Method for manufacturing light control plate and light control plate

Abstract

To provide a method for manufacturing a light control plate and the light control plate, which can suppress the formation of air bubbles in the light control plate in which the light control unit is put between a pair of transparent plates.SOLUTION: A method for manufacturing a light control plate 10 comprising a light control unit 20, which includes a light control sheet 21 and a first wiring portion 61 connected to a first electrode surface 32S in a first connection region 21B included in a light control sheet 21, includes the steps of: forming a coating portion 70 by curing a coating resin after coating a first recess 20A and a corner C3, which are steps formed by the first connection region 21B and the first wiring portion 61 with a liquid coating resin; and after coating the coating portion 70, sandwiching the light control unit 20 by a pair of interlayers 12 and further heating and pressure-bonding a laminate obtained by sandwiching the pair of interlayers 12, which sandwich the light control unit 20, by a pair of transparent plates 11. The coating resin has a viscosity lower than the interlayer 12 in heating and pressure-bonding.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a dimming plate and a dimming plate. [Background technology]

[0002] The light control unit includes a light control sheet and a wiring portion connected to the light control sheet. The light control sheet includes a pair of electrode sheets and a light control layer located between the pair of electrode sheets. Each electrode sheet includes an insulating transparent base material and a conductive transparent electrode layer. The light control layer is located between the transparent electrode layers of the two electrode sheets.

[0003] The light control layer includes a liquid crystal composition having liquid crystal molecules. The liquid crystal molecules exhibit different alignment states between a state where no potential difference occurs between the pair of transparent electrode layers and a state where a potential difference occurs between the pair of transparent electrode layers. In the light control unit, the wiring section applies a voltage between the pair of transparent electrode layers, causing the light control sheet to change the light transmittance according to the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules.

[0004] The light control unit is used in light control panels for window glass, partitions, etc. One example of a light control panel includes a pair of transparent panels and a light control unit located between the pair of transparent panels. A resin intermediate film is disposed between the light control sheet included in the light control unit and each transparent panel. The intermediate film bonds the light control sheet to each transparent panel (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-177039 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the light control unit, a step is formed at the portion where the light control sheet and the wiring part are connected. When the light control unit is sandwiched between a pair of transparent plates during the manufacture of the light control panel, there are cases where the intermediate film does not reach the corners of the step, causing air bubbles (voids) to remain in the light control panel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A method for manufacturing a dimming plate for solving the above problem includes a dimming sheet having a first electrode sheet having a first transparent electrode layer, a second electrode sheet having a second transparent electrode layer, and a dimming layer located between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, the dimming sheet having a dimming region where the dimming layer is sandwiched between the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet, and a connection region where the first transparent electrode layer has an electrode surface exposed from the dimming layer and the second electrode sheet, and a wiring part connected to the electrode surface in the connection region. The method for manufacturing a dimming plate includes a dimming unit having a dimming sheet having a first electrode sheet having a first transparent electrode layer, a second electrode sheet having a second transparent electrode layer, and a wiring part connected to the electrode surface in the connection region, the method including: covering a step formed by the connection region and the wiring part with a liquid coating resin, and then curing the coating resin to form a coating part; and, after the step of forming the coating part, sandwiching the dimming unit with a pair of intermediate films, and further heat-pressing a laminate in which the pair of intermediate films sandwiching the dimming unit are sandwiched between a pair of transparent plates, the coating resin having a lower viscosity than the intermediate film during the heat-pressing.

[0008] A light control panel for solving the above problems is a light control panel formed by heat-pressing a laminate including a first transparent panel and a second transparent panel arranged opposite to each other, a light control unit located between the first transparent panel and the second transparent panel, a first intermediate film located between the first transparent panel and the light control unit, and a second intermediate film located between the second transparent panel and the light control unit, the light control unit including a first electrode sheet including a first transparent electrode layer, a second electrode sheet including a second transparent electrode layer, and a light control layer located between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer. a light-adjusting sheet having a light-adjusting region where the light-adjusting layer is sandwiched between the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet, and a connection region where the first transparent electrode layer has an electrode surface exposed from the light-adjusting layer and the second electrode sheet, a wiring portion connected to the electrode surface in the connection region, and a covering portion covering a step formed by the connection region and the wiring portion, wherein the covering portion is formed by hardening a liquid coating resin having a viscosity lower than the viscosity of the first intermediate film and the second intermediate film during the heat-pressure bonding.

[0009] According to the above manufacturing method or configuration, in the step formed by the connection region and the wiring portion, the gap that the intermediate film cannot enter during the thermocompression bonding can be filled with the coating resin, which is the precursor of the coating portion. Therefore, by filling the gap that the intermediate film cannot enter during the thermocompression bonding with the coating portion in advance, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from being formed in the light control panel.

[0010] In the above manufacturing method, the light control area may be a surface including an end surface of the second electrode sheet and an end surface of the light control layer and have a first end surface adjacent to the connection area, the wiring portion may have a second end surface opposite to the first end surface, and the step covered by the covering portion may be a recess formed by the first end surface, the second end surface, and the electrode surface. According to the above manufacturing method, by covering the recess formed by the first end surface, the second end surface, and the electrode surface with the covering portion, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from being formed due to the intermediate film not entering the recess.

[0011] In the above manufacturing method, the connection region may include a third end face constituting an outer peripheral end face of the light-adjusting sheet, the wiring portion may include an extension portion extending beyond the third end face to the outside of the light-adjusting sheet, and the step covered by the covering portion may be a corner portion formed by the extension portion and the third end face. According to the above manufacturing method, by covering the corner portion formed by the electrode surface and the first end face with the covering portion, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from being formed due to the intermediate film not entering the corner portion.

[0012] In the above manufacturing method, the electrode surface is a first electrode surface, the connection region is a first connection region having the first electrode surface, the wiring portion is a first wiring portion connected to the first electrode surface in the first connection region, the light-adjusting sheet has a second connection region in which the second transparent electrode layer has a second electrode surface exposed from the light-adjusting layer and the first electrode sheet, the light-adjusting unit includes a second wiring portion connected to the second electrode surface in the second connection region, and the coating resin may be cured to form the coating portion after covering a step formed by the first connection region and the first wiring portion and a step formed by the second connection region and the second wiring portion with the coating resin. According to the above manufacturing method, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from being formed in both the step formed by the first connection region and the first wiring portion and the step formed by the second connection region and the second wiring portion. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the formation of air bubbles in a dimming plate in which a dimming unit is sandwiched between a pair of transparent plates. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a light control panel according to a first embodiment and a second embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the light control unit according to the first and second embodiments. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the light control unit of the first embodiment taken along line 3-3 in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the light control unit of the first embodiment taken along line 4-4 in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the light control panel of the first embodiment taken along line 5-5 in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the light control unit of the second embodiment taken along line 6-6 in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the light control unit of the second embodiment taken along line 7-7 in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the light control panel of the second embodiment taken along line 8-8 in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] [Light control panel of the first embodiment] Hereinafter, the light control panel 10 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the light control panel 10 of the first embodiment includes a pair of transparent panels 11 and a light control unit 20 located between the pair of transparent panels 11. The transparent panels 11 are transparent plate-shaped members made of a single layer or multiple layers. For example, a glass panel such as a single-pane glass panel or a double-pane glass panel, or a resin panel such as an acrylic panel or a polycarbonate panel, is used as the transparent panel 11. As an example, the light control panel 10 is laminated glass including a glass panel as the transparent panel 11. The surface of the transparent panel 11 that contacts the light control unit 20 may be flat or curved.

[0016] The light adjusting unit 20 includes a light adjusting sheet 21 and two wiring parts 60 connected to the light adjusting sheet 21. The outer edge of the light adjusting sheet 21 is located inside the outer edge of the transparent plate 11. That is, the entire light adjusting sheet 21 is located inside the outer edge of the transparent plate 11 in a plan view seen from a position facing the outer surface of the transparent plate 11 opposite to the light adjusting unit 20.

[0017] The wiring section 60 is, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The two wiring sections 60 are connected to an edge section 21E of the light controlling sheet 21. In a plan view seen from a position facing the outer surface of the transparent plate 11 opposite to the light controlling unit 20, the two wiring sections 60 are drawn out from the inside to the outside of the edge section 11E of the transparent plate 11. The edge section 11E of the transparent plate 11 and the edge section 21E of the light controlling sheet 21 extend along the first direction D1.

[0018] [Light control unit according to the first embodiment] As shown in Fig. 2, the light controlling sheet 21 includes a first electrode sheet 30 and a second electrode sheet 40. In Fig. 2, the first electrode sheet 30 is located on the near side of the page relative to the second electrode sheet 40. In Fig. 2, the second electrode sheet 40 is located on the far side of the page relative to the first electrode sheet 30.

[0019] The light controlling sheet 21 includes a light controlling region 21A, a first connection region 21B, and a second connection region 21C. The light controlling region 21A is a region in which the light transmittance can be changed. The first connection region 21B and the second connection region 21C are arranged side by side along the edge portion 21E.

[0020] The first connection region 21B has a first electrode surface 32S. The first electrode surface 32S is a portion of the first electrode sheet 30 that is exposed from the second electrode sheet 40. In FIG. 2, the first electrode surface 32S faces the back side of the paper. The second connection region 21C has a second electrode surface 42S. The second electrode surface 42S is a portion of the second electrode sheet 40 that is exposed from the first electrode sheet 30. In FIG. 2, the second electrode surface 42S faces the front side of the paper.

[0021] A wiring portion 60 is connected to the first electrode surface 32S and the second electrode surface 42S. In detail, a first wiring portion 61, which is an example of the wiring portion 60, is connected to the first electrode surface 32S. A second wiring portion 62, which is an example of the wiring portion 60, is connected to the second electrode surface 42S.

[0022] [Cross-sectional structure of the light control unit according to the first embodiment] 3, the light-adjusting sheet 21 includes a first electrode sheet 30, a second electrode sheet 40, and a light-adjusting layer 50. The thickness of the first electrode sheet 30 and the thickness of the second electrode sheet 40 are, for example, 50 μm or more and 200 μm or less. The thickness of the light-adjusting layer 50 is, for example, 4 μm or more and 30 μm or less.

[0023] The first electrode sheet 30 includes a first transparent substrate 31 and a first transparent electrode layer 32. The second electrode sheet 40 includes a second transparent substrate 41 and a second transparent electrode layer 42. The light control layer 50 is located between the first transparent electrode layer 32 and the second transparent electrode layer 42. In the light control sheet 21, the first transparent substrate 31, the first transparent electrode layer 32, the light control layer 50, the second transparent electrode layer 42, and the second transparent substrate 41 are laminated in this order in the stacking direction.

[0024] The first transparent substrate 31 and the second transparent substrate 41 have optical transparency that transmits visible light and electrical insulation. The material forming the first transparent substrate 31 and the second transparent substrate 41 is an organic polymer compound or an inorganic polymer compound. The organic polymer compound is, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyacrylate, polycarbonate, and polyolefin. The inorganic polymer compound is, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxide, silicon oxynitride, and silicon nitride. The thickness of the first transparent substrate 31 and the second transparent substrate 41 may be 40 μm or more and 180 μm or less, or 60 μm or more and 160 μm or less.

[0025] The first transparent electrode layer 32 and the second transparent electrode layer 42 have optical transparency that transmits visible light and electrical conductivity. The material forming the first transparent electrode layer 32 and the second transparent electrode layer 42 is, for example, at least 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.

[0026] The light control layer 50 has a different light transmittance depending on whether a voltage is applied through the first transparent electrode layer 32 and the second transparent electrode layer 42. One example of the light control layer 50 includes a transparent organic polymer layer and a liquid crystal composition. The transparent organic polymer layer defines a gap between the first transparent electrode layer 32 and the second transparent electrode layer 42. The liquid crystal composition is filled in the gap of the transparent organic polymer layer. The liquid crystal composition includes a liquid crystal compound. The liquid crystal compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, Schiff base compounds, azo compounds, azoxy compounds, biphenyl compounds, terphenyl compounds, benzoic acid ester compounds, tolan compounds, pyrimidine compounds, cyclohexane carboxylate compounds, phenylcyclohexane compounds, and dioxane compounds.

[0027] The type of the transparent organic polymer layer that holds the liquid crystal composition is, for example, any one selected from the group consisting of a polymer network type, a polymer dispersion type, and a capsule type. In the polymer network type, the transparent organic polymer layer has a transparent polymer network having a three-dimensional mesh shape, and holds the liquid crystal composition in the mesh-like voids that are interconnected. In the polymer dispersion type, the transparent organic polymer layer has a large number of isolated voids therein, and the liquid crystal composition is held in the voids dispersed in the transparent organic polymer layer. In the capsule type, the liquid crystal composition having a capsule shape is held in the transparent organic polymer layer. In addition to the above-mentioned liquid crystal compound, the liquid crystal composition may contain a monomer for forming the transparent organic polymer layer and a dichroic dye.

[0028] The first electrode surface 32S is a portion of the first transparent electrode layer 32 that is exposed from the second electrode sheet 40 and the light control layer 50. The first wiring portion 61 is adhered to the first electrode surface 32S so as to be electrically connected thereto via a conductive adhesive. The conductive adhesive is, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of an anisotropic conductive film (ACF), an anisotropic conductive paste (ACP), an isotropic conductive film (ICF), and an isotropic conductive paste (ICP).

[0029] The light control region 21A of the light control sheet 21 is a portion where the light control layer 50 is sandwiched between the first electrode sheet 30 and the second electrode sheet 40. In the light control sheet 21, the light control region 21A changes the light transmittance depending on whether or not a voltage is applied to the light control layer 50 via the first transparent electrode layer 32 and the second transparent electrode layer 42.

[0030] The light control region 21A includes a first light control end surface 21A1. The first light control end surface 21A1 is an example of a first end surface that divides the light control region 21A. The first light control end surface 21A1 includes an end surface of the second electrode sheet 40 and an end surface of the light control layer 50. The first light control end surface 21A1 is adjacent to the first connection region 21B.

[0031] The first wiring portion 61 includes a first wiring end surface 61S. The first wiring end surface 61S is an example of a second end surface. The first wiring end surface 61S is located at a tip of the first wiring portion 61. The first wiring end surface 61S faces the first dimming end surface 21A1.

[0032] The first dimming end surface 21A1 may be a flat surface. The first dimming end surface 21A1 may be a curved surface that widens the distance between the first dimming end surface 21A1 and the first wiring end surface 61S from the first electrode surface 32S toward the bottom of FIG. 3, or may be a discontinuous surface with a step. The first wiring end surface 61S may be a flat surface. The first wiring end surface 61S may be a curved surface that widens the distance between the first dimming end surface 21A1 and the first wiring end surface 61S from the first electrode surface 32S toward the bottom of FIG. 3, or may be a discontinuous surface with a step.

[0033] The dimming unit 20 includes a first recess 20A. The first recess 20A is formed by a first dimming end surface 21A1, a first wiring end surface 61S, and a first electrode surface 32S. The first recess 20A is an example of a step formed by the first connection region 21B and the first wiring portion 61 in the dimming unit 20.

[0034] In the first recess 20A, the angle between the first dimming end surface 21A1 and the first electrode surface 32S is a first angle θ1. The first angle θ1 is an angle formed by a virtual first straight line and the first electrode surface 32S in the cross section of the dimming unit 20. The virtual first straight line passes through a corner C1, which is the intersection point between the first dimming end surface 21A1 and the first electrode surface 32S, and a point on the first dimming end surface 21A1 that is the farthest from the first electrode surface 32S. The point on the first dimming end surface 21A1 that is the farthest from the first electrode surface 32S is a corner of the second transparent base material 41. The corner C1 of the dimming unit 20 is formed by the first electrode surface 32S and the first dimming end surface 21A1 in the first recess 20A.

[0035] The first angle θ1 indicates the degree of blocking by the first dimming end surface 21A1 of the fluid swept from below the corner C1 toward the corner C1 in Fig. 3. The larger the first angle θ1 is, the easier it is for the fluid swept from below the corner C1 toward the corner C1 in Fig. 3 to flow into the corner C1. The first angle θ1 is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. The first angle θ1 may be greater than 110 degrees and less than 160 degrees, or greater than 120 degrees and less than 150 degrees.

[0036] The thickness of the second transparent substrate 41 is sufficiently larger than the thickness of the light control layer 50 and the thickness of the second transparent electrode layer 42. Most of the first light control end surface 21A1 is occupied by the end surface of the second transparent substrate 41. Therefore, whether the first light control end surface 21A1 is a flat surface, a curved surface, or a discontinuous surface, the cross-sectional shape of the first light control end surface 21A1 conforms to the end surface shape of the second transparent substrate 41. The above-mentioned imaginary first straight line corresponds to a straight line passing through both end points in the thickness direction of the end surface of the second transparent substrate 41.

[0037] In the first recess 20A, the angle between the first wiring end surface 61S and the first electrode surface 32S is a second angle θ2. The second angle θ2 is an angle formed by a virtual second straight line and the first electrode surface 32S in the cross section of the dimming unit 20. The virtual second straight line passes through a corner C2, which is an intersection point between the first wiring end surface 61S and the first electrode surface 32S, and a point on the first wiring end surface 61S that is the farthest from the first electrode surface 32S. The point on the first wiring end surface 61S that is the farthest from the first electrode surface 32S is a corner of the first wiring part 61. The corner C2 of the dimming unit 20 is formed by the first electrode surface 32S and the first wiring end surface 61S in the first recess 20A.

[0038] The second angle θ2 indicates the degree of shielding by the first wiring end surface 61S of the fluid swept from below the corner C2 toward the corner C2 in FIG. 3. The larger the second angle θ2 is, the easier it is for the fluid swept from below the corner C2 toward the corner C2 in FIG. 3 to flow into the corner C2. The second angle θ2 is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. The second angle θ2 may be greater than or equal to 110 degrees and less than or equal to 160 degrees, or greater than or equal to 120 degrees and less than or equal to 150 degrees. The second angle θ2 may be greater than the first angle θ1, or may be smaller than the first angle θ1.

[0039] When the height of the first wiring portion 61 relative to the first electrode surface 32S is higher than the height of the second transparent base material 41 relative to the first electrode surface 32S, the second angle θ2 may be larger than the first angle θ1. When the height of the first wiring portion 61 is higher than the height of the second transparent base material 41, the amount of fluid pushed from below the corner C2 toward the corner C2 is likely to be smaller than the amount of fluid pushed from below the corner C1 toward the corner C1 by the amount of the higher height of the first wiring portion 61. A configuration in which the second angle θ2 is larger than the first angle θ1 makes it easier to suppress uneven distribution of the fluid entering the first recess 20A by bringing the amount of fluid pushed toward the corner C2 closer to the amount of fluid pushed toward the corner C1.

[0040] When the height of the first wiring portion 61 relative to the first electrode surface 32S is lower than the height of the second transparent base material 41 relative to the first electrode surface 32S, the second angle θ2 may be smaller than the first angle θ1. When the height of the first wiring portion 61 is lower than the height of the second transparent base material 41, the amount of fluid pushed from below the corner C2 toward the corner C2 is likely to be greater than the amount of fluid pushed from below the corner C1 toward the corner C1, since the height of the first wiring portion 61 is lower. A configuration in which the second angle θ2 is smaller than the first angle θ1 makes it easier to suppress uneven distribution of the fluid entering the first recess 20A by bringing the amount of fluid pushed toward the corner C2 closer to the amount of fluid pushed toward the corner C1.

[0041] In a second direction D2 intersecting with the first direction D1, the first recess 20A has a width W1. As an example, the second direction D2 is perpendicular to the first direction D1. The width W1 corresponds to the distance between the first dimming end surface 21A1 and the first wiring end surface 61S. The width W1 is the width of the first electrode surface 32S in the first recess 20A. The width W1 is greater than the sum of the thickness of the second electrode sheet 40 and the thickness of the dimming layer 50, for example.

[0042] The first connection region 21B has a first outer peripheral end surface 21BS. The first outer peripheral end surface 21BS may be a flat surface or a curved surface recessed from the outside of the light control unit 20 toward the first connection region 21B. The first outer peripheral end surface 21BS may be a discontinuous surface having a minute step between the end surfaces of the layers constituting the first outer peripheral end surface 21BS that is sufficiently smaller than the thickness of the end surface. The first outer peripheral end surface 21BS is an example of a third end surface. The first outer peripheral end surface 21BS is formed by the first electrode sheet 30. The first outer peripheral end surface 21BS is located at the tip of the first connection region 21B. The first outer peripheral end surface 21BS forms a part of the outer peripheral end surface of the light control sheet 21. The first outer peripheral end surface 21BS forms a part of the edge portion 21E.

[0043] The minor angle formed by the first electrode surface 32S and the first outer peripheral end surface 21BS is a third angle θ3. The third angle θ3 is an angle formed by a virtual third straight line and the first electrode surface 32S in the cross section of the dimming unit 20. The virtual third straight line passes through a corner C3, which is an intersection point between the first outer peripheral end surface 21BS and the first electrode surface 32S, and a point on the first outer peripheral end surface 21BS that is the farthest from the first electrode surface 32S in the cross section of the dimming unit 20. The point on the first outer peripheral end surface 21BS that is the farthest from the first electrode surface 32S is a corner of the first transparent base material 31. The corner C3 of the dimming unit 20 is formed by the first outer peripheral end surface 21BS and a surface provided on the first extension portion 61B. The corner C3 is an example of a step formed by the first connection region 21B and the first wiring portion 61 in the dimming unit 20.

[0044] The third angle θ3 indicates the degree of blocking by the first outer circumferential end surface 21BS of the fluid swept from above the corner C3 toward the corner C3 in FIG. 3. The smaller the third angle θ3 is, the easier it is for the fluid swept from above the corner C3 toward the corner C3 in FIG. 3 to flow into the corner C3. The third angle θ3 is less than 90 degrees. The third angle θ3 may be 30 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less, or 40 degrees or more and 70 degrees or less.

[0045] The first wiring portion 61 includes a first connection portion 61A and a first extension portion 61B. The first connection portion 61A is a portion of the first wiring portion 61 that overlaps with the first connection region 21B in the stacking direction of the light controlling sheet 21. The first extension portion 61B is a portion of the first wiring portion 61 that extends beyond the first outer circumferential end surface 21BS to the outside of the light controlling sheet 21.

[0046] The first extending portion 61B has a through hole 61H that penetrates in the thickness direction of the first wiring portion 61. For example, the first extending portion 61B has two through holes 61H aligned along the first direction D1 (see FIG. 2). The through holes 61H are an example of a hole portion included in the first wiring portion 61. A positioning jig is inserted into the through hole 61H when connecting the first wiring portion 61 to the light controlling sheet 21.

[0047] As an example, the through hole 61H is a circular hole having a predetermined diameter Φ1. The diameter Φ1 is larger than the thickness of the first extending portion 61B. Therefore, the value obtained by dividing the diameter Φ1 by the thickness of the first extending portion 61B, i.e., the ratio of the diameter Φ1 to the depth of the through hole 61H, is larger than 1. The ratio of the diameter Φ1 to the depth of the through hole 61H may be greater than 1 and less than 10, or may be greater than 2 and less than 5.

[0048] 4, the second electrode surface 42S is a portion of the second transparent electrode layer 42 that is exposed from the first electrode sheet 30 and the light control layer 50. The second wiring section 62 is bonded to the second electrode surface 42S via a conductive adhesive so as to be electrically connected thereto.

[0049] The light control region 21A includes a second light control end surface 21A2. The second light control end surface 21A2 is an example of a first end surface that divides the light control region 21A. The second light control end surface 21A2 includes an end surface of the first electrode sheet 30 and an end surface of the light control layer 50. The second light control end surface 21A2 is adjacent to the second connection region 21C.

[0050] The second wiring portion 62 includes a second wiring end surface 62S. The second wiring end surface 62S is an example of a second end surface. The second wiring end surface 62S is located at a tip of the second wiring portion 62. The second wiring end surface 62S faces the second dimming end surface 21A2.

[0051] The second dimming end surface 21A2 may be a flat surface like the first dimming end surface 21A1, or may be a curved surface that widens the distance between the second dimming end surface 21A2 and the second wiring end surface 62S from the second electrode surface 42S toward the upper side of Fig. 4, or may be a discontinuous surface with a step. The second wiring end surface 62S may be a flat surface like the first wiring end surface 61S, or may be a curved surface that widens the distance between the second dimming end surface 21A2 and the second wiring end surface 62S from the second electrode surface 42S toward the upper side of Fig. 4, or may be a discontinuous surface with a step.

[0052] The dimming unit 20 includes a second recess 20B. The second recess 20B is formed by the second dimming end surface 21A2, the second wiring end surface 62S, and the second electrode surface 42S. The second recess 20B is an example of a step formed by the second connection region 21C and the second wiring portion 62 in the dimming unit 20.

[0053] In the second recess 20B, the angle between the second dimming end surface 21A2 and the second electrode surface 42S is a fourth angle θ4. The fourth angle θ4 is an angle formed by a virtual fourth straight line and the second electrode surface 42S in the cross section of the dimming unit 20. The virtual fourth straight line passes through a corner C4, which is the intersection point between the second dimming end surface 21A2 and the second electrode surface 42S, and a point on the second dimming end surface 21A2 that is the farthest from the second electrode surface 42S. The point on the second dimming end surface 21A2 that is the farthest from the second electrode surface 42S is a corner of the first transparent base material 31. In the second recess 20B, the corner C4 is formed by the second electrode surface 42S and the second dimming end surface 21A2.

[0054] The fourth angle θ4 indicates the degree of blocking by the second dimming end surface 21A2 of the fluid swept from above the corner C4 toward the corner C4 in FIG. 4. The larger the fourth angle θ4 is, the easier it is for the fluid swept from above the corner C4 toward the corner C4 in FIG. 4 to flow into the corner C4. The fourth angle θ4 is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. The fourth angle θ4 may be greater than 110 degrees and less than 160 degrees, or greater than 120 degrees and less than 150 degrees.

[0055] The thickness of the first transparent substrate 31 is sufficiently larger than the thickness of the light control layer 50 and the thickness of the first transparent electrode layer 32. Most of the second light control end surface 21A2 is occupied by the end surface of the first transparent substrate 31. Therefore, whether the second light control end surface 21A2 is a flat surface, a curved surface, or a discontinuous surface, the cross-sectional shape of the second light control end surface 21A2 conforms to the end surface shape of the first transparent substrate 31. The above-mentioned imaginary fourth straight line corresponds to a straight line passing through both end points in the thickness direction of the end surface of the first transparent substrate 31.

[0056] In the second recess 20B, the angle between the second wiring end surface 62S and the second electrode surface 42S is a fifth angle θ5. The fifth angle θ5 is an angle formed by a virtual fifth straight line and the second electrode surface 42S in the cross section of the dimming unit 20. The virtual fifth straight line passes through a corner C5, which is the intersection point between the second wiring end surface 62S and the second electrode surface 42S, and a point on the second wiring end surface 62S that is the farthest from the second electrode surface 42S. The point on the second wiring end surface 62S that is the farthest from the second electrode surface 42S is a corner of the second wiring part 62. In the second recess 20B, the corner C5 is formed by the second electrode surface 42S and the second wiring end surface 62S.

[0057] The fifth angle θ5 indicates the degree of shielding by the second wiring end surface 62S of the fluid swept from above the corner C5 in FIG. 4 toward the corner C5. The larger the fifth angle θ5 is, the easier it is for the fluid swept from above the corner C5 in FIG. 4 toward the corner C5 to flow into the corner C5. The fifth angle θ5 is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. The fifth angle θ5 is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. The fifth angle θ5 may be greater than 110 degrees and less than 160 degrees, or greater than 120 degrees and less than 150 degrees. The fifth angle θ5 may be greater than the fourth angle θ4, or may be smaller than the fourth angle θ4.

[0058] When the height of the second wiring portion 62 relative to the second electrode surface 42S is higher than the height of the first transparent base material 31 relative to the second electrode surface 42S, the fifth angle θ5 may be larger than the fourth angle θ4. When the height of the second wiring portion 62 is higher than the height of the first transparent base material 31, the amount of fluid pushed from above the corner C5 toward the corner C5 is likely to be smaller than the amount of fluid pushed from above the corner C4 toward the corner C4 by the amount of the higher height of the second wiring portion 62. A configuration in which the fifth angle θ5 is larger than the fourth angle θ4 makes it easier to suppress uneven distribution of the fluid entering the second recess 20B by bringing the amount of fluid pushed toward the corner C5 closer to the amount of fluid pushed toward the corner C4.

[0059] When the height of the second wiring portion 62 relative to the second electrode surface 42S is lower than the height of the first transparent base material 31 relative to the second electrode surface 42S, the fifth angle θ5 may be smaller than the fourth angle θ4. When the height of the second wiring portion 62 is lower than the height of the first transparent base material 31, the amount of fluid pushed from above the corner C5 toward the corner C5 is likely to be greater than the amount of fluid pushed from above the corner C4 toward the corner C4, since the height of the second wiring portion 62 is lower. A configuration in which the fifth angle θ5 is smaller than the fourth angle θ4 makes it easier to suppress uneven distribution of the fluid entering the second recess 20B by bringing the amount of fluid pushed toward the corner C5 closer to the amount of fluid pushed toward the corner C4.

[0060] In the second direction D2, the second recess 20B has a width W2. The width W2 corresponds to the distance between the second dimming end surface 21A2 and the second wiring end surface 62S. The width W2 is the width of the second electrode surface 42S in the second recess 20B. The width W2 is greater than the sum of the thickness of the first electrode sheet 30 and the thickness of the dimming layer 50, for example.

[0061] The second connection region 21C includes a second outer peripheral end surface 21CS. The second outer peripheral end surface 21CS may be a flat surface or a curved surface recessed from the outside of the light control unit 20 toward the second connection region 21C. The second outer peripheral end surface 21CS may be a discontinuous surface having a minute step between the end surfaces of the layers constituting the second outer peripheral end surface 21CS that is sufficiently smaller than the thickness of the end surface. The second outer peripheral end surface 21CS is an example of a third end surface. The second outer peripheral end surface 21CS is formed by the second electrode sheet 40. The second outer peripheral end surface 21CS is located at the tip of the second connection region 21C. The second outer peripheral end surface 21CS constitutes a part of the outer peripheral end surface of the light control sheet 21. The second outer peripheral end surface 21CS constitutes a part of the edge portion 21E.

[0062] The minor angle formed by the second electrode surface 42S and the second outer peripheral end surface 21CS is a sixth angle θ6. The sixth angle θ6 is an angle formed by a virtual sixth straight line and the second electrode surface 42S in the cross section of the dimming unit 20. The virtual sixth straight line passes through a corner C6, which is an intersection point between the second outer peripheral end surface 21CS and the second electrode surface 42S, and a point on the second outer peripheral end surface 21CS that is the furthest from the second electrode surface 42S in the cross section of the dimming unit 20. The point on the second outer peripheral end surface 21CS that is the furthest from the second electrode surface 42S is a corner of the second transparent base material 41. The corner C6 is formed by the second outer peripheral end surface 21CS and a surface provided on the second extension portion 62B. The corner C6 is an example of a step formed by the second connection region 21C and the second wiring portion 62 in the dimming unit 20.

[0063] The sixth angle θ6 indicates the degree of blocking by the second outer peripheral end surface 21CS of the fluid swept from below the corner C6 toward the corner C6 in FIG. 4. The smaller the sixth angle θ6 is, the easier it is for the fluid swept from below the corner C6 toward the corner C6 in FIG. 4 to flow into the corner C6. The sixth angle θ6 is less than 90 degrees. The sixth angle θ6 may be 30 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less, or 40 degrees or more and 70 degrees or less.

[0064] The second wiring portion 62 includes a second connection portion 62A and a second extension portion 62B. The second connection portion 62A is a portion of the second wiring portion 62 that overlaps with the second connection region 21C in the stacking direction of the light controlling sheet 21. The second extension portion 62B is a portion of the second wiring portion 62 that extends beyond the second outer circumferential end surface 21CS to the outside of the light controlling sheet 21.

[0065] The second extending portion 62B has a through hole 62H that penetrates in the thickness direction of the second wiring portion 62. For example, the second extending portion 62B has two through holes 62H aligned along the first direction D1 (see FIG. 2). The through holes 62H are an example of a hole portion included in the second wiring portion 62. A positioning jig is inserted into the through hole 62H when the second wiring portion 62 is connected to the light controlling sheet 21.

[0066] The through hole 62H is, for example, a circular hole having a predetermined diameter Φ2. The diameter Φ2 is greater than the thickness of the second extending portion 62B. Therefore, the value obtained by dividing the diameter Φ2 by the thickness of the second extending portion 62B, i.e., the ratio of the diameter Φ2 to the depth of the through hole 62H, is greater than 1.

[0067] [Cross-sectional structure of the light control panel of the first embodiment] As shown in FIG. 5, in the light control panel 10, one of the pair of transparent panels 11 is a first transparent panel 11A. The other of the pair of transparent panels 11 is a second transparent panel 11B. The first transparent panel 11A and the second transparent panel 11B are disposed opposite each other. The first electrode sheet 30 of the light control sheet 21 faces the first transparent panel 11A. The second electrode sheet 40 of the light control sheet 21 faces the second transparent panel 11B.

[0068] The first transparent plate 11A and the second transparent plate 11B sandwich the light control unit 20 via the intermediate film 12. The intermediate film 12 is made of, for example, a thermoplastic resin. The thermoplastic resin is, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of a polyvinyl acetal resin such as polyvinyl butyral, a polyvinyl chloride resin, a saturated polyester resin, a polyurethane resin, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, an ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, and a polyolefin copolymer.

[0069] The intermediate film 12 includes a first intermediate film 12A, a second intermediate film 12B, and a third intermediate film 12C. The first intermediate film 12A bonds the first transparent plate 11A and the light control unit 20. The first intermediate film 12A is filled between the first transparent plate 11A and the first transparent base material 31, and is also filled in a corner C3 formed by the first outer circumferential end face 21BS and the first extension portion 61B. In addition, in the connection portion between the second connection region 21C and the second wiring portion 62 in the light control unit 20, the first intermediate film 12A is filled in the second recess 20B.

[0070] The second intermediate film 12B bonds the second transparent plate 11B and the light control unit 20. The second intermediate film 12B is filled between the second transparent plate 11B and the second transparent base material 41, and is also filled in the first recess 20A. In addition, in the connection portion between the second connection region 21C and the second wiring portion 62 in the light control unit 20, the second intermediate film 12B is filled in a corner portion C6 formed by the second outer circumferential end face 21CS and the second extending portion 62B.

[0071] The third intermediate film 12C covers the outer periphery of the light controlling sheet 21. In the intermediate film 12, for example, the first intermediate film 12A and the second intermediate film 12B are integrally formed via the third intermediate film 12C. As a result, the entire light controlling sheet 21 is covered with the intermediate film 12.

[0072] The first extension portion 61B of the first wiring portion 61 and the second extension portion 62B of the second wiring portion 62 penetrate the third intermediate film 12C and are led outward beyond the edge portion 11E of the transparent plate 11. The first extension portion 61B and the second extension portion 62B are connected to an external power source. The through hole 61H of the first wiring portion 61 and the through hole 62H of the second wiring portion 62 are filled with any one of the first intermediate film 12A, the second intermediate film 12B, and the third intermediate film 12C.

[0073] [Method for manufacturing the dimming plate according to the first embodiment] The manufacturing method of the dimming plate 10 includes a step of manufacturing the dimming sheet 21, a step of manufacturing the dimming unit 20 by attaching the wiring portion 60 to the dimming sheet 21, and a step of manufacturing the dimming plate 10 by sandwiching the dimming unit 20 between a pair of transparent plates 11.

[0074] In one example of a method for manufacturing the light-adjusting sheet 21, first, a first laminate including a first electrode sheet 30, a second electrode sheet 40, and a light-adjusting layer 50 between the first electrode sheet 30 and the second electrode sheet 40 is prepared. Then, the outline of the first laminate is cut so that the outlines of the first electrode sheet 30 and the second electrode sheet 40 match. This forms the edge portion 21E of the light-adjusting sheet 21.

[0075] At this time, the outer shape of the first laminate is cut so that the third angle θ3 between the first electrode surface 32S and the first outer peripheral end surface 21BS is less than 90 degrees in the portion of edge 21E corresponding to first connection region 21B. Also, the outer shape of the first laminate is cut so that the sixth angle θ6 between the second electrode surface 42S and the second outer peripheral end surface 21CS is less than 90 degrees in the portion of edge 21E corresponding to second connection region 21C.

[0076] Next, a part of the second electrode sheet 40 is removed together with the light control layer 50 overlapping the part by using a cutter. As a result, the first electrode surface 32S is exposed in the first laminate, and the first light control end surface 21A1 is formed. Therefore, the first connection region 21B is formed in the first laminate. At this time, the second electrode sheet 40 and the light control layer 50 are cut so that the first angle θ1 between the first light control end surface 21A1 and the first electrode surface 32S is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

[0077] Similarly, a portion of the first electrode sheet 30 is removed using a cutter together with the light control layer 50 overlapping the portion. As a result, the second electrode surface 42S is exposed in the first laminate, and the second light control end surface 21A2 is formed. Therefore, the second connection region 21C is formed in the first laminate. At this time, the first electrode sheet 30 and the light control layer 50 are cut so that the fourth angle θ4 between the second light control end surface 21A2 and the second electrode surface 42S is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. Through the above procedure, the light control sheet 21 is manufactured.

[0078] Next, the light control unit 20 is manufactured by attaching the wiring section 60 to the light control sheet 21. First, the first wiring section 61 is connected to the first electrode surface 32S of the first connection area 21B of the light control sheet 21. Similarly, the second wiring section 62 is connected to the second electrode surface 42S of the second connection area 21C of the light control sheet 21. At this time, the first wiring section 61 is restricted from being misaligned in the horizontal direction by inserting a positioning jig into the through hole 61H. In addition, the second wiring section 62 is restricted from being misaligned in the horizontal direction by inserting a positioning jig into the through hole 62H. This can improve the accuracy of the attachment position of the first wiring section 61 relative to the first connection area 21B and the accuracy of the attachment position of the second wiring section 62 relative to the second connection area 21C.

[0079] The first wiring portion 61 is formed such that the second angle θ2 between the first electrode surface 32S and the first wiring end surface 61S is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. For example, the shape of the first wiring end surface 61S is adjusted depending on the shape of a die used to punch out the first wiring portion 61. Similarly, the second wiring portion 62 is formed such that the second wiring end surface 62S is formed such that the fifth angle θ5 between the second electrode surface 42S and the second wiring end surface 62S is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

[0080] Next, the dimming unit 20 is sandwiched between a pair of transparent plates 11 to manufacture the dimming plate 10. First, a second laminate is prepared in which the dimming unit 20 is disposed at a predetermined position between the first intermediate film 12A and the second intermediate film 12B. Furthermore, the second laminate is inserted between the first transparent plate 11A and the second transparent plate 11B to prepare a dimming plate precursor before pressure bonding, which is a laminate in which the first transparent plate 11A, the first intermediate film 12A, the dimming unit 20, the second intermediate film 12B, and the second transparent plate 11B are laminated in this order. At this time, the third intermediate film 12C is disposed in the dimming plate precursor so as to cover the outer periphery of the dimming sheet 21.

[0081] Next, the light control plate precursor is placed in a vacuum bag such as a rubber bag and heated while the vacuum bag is suctioned under reduced pressure. As an example, the vacuum bag is degassed and heated and compressed at a temperature of about 70 to 110°C so that the pressure inside the vacuum bag is reduced to about -65 to -100 kPa. Furthermore, it is preferable to heat and compress the material under conditions of a temperature of 100 to 110°C and a pressure of 0.6 to 1.3 MPa. The first intermediate film 12A to the third intermediate film 12C are compressed in a state softened by heating, and thus adhere closely to the transparent plate 11 and the light control unit 20. The light control plate 10 is manufactured by the above procedure.

[0082] [Operation of the first embodiment] In the first recess 20A, the first angle θ1 between the first electrode surface 32S and the first dimming end surface 21A1 is set to be more than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, so that the second intermediate film 12B is easily filled in the corner C1. Similarly, the second angle θ2 between the first electrode surface 32S and the first wiring end surface 61S is set to be more than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, so that the second intermediate film 12B is easily filled in the corner C2. Note that the same effect is obtained in the second recess 20B.

[0083] By setting the third angle θ3, which is the minor angle between the first electrode surface 32S and the first outer peripheral end surface 21BS, to less than 90 degrees, the first intermediate film 12A can be easily filled into the corner C3. The same effect can be obtained at the corner C6 defined by the second outer peripheral end surface 21CS and the second extending portion 62B.

[0084] [Effects of the first embodiment] According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1-1) The corner C2 formed by the first electrode surface 32S and the first wiring end surface 61S has a second angle θ2 that is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, so that the second intermediate film 12B is easily filled into the corner C2. This makes it possible to prevent air bubbles from being formed in the corner C2 without being filled with the intermediate film 12. In addition, since the opening width of the first recess 20A is increased, the second intermediate film 12B is more easily filled into the first recess 20A. Similarly, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from being formed in the corner C5 formed by the second electrode surface 42S and the second wiring end surface 62S without being filled with the intermediate film 12.

[0085] (1-2) The corner C3 formed by the first electrode surface 32S and the first outer peripheral end surface 21BS has a third angle θ3 less than 90 degrees, so that the first intermediate film 12A is easily filled into the corner C3. This makes it possible to prevent the intermediate film 12 from being filled into the corner C3 and forming air bubbles. Similarly, it makes it possible to prevent the intermediate film 12 from being filled into the corner C6 formed by the second outer peripheral end surface 21CS and the second extending portion 62B and forming air bubbles.

[0086] (1-3) The corner C1 formed by the first electrode surface 32S and the first dimming end surface 21A1 has a first angle θ1 that is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, so that the second intermediate film 12B is easily filled into the corner C1 of the dimming unit 20. This makes it possible to prevent air bubbles from being formed in the corner C2 without being filled with the intermediate film 12. Similarly, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from being formed in the corner C4 formed by the second electrode surface 42S and the second dimming end surface 21A2 without being filled with the intermediate film 12. In addition, since both the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 are greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, the opening width of the first recess 20A becomes larger, so that the second intermediate film 12B is more easily filled into the first recess 20A. Similarly, since both the fourth angle θ4 and the fifth angle θ5 are greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, the first intermediate film 12A is more easily filled into the second recess 20B.

[0087] (1-4) In the first wiring portion 61, by making the ratio of the diameter Φ1 to the depth of the through hole 61H greater than 1, it is possible to easily fill the inside of the through hole 61H with the intermediate film 12. This makes it possible to prevent the through hole 61H from being filled with the intermediate film 12 and forming air bubbles. Similarly, in the second wiring portion 62, by making the ratio of the diameter Φ2 to the depth of the through hole 62H greater than 1, it is possible to prevent the through hole 62H from being filled with the intermediate film 12 and forming air bubbles.

[0088] (1-5) Since the width W1 is larger than the sum of the thickness of the second electrode sheet 40 and the thickness of the light-adjusting layer 50, the second intermediate film 12B is easily filled into the first recess 20A. Similarly, since the width W2 is larger than the sum of the thickness of the first electrode sheet 30 and the thickness of the light-adjusting layer 50, the first intermediate film 12A is easily filled into the second recess 20B.

[0089] [Modification of the first embodiment] The first embodiment can be modified as follows: The modifications can be combined as long as they are not technically inconsistent.

[0090] The holes in the wiring part 60 are not limited to the through holes 61H and 62H that penetrate in the thickness direction, and may be, for example, bottomed holes that do not penetrate in the thickness direction. The holes in the wiring part 60 are not limited to a circular shape, and may be rectangular. Even in these cases, if the ratio of the width of the hole to the depth of the hole is greater than 1, the intermediate film 12 can be easily filled inside the hole. Therefore, the wiring part 60 may have bottomed holes in addition to the through holes 61H and 62H, or may have bottomed holes instead of the through holes 61H and 62H. The wiring part 60 may not have the through holes 61H and 62H or other bottomed holes.

[0091] The first angle θ1 of the corner C1 formed by the first electrode surface 32S and the first dimming end surface 21A1 may be 90 degrees or less. Even in this case, the corner C2 formed by the first electrode surface 32S and the first wiring end surface 61S has a second angle θ2 that is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, so that the opening width of the first recess 20A is increased. Therefore, the second intermediate film 12B is easily filled in the first recess 20A, and the formation of air bubbles can be suppressed even in the corner C1. Similarly, the fourth angle θ4 of the corner C4 formed by the second electrode surface 42S and the second dimming end surface 21A2 may be 90 degrees or less.

[0092] The above numerical range of angles may be satisfied in only one of the connection portion between the first connection region 21B and the first wiring portion 61 and the connection portion between the second connection region 21C and the second wiring portion 62. For example, if the second angle θ2 is more than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees and the third angle θ3 is less than 90 degrees, the fifth angle θ5 may be 90 degrees or less and the sixth angle θ6 may be 90 degrees or more.

[0093] [Second embodiment] Hereinafter, the light control panel 10 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 6, in the dimming plate 10 of the second embodiment, the dimming unit 20 includes a covering portion 70. The dimming unit 20 includes, for example, a first covering portion 71 that covers the first recess 20A and a second covering portion 72 that covers the corner C3 as the covering portion 70. The first covering portion 71 is in close contact with the corners C1 and C2 in the first recess 20A. The second covering portion 72 is in close contact with the corner C3. Note that FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which the first angle θ1 to the third angle θ3 are all 90 degrees at the corners C1 to C3 of the dimming unit 20 included in the dimming plate 10 of the second embodiment.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 7, in the dimming plate 10 of the second embodiment, the dimming unit 20 includes, as the covering portion 70, a third covering portion 73 that covers the second recess 20B and a fourth covering portion 74 that covers the corner C6. The third covering portion 73 is in close contact with the corners C4 and C5 in the second recess 20B. The fourth covering portion 74 is in close contact with the corner C6. Note that FIG. 7 illustrates a case in which the fourth angle θ4 to the sixth angle θ6 are all 90 degrees at the corners C4 to C6 of the dimming unit 20 included in the dimming plate 10 of the second embodiment.

[0095] 8, in the dimming panel 10 of the second embodiment, the pair of transparent plates 11 sandwich the dimming unit 20 via the intermediate film 12 in a state where the first recess 20A and the corner C3, which are steps formed by the first connection region 21B and the first wiring portion 61, are covered by the covering portion 70. Similarly, the pair of transparent plates 11 sandwich the dimming unit 20 via the intermediate film 12 in a state where the second recess 20B and the corner C6, which are steps formed by the second connection region 21C and the second wiring portion 62, are covered by the covering portion 70.

[0096] The coating portion 70 is formed by curing a liquid coating resin, which is a precursor of the coating portion 70. The coating resin is, for example, a photocurable resin or a thermosetting resin. The coating resin has a viscosity lower than the viscosity of the intermediate film 12 in a softened state at the time of heat-pressure bonding in the manufacturing process of the dimming plate 10. The coating resin is, for example, an epoxy resin or an acrylic resin. The weight average molecular weight of the coating resin constituting the coating portion 70 may be lower than the weight average molecular weight of the intermediate film 12. The coating portion 70 may contain a plasticizer that reduces the viscosity of the coating resin. The content of the plasticizer contained in the coating portion 70 relative to the coating portion 70 may be higher than the content of the plasticizer contained in the intermediate film 12 relative to the intermediate film 12. A low weight average molecular weight or a high content of the plasticizer makes it easier to reduce the viscosity of the coating resin for forming the coating portion 70. The upper limit of the content of the plasticizer in the coating portion 70 may be set to a level that does not excessively reduce the hardness of the coating portion 70 after curing.

[0097] [Method for manufacturing the dimming plate according to the second embodiment] In the manufacturing method of the light control plate 10 of the second embodiment, first, the light control sheet 21 is manufactured, and then the first wiring portion 61 and the second wiring portion 62 are attached to the light control sheet 21. Then, the step formed by the first connection region 21B and the first wiring portion 61 and the step formed by the second connection region 21C and the second wiring portion 62 are covered with a coating resin.

[0098] In detail, first, the first recess 20A is filled with a liquid coating resin, and the corner C6 is covered with the liquid coating resin, and then the coating resin is cured, thereby forming a first covering portion 71 that covers the first recess 20A and a fourth covering portion 74 that covers the corner C6.

[0099] Next, after the light control sheet 21 is turned over, the second recess 20B is filled with a coating resin, and the corner C3 is covered with the coating resin, and then the coating resin is cured. As a result, a second coating portion 72 that covers the corner C3 and a third coating portion 73 that covers the second recess 20B are formed. As a result, the light control unit 20 including the coating portion 70 is manufactured. Thereafter, the light control plate 10 is manufactured in the same procedure as in the first embodiment.

[0100] [Operation of the second embodiment] The step formed by the first connection region 21B and the first wiring portion 61 is filled in advance with the covering portion 70 before the pair of transparent plates 11, the intermediate film 12, and the dimming unit 20 are heated and compressed together. Even if there is a gap in the step formed by the first connection region 21B and the first wiring portion 61 that the intermediate film 12 cannot fill during the heating and compression bonding, the gap can be filled with a covering resin having a lower viscosity than the intermediate film 12 during the heating and compression bonding. The same effect can be obtained in the step formed by the second connection region 21C and the second wiring portion 62.

[0101] [Effects of the second embodiment] According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (2-1) In the step formed by the first connection region 21B and the first wiring portion 61, the gap that the intermediate film 12 cannot enter during heat and pressure bonding can be filled with the coating resin, which is the precursor of the coating portion 70. Therefore, by filling the gap that the intermediate film 12 cannot enter during heat and pressure bonding with the coating portion 70 in advance, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from being formed in the light control panel 10. The same effect can be obtained in the step formed by the second connection region 21C and the second wiring portion 62.

[0102] (2-2) By covering the first recess 20A with the first covering portion 71, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from being formed in the first recess 20A without the second intermediate film 12B entering the first recess 20A. Similarly, by covering the second recess 20B with the third covering portion 73, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from being formed in the second recess 20B without the first intermediate film 12A entering the second recess 20B.

[0103] (2-3) Covering corner C3 with second covering portion 72 can prevent air bubbles from forming at corner C3 without the first interlayer film 12A penetrating therein. Similarly, covering corner C6 with fourth covering portion 74 can prevent air bubbles from forming at corner C6 without the second interlayer film 12B penetrating therein.

[0104] (2-4) Since the dimming unit 20 includes the first covering portion 71 to the fourth covering portion 74, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from being formed in both the step formed by the first connection region 21B and the first wiring portion 61 and the step formed by the second connection region 21C and the second wiring portion 62.

[0105] [Modification of the second embodiment] The second embodiment can be modified as follows: The modifications can be combined as long as they are not technically inconsistent.

[0106] In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, at least one of the first angle θ1, the second angle θ2, the fourth angle θ4, and the fifth angle θ5 may be greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. Also, as in the first embodiment, at least one of the third angle θ3 and the sixth angle θ6 may be less than 90 degrees. In other words, in the first embodiment, at least one of the covering portions 70 among the first covering portion 71 to the fourth covering portion 74 may be provided. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress the formation of air bubbles in the dimming plate 10.

[0107] The dimming unit 20 may include at least one of the first covering portion 70 among the first covering portion 71 to the fourth covering portion 74. In this case, for example, when the first covering portion 71 is not provided in the first recess 20A, at least one of the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 of the first recess 20A may be greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. Also, for example, when the second covering portion 72 is not provided in the corner C3, the third angle θ3 at the corner C3 may be less than 90 degrees. Note that similar changes are also possible in the second recess 20B and the corner C6.

[0108] When the wiring part 60 has holes such as the through holes 61H and 62H, the holes may be filled with the covering part 70. When the intermediate film 12 sufficiently fills the holes provided in the wiring part 60, the covering part 70 does not need to be filled in the holes.

[0109] [Modifications of the first and second embodiments] The first and second embodiments can be modified as follows: The modifications can be combined as long as they are not technically inconsistent.

[0110] In the first and second embodiments, the first electrode sheet 30 may include other functional layers such as an ultraviolet shielding layer, an infrared shielding layer, an alignment layer, an adhesive layer, a protective layer, etc. The second electrode sheet 40 may include other functional layers such as an ultraviolet shielding layer, an infrared shielding layer, an alignment layer, an adhesive layer, a protective layer, etc.

[0111] In the first and second embodiments, the light controlling sheet 21 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be a geometric shape such as a polygonal shape other than a rectangular shape, a circular shape, or an elliptical shape, or may be an irregular shape other than a geometric shape.

[0112] In the first and second embodiments, the wiring section 60 may be a flexible flat cable (FFC) instead of a flexible printed circuit board. The flexible flat cable has a structure in which strip-shaped conductors arranged in parallel are sandwiched between two insulating resin base materials. At the end of the flexible flat cable, the strip-shaped conductors are exposed from the resin base materials. The exposed parts of the conductors are connected to the first electrode surface 32S and the second electrode surface 42S. The wiring section 60 may also be a conductive tape member such as a copper tape.

[0113] For example, the first intermediate film 12A and the second intermediate film 12B may be heat-pressed together to cover the outer periphery of the light controlling sheet 21. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] θ1~θ6…Angle C1~C6…corner 10...Light control panel 11,11A,11B…Transparent plate 12,12A~12C…intermediate film 20…Light control unit 20A, 20B…Concave 21...Light-adjusting sheet 21A…Dimmer area 21A1,21A2…Dimmer end face 21B…First connection area 21BS,21CS…Outer peripheral end face 21C…Second connection area 30,40...Electrode sheet 32,42...Transparent electrode 32S,42S…electrode surface 50...Photochromic layer 60,61,62...Wiring section 61H,62H…Through hole 61S,62S…Wiring end face 70~74…Coated part

Claims

1. A light-adjusting sheet comprising a first electrode sheet having a first transparent electrode layer, a second electrode sheet having a second transparent electrode layer, and a light-adjusting layer located between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, the light-adjusting sheet having a light-adjusting region where the light-adjusting layer is sandwiched between the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet, and a connection region where the first transparent electrode layer has an electrode surface exposed from the light-adjusting layer and the second electrode sheet; A method for manufacturing a dimming plate having a dimming unit including a wiring portion connected to the electrode surface in the connection region, a step of covering a step formed by the connection region and the wiring portion with a liquid coating resin, and then curing the coating resin to form a coating portion; and after the step of forming the covering portion, a step of sandwiching the light control unit between a pair of intermediate films, and further, a step of heat-pressing a laminate in which the pair of intermediate films sandwiching the light control unit therebetween are sandwiched between a pair of transparent plates, The coating resin has a lower viscosity than the intermediate film during the heat and pressure bonding. A method for manufacturing a dimming panel.

2. The light control region includes an end surface of the second electrode sheet and an end surface of the light control layer, and includes a first end surface adjacent to the connection region; the wiring portion includes a second end surface facing the first end surface, The step covered by the covering portion is a recess defined by the first end face, the second end face, and the electrode surface. A method for manufacturing the dimming panel according to claim 1.

3. The connection region includes a third end surface that constitutes an outer peripheral end surface of the light controlling sheet, The wiring portion includes an extension portion extending beyond the third end surface to an outside of the light controlling sheet, The step covered by the covering portion is a corner portion defined by the extending portion and the third end surface. A method for manufacturing the dimming panel according to claim 1.

4. the electrode surface is a first electrode surface, the connection region is a first connection region having the first electrode surface, the wiring portion is a first wiring portion connected to the first electrode surface in the first connection region, The light-adjusting sheet has a second connection region in which the second transparent electrode layer has a second electrode surface exposed from the light-adjusting layer and the first electrode sheet, the light control unit includes a second wiring portion connected to the second electrode surface in the second connection region, The step formed between the first connection region and the first wiring portion and the step formed between the second connection region and the second wiring portion are covered with the coating resin, and then the coating resin is cured to form the coating portion. A method for manufacturing a light control panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A first transparent plate and a second transparent plate disposed opposite each other; a light control unit located between the first transparent plate and the second transparent plate; A light control panel formed by heat-pressing a laminate including a first intermediate film located between the first transparent plate and the light control unit, and a second intermediate film located between the second transparent plate and the light control unit, The dimming unit includes: A light-adjusting sheet comprising a first electrode sheet having a first transparent electrode layer, a second electrode sheet having a second transparent electrode layer, and a light-adjusting layer located between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, the light-adjusting sheet having a light-adjusting region where the light-adjusting layer is sandwiched between the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet, and a connection region where the first transparent electrode layer has an electrode surface exposed from the light-adjusting layer and the second electrode sheet; a wiring portion connected to the electrode surface in the connection region; a covering portion that covers a step formed by the connection region and the wiring portion, The coating portion is formed by hardening a liquid coating resin having a lower viscosity than the first intermediate film and the second intermediate film during the heat and pressure bonding. Dimmer board.

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