus ensuring the sealing function of the sealing portion 14 in sealing the end face 21E of the first electrode film 21 and the end face 23E of the dimming layer 23. Furthermore, the sealing portion 14 fills the second gap G2 between the edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 and the transparent substrate 11, thereby preventing the second gap G2 from being visually confirmed through the transparent substrate 11. In this way, according to the dimming device 10, the sealing function of the sealing portion 14 and the aesthetics of the dimming sheet 12 can be achieved while adhering the dimming sheet 12 to the transparent substrate 11.

[0026] From the viewpoint of suppressing the lifting of the adhesive layer 13 caused by the sealing portion 14, it is preferable that the thickness of the sealing portion 14 is thin. However, the thinner the sealing portion 14 is, the lower its function in sealing the dimming layer 23. As a result, for example, the damp heat resistance of the dimming sheet 12 is reduced. In this regard, as disclosed herein, the thickness of the sealing portion 14 is thick enough to allow the edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 to separate from the transparent substrate 11, thus ensuring the sealing function of the sealing portion 14 sufficiently.

[0027] From the viewpoint of reducing the thickness of the dimming device 10, it is preferable that the adhesive layer 13 is thin. In addition, the adhesive layer 13 is a layer that has specified optical properties, weather resistance and bonding reliability at a specified thickness, so it is not easy to change the thickness of the adhesive layer 13 according to the thickness of the sealing part 14 so that the edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 does not move away from the transparent substrate 11.

[0028] The second electrode film 22 includes a dimming layer 23 and a second electrode portion 22C exposed from the first electrode film 21. The sealing portion 14 can further fill the gap between the second electrode portion 22C and the transparent substrate 11, i.e., a third gap G3. The second electrode portion 22C is the area in the second electrode film 22 not covered by the dimming layer 23 and the first electrode film 21. The second electrode portion 22C is conductive. The third gap G3 is the space extending between the surface of the second electrode portion 22C facing the transparent substrate 11 and the surface of the transparent substrate 11 facing the second electrode portion 22C. In addition to the end face 21E of the first electrode film 21 and the end face 23E of the dimming layer 23, the second electrode portion 22C is also sealed by the sealing portion 14, thus improving the sealing function of the sealing portion 14.

[0029] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the dimming plate 12 also includes a second electrode terminal 25 connected to the second electrode portion 22C of the second electrode film 22. The sealing portion 14 can cover the second electrode terminal 25 and the portion of the second electrode portion 22C exposed from the second electrode terminal 25. In addition to the end face 21E of the first electrode film 21 and the end face 23E of the dimming layer 23, the second electrode terminal 25 is also sealed by the sealing portion 14, thus improving the sealing function of the sealing portion 14.

[0030] The first electrode film 21 includes a first electrode portion 21C exposed from the second electrode film 22 and the dimming layer 23. The first electrode portion 21C is a region of the first electrode film 21 not covered by the dimming layer 23 and the second electrode film 22. The first electrode portion 21C is conductive. The dimming sheet 12 may also include a first electrode terminal 24 connected to the first electrode portion 21C of the first electrode film 21.

[0031] The dimming plate 12 may include a sealing portion 26. The sealing portion 26 covers the portion of the first electrode terminal 24, the portion of the first electrode portion 21C exposed from the first electrode terminal 24, the end face 22E of the second electrode film 22, and the portion of the end face 23E of the dimming layer 23 that is different from the portion covered by the sealing portion 14.

[0032] The end face 22E of the second electrode film 22 is a surface that connects a pair of surfaces of the second electrode film 22 in the thickness direction of the second electrode film 22. The end face 22E has a closed ring shape along the outer edge of the second electrode film 22. The end face 22E includes the end face of the second substrate 22A and the end face of the second electrode layer 22B. The end face of the second substrate 22A is a surface that connects a pair of surfaces of the second substrate 22A in the thickness direction of the second substrate 22A. The end face of the second electrode layer 22B is a surface that connects a pair of surfaces of the second electrode layer 22B in the thickness direction of the second electrode layer 22B.

[0033] [Manufacturing method of dimming device] Reference Figures 3 to 6 The manufacturing method of the dimming device is explained.

[0034] A method for manufacturing the dimming device 10 includes: separating the edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 from the transparent substrate 11; filling with an ionizing radiation-curable resin; and forming a sealing portion 14 by a first sealing element and the ionizing radiation-curable resin. By separating the edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 from the transparent substrate 11, the dimming sheet 12 is adhered to the transparent substrate 11 through the adhesive layer 13 in such a way that the first sealing element of the dimming sheet 12 contacts the transparent substrate 11. When filling with the ionizing radiation-curable resin, the ionizing radiation-curable resin is filled into the gap between the edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 and the transparent substrate 11, and into the gap between the adhesive layer 13 and the first sealing element. When forming the sealing portion 14, the ionizing radiation-curable resin is cured by irradiating it with ionizing radiation.

[0035] According to the manufacturing method of the dimming device 10, the thickness of the first sealing element is sufficient to allow the edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 to separate from the transparent substrate 11, thus ensuring the function of the first sealing element in sealing the end face 21E of the first electrode film 21 and the end face 23E of the dimming layer 23. Furthermore, the ionizing radiation-curing resin filling the gaps between the edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 and the transparent substrate 11, and the gaps between the adhesive layer 13 and the first sealing element, together with the first sealing element, forms a sealing portion 14, thereby suppressing the gap between the transparent substrate 11 and the dimming sheet 12 that can be visually confirmed through the transparent substrate 11. Thus, according to the manufacturing method of the dimming device 10, while attaching the dimming sheet 12 to the transparent substrate 11, both the sealing function of the sealing portion 14 and the aesthetics of the dimming sheet 12 can be achieved. Hereinafter, the manufacturing method of the dimming device 10 will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 3 The cross-sectional structure of the dimming sheet 12, which is attached to the transparent substrate 11, is shown. Figure 3 Will along Figure 1 The cross-sectional structure of the dimming plate 12 corresponding to the cross-sectional structure of the II-II line shown is shown together with the cross-sectional structure of the adhesive layer 13.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the dimming sheet 12 before pasting, like the dimming sheet 12 after pasting described above, includes a first electrode film 21, a second electrode film 22, and a dimming layer 23. The first electrode film 21 has a first electrode portion 21C exposed from the second electrode film 22 and the dimming layer 23. A first electrode terminal 24 is connected to the first electrode portion 21C. The second electrode film 22 has a second electrode portion 22C exposed from the first electrode film 21 and the dimming layer 23. A second electrode terminal 25 is connected to the second electrode portion 22C. The dimming sheet 12 includes a sealing portion 26 that covers the end faces 22E of the first electrode portion 21C, the second electrode film 22, and the dimming layer 23.

[0038] The dimming sheet 12 includes a first sealing element 14A. The first sealing element 14A covers the edge 21SE of the adhered surface 21S, the end face 21E of the first electrode film 21, the end face 23E of the dimming layer 23, and the second electrode portion 22C. The first sealing element 14A covers the corner portion of the dimming sheet 12 formed by the adhered surface 21S and the end face 22E of the second electrode film 22. Therefore, the thickness of the first sealing element 14A, i.e., the thickness extending outward from the outer edge of the first electrode film 21 along a plane parallel to the adhered surface 21S, tends to be thinner. The thickness of the first sealing element 14A tends to be thicker the more it protrudes away from the adhered surface 21S, and thinner the more it protrudes. The smaller the amount of protrusion of the first sealing element 14A, the less effective it is at sealing the end face 21E of the first electrode film 21 and the end face 23E of the dimming layer 23.

[0039] Therefore, the amount by which the first sealing element 14A protrudes in a direction away from the adhesive surface 21S, i.e., the height H14A of the first sealing element 14A on the adhesive surface 21S, is set to be greater than the thickness T13 of the adhesive layer 13.

[0040] Before attaching the dimming sheet 12 to the transparent substrate 11, the adhesive layer 13 is attached to the surface 21S of the first electrode film 21.

[0041] Figure 4 The image shows the state in which the adhesive layer 13, which is attached to the surface to be attached 21S, is attached to the transparent substrate 11.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, the adhesive layer 13 is adhered to the transparent substrate 11. As described above, since the height H14A of the first sealing element 14A on the adhered surface 21S is thicker than the thickness of the adhesive layer 13, the adhesive layer 13 contacts the transparent substrate 11, and the top of the first sealing element 14A contacts the transparent substrate 11. Consequently, in the adhesive layer 13, the portion opposite to the first sealing element 14A, i.e., the edge portion 13E, and the difference between the height H14A of the first sealing element 14A and the thickness T13 of the adhesive layer 13 correspondingly rise from the transparent substrate 11. Thus, a second gap G2 is formed between the edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 and the transparent substrate 11. The size of the second gap G2 tends to be larger as the difference between the height H14A of the first sealing element 14A and the thickness T13 of the adhesive layer 13 is greater, and tends to be smaller as the difference between the height H14A of the first sealing element 14A and the thickness T13 of the adhesive layer 13 is smaller.

[0043] As described above, since the height H14A of the first sealing element 14A on the adhered surface 21S is thicker than the thickness of the adhesive layer 13, the edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 floats off the transparent substrate 11 near the first sealing element 14A. On the other hand, the further away from the first sealing element 14A, the less influence the height H14A of the first sealing element 14A has on the adhesive layer 13, so the portion of the adhesive layer 13 away from the edge portion 13E is in close contact with the transparent substrate 11. Therefore, in a cross-section along line II-II and orthogonal to the plane extending from the transparent substrate 11, the second electrode film 22 is not flat.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, an ionizing radiation-curable resin RR is filled between the transparent substrate 11 and the second electrode film 22. The ionizing radiation-curable resin RR is transparent. At this time, on the side opposite to the adhesive layer 13 relative to the first sealing element 14A, the ionizing radiation-curable resin RR is filled between the first sealing element 14A and the transparent substrate 11. The ionizing radiation-curable resin RR fills the space between the transparent substrate 11 and the second electrode film 22 by burying the third gap G3 and the second gap G2 from the side opposite to the adhesive layer 13 relative to the first sealing element 14A. Thus, the space between the transparent substrate 11 and the second electrode film 22 where the first sealing element 14A does not exist is filled by the ionizing radiation-curable resin RR.

[0045] Therefore, in the sealing portion 14 formed by curing with the ionizing radiation-curable resin RR, the thickness of the sealing portion 14 in the direction protruding from the end face 21E of the first electrode film 21 in the plane extending from the first electrode film 21 is further increased. This further enhances the function of the sealing portion 14 in sealing the dimming disc 12.

[0046] The ionizing radiation used to cure the ionizing radiation-curable resin RR can be ultraviolet light or an electron beam. The ionizing radiation-curable resin RR can be either an ultraviolet-curable resin or an electron beam-curable resin.

[0047] like Figure 6 As shown, ionizing radiation R is irradiated onto the ionizing radiation-curable resin RR filled between the transparent substrate 11 and the second electrode film 22. This forms a cured body of the ionizing radiation-curable resin RR, i.e., a second sealing element 14B. Consequently, a sealing portion 14 is formed, consisting of a first sealing element 14A and a second sealing element 14B.

[0048] The first sealing element 14A is formed of a transparent synthetic resin. The refractive index of the first sealing element 14A is preferably equal to that of the second sealing element 14B. This prevents the visually perceptible boundary between the first sealing element 14A and the second sealing element 14B. The first sealing element 14A may be formed of an ionizing radiation-curable resin RR. The ionizing radiation-curable resin RR used to form the first sealing element 14A is preferably the same ionizing radiation-curable resin used to form the second sealing element 14B. This further prevents the visually perceptible boundary between the first sealing element 14A and the second sealing element 14B, and improves the adhesion of the second sealing element 14B to the first sealing element 14A.

[0049] In addition, Figures 2 to 6 In the diagram, the first sealing element 14A and the second sealing element 14B are illustrated separately. However, when the refractive indices of the first sealing element 14A and the second sealing element 14B are equal, and when the two sealing elements 14A and 14B are formed from the same material, the first sealing element 14A and the second sealing element 14B are identified as a single solidified body.

[0050] [Material] In the dimming film 12, the substrates 21A and 22A of each electrode film 21 and 22 can be formed from synthetic resins or inorganic compounds. Synthetic resins can be, for example, polyester resins, polyacrylate resins, polycarbonate resins, polyolefin resins, etc. Polyester resins can be, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, etc. Polyacrylate resins can be, for example, polymethyl methacrylate, etc. Inorganic compounds can be, for example, silicon dioxide, silicon oxynitride, etc.

[0051] The electrode layers 21B and 22B of each electrode film 21 and 22 can be formed, for example, from any one of indium tin oxide, fluorine-doped tin oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, carbon nanotubes, silver alloys and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene).

[0052] The liquid crystal composition includes a liquid crystal compound. The liquid crystal composition may include dichroic pigments, and may also include additives such as defoamers, antioxidants, weathering agents, solvents, and viscosity reducers. Weathering agents may be ultraviolet absorbers or light stabilizers.

[0053] Common dimming films may include, for example, liquid crystal compounds with positive dielectric anisotropy. The liquid crystal compound is, for example, at least one selected from the following groups: Schiff bases, azo compounds, azo oxides, biphenyl compounds, terphenyl compounds, benzoic acid esters, diphenylacetylene compounds, pyrimidine compounds, pyridazine compounds, cyclohexane carboxylates, phenylcyclohexane compounds, biphenylcyclohexane compounds, dicyanophenyl compounds, naphthalene compounds, and dioxane compounds. The liquid crystal compound may be one liquid crystal compound or a combination of two or more liquid crystal compounds.

[0054] The transparent resin layer is a cured product of the photopolymerizable composition. The light used to polymerize the photopolymerizable composition can be ultraviolet light or an electron beam. The photopolymerizable composition can be an ultraviolet-polymerizable composition or an electron-beam-polymerizable composition. The lower and upper limits of the content of the transparent resin layer in the dimming layer 23 are included within the range where liquid crystal particles composed of liquid crystal compounds undergo phase separation from the polymer of the photopolymerizable composition during the polymerization process.

[0055] The transparent substrate 11 can be formed from a synthetic resin or from glass. The synthetic resin can be, for example, an acrylic resin or a polycarbonate resin.

[0056] The adhesive layer 13 may also be self-adhesive. The self-adhesive property of the adhesive layer 13 enables the peeling of the dimming sheet 12 from the transparent substrate 11 based on external stress, and the re-bonding of the dimming sheet 12 to the transparent substrate 11. The self-adhesive bonding of the adhesive layer 13 does not require heating or drying while the adhesive layer 13 is in contact with the dimming sheet 12 and the transparent substrate 11. Furthermore, the dimming sheet 12 is bonded to the transparent substrate 11 by its own weight without being pressed against it.

[0057] Each sealing element 14A, 14B and sealing portion 26 may be formed of at least one of the following resins selected from the group consisting of polyacrylate resins, epoxy resins, allyl resins, polyurethane resins and silicone resins.

[0058] As explained above, according to one embodiment of the dimming device and the method for manufacturing the dimming device, the following effects can be obtained.

[0059] (1) Since the thickness of the sealing portion 14 is sufficient to separate the edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 from the transparent substrate 11, the sealing portion 14 can ensure the function of sealing the end face 21E of the first electrode film 21 and the end face 23E of the dimming layer 23. Furthermore, the sealing portion 14 fills the gap between the edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 and the transparent substrate 11, thereby suppressing the gap between the edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 and the transparent substrate 11 that can be visually confirmed through the transparent substrate 11.

[0060] (2) In addition to the end face 21E of the first electrode film 21 and the end face 23E of the dimming layer 23, the second electrode part 22C is also sealed by the sealing part 14, thus improving the sealing function of the sealing part 14.

[0061] (3) In addition to the end face 21E of the first electrode film 21 and the end face 23E of the dimming layer 23, the second electrode terminal 25 is also sealed by the sealing part, so the sealing function of the sealing part 14 is improved.

[0062] (4) Since the thickness of the first sealing element 14A is sufficient to separate the edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 from the transparent substrate 11, the function of the first sealing element 14A in sealing the end face 21E of the first electrode film 21 and the end face 23E of the dimming layer 23 can be ensured. Furthermore, the ionizing radiation-curing resin RR filled in the gap between the edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 and the transparent substrate 11, and the gap between the adhesive layer 13 and the first sealing element 14A, together with the first sealing element 14A, forms the sealing portion 14. Therefore, the gap between the transparent substrate 11 and the dimming sheet 12, which can be visually confirmed through the transparent substrate 11, can be suppressed.

[0063] (5) In the sealing portion 14 formed by curing the ionizing radiation-curable resin RR, the thickness of the sealing portion 14 in the direction protruding from the end face 21E of the first electrode film 21 in the plane extending from the first electrode film 21 is further increased. As a result, the sealing function of the sealing portion 14 is further improved.

[0064] Furthermore, the above-described implementation methods can be modified as follows.

[0065] [Dimming filter] • The type of dimming strip 12 is not limited to the ordinary type, but can also be the reverse type. The reverse type dimming strip has a lower haze value when no voltage is applied to the dimming strip, and has a higher haze value when voltage is applied to the dimming strip compared to the case where no voltage is applied to the dimming strip.

[0066] A reverse-type dimming film, for example, further includes a pair of vertically aligned films sandwiching the dimming layer 23 in the thickness direction of the dimming layer 23. Each vertically aligned film is located between the electrode layers 21B, 22B of each electrode film 21, 22 and the dimming layer 23. The dimming layer 23 may, for example, include a liquid crystal compound having a negative dielectric constant anisotropy.

[0067] • The dimmer 12 may also be curved. Furthermore, the shape of the dimmer 12 may be other than a quadrilateral. For example, the dimmer 12 may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal.

[0068] [Sealing section] As described above, the material used to form the first sealing element 14A may also be different from the material used to form the second sealing element 14B. In this case, the first sealing element 14A and the second sealing element 14B can be distinguished, and thus the first sealing element 14A and the second sealing element 14B can be determined as follows.

[0069] The first sealing element 14A covers the end face 21E of the first electrode film 21 and the end face 23E of the dimming layer 23. In the first sealing element 14A, the height from the bonded surface 21S to the transparent substrate 11 is greater than the thickness of the adhesive layer 13. The second sealing element 14B fills the gap between the edge portion 13E of the adhesive layer 13 and the transparent substrate 11, as well as the gap between the adhesive layer 13 and the first sealing element 14A.

[0070] [Functional Layer] The dimming film 12 can have various functional layers. At least one of the first electrode film 21 and the second electrode film 22 can have a functional layer. That is, only the first electrode film 21 can have a functional layer, only the second electrode film can have a functional layer, or both the first electrode film 21 and the second electrode film 22 can have functional layers.

[0071] When the first electrode film 21 has a functional layer, the functional layer may be located between the first substrate 21A and the first electrode layer 21B, or it may be located on the side opposite to the first electrode layer 21B relative to the first substrate 21A. When the second electrode film 22 has a functional layer, it may be located between the second substrate 22A and the second electrode layer 22B, or it may be located on the side opposite to the second electrode layer 22B relative to the second substrate 22A.

[0072] The functional layer can be, for example, any one of the following groups: hard coating, anti-blocking layer, primer, protective layer, and refractive index matching layer. Furthermore, the dimming plate 12 can also have two or more functional layers.

[0073] [Postscript] Based on the above implementation methods and modifications, the following technical concepts are derived.

[0074] [Note 1] A dimming device, comprising: Transparent substrate; A dimming sheet is formed by a dimming layer being sandwiched between a first electrode film and a second electrode film. The dimming layer has a transparent resin layer defining a plurality of gaps and a liquid crystal composition filling the gaps. The first electrode film has a bonding surface opposite to the transparent substrate. An adhesive layer is used to adhere the surface to be bonded to the transparent substrate; A first sealing element covers the end face of the first electrode film and the end face of the dimming layer, wherein the height from the adhered surface to the transparent substrate is greater than the thickness of the adhesive layer; and The second sealing element fills the gap between the edge of the adhesive layer and the transparent substrate, as well as the gap between the adhesive layer and the first sealing element. The material constituting the first sealing element is different from the material constituting the second sealing element.

[0075] [Appendix 2] According to the dimming device described in Appendix 1, wherein, The second sealing element also fills the space between the first sealing element and the transparent substrate.

Claims

1. A dimming device, comprising: Transparent substrate; A dimming sheet is formed by a dimming layer being sandwiched between a first electrode film and a second electrode film. The dimming layer has a transparent resin layer defining a plurality of gaps and a liquid crystal composition filling the gaps. The first electrode film has a bonding surface opposite to the transparent substrate. An adhesive layer is used to adhere the surface to the transparent substrate; and The sealing portion fills the gap between the edge of the adhesive surface and the transparent substrate, and covers the end faces of the first electrode film and the dimming layer. The sealing portion has a thickness that separates the edge of the adhesive layer from the transparent substrate and fills the gap between the edge of the adhesive layer and the transparent substrate.

2. The dimming device according to claim 1, wherein, The second electrode film includes electrode portions exposed from the dimming layer and the first electrode film. The sealing portion also fills the gap between the electrode portion and the transparent substrate.

3. The dimming device according to claim 2, wherein, The dimming plate also includes electrode terminals that are connected to the electrode portion of the second electrode film. The sealing portion covers the electrode terminal and the portion of the electrode portion that is exposed from the electrode terminal.

4. A method for manufacturing a dimming device, The dimming device includes: Transparent substrate; A dimming sheet is formed by a dimming layer sandwiched between a first electrode film and a second electrode film. The dimming layer includes a transparent resin layer defining a plurality of gaps and a liquid crystal composition filling the gaps. The first electrode film has a bonding surface opposite to the transparent substrate. An adhesive layer is used to adhere the surface to the transparent substrate. The dimming sheet includes a first sealing element that covers the end face of the first electrode film and the end face of the dimming layer. The height of the first sealing element on the bonding surface is greater than the thickness of the adhesive layer. The manufacturing method includes: The step of attaching the dimming sheet to the transparent substrate through the adhesive layer in such a way that the first sealing element contacts the transparent substrate, thereby separating the edge portion of the adhesive layer from the transparent substrate; The step of filling the gap between the edge of the adhesive layer and the transparent substrate, and the gap between the adhesive layer and the first sealing element with an ionizing radiation-curable resin; as well as The step of curing the ionizing radiation-curing resin by irradiating it with ionizing radiation, thereby forming a sealing portion from the first sealing element and the ionizing radiation-curing resin.

5. The method for manufacturing the dimming device according to claim 4, wherein, The step of filling the ionizing radiation-curable resin further includes: The step of filling the space between the first sealing element and the transparent substrate with the ionizing radiation-curable resin on the side opposite to the adhesive layer relative to the first sealing element.

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