Dimmer

Abstract

To provide a dimmer capable of reducing the number of printed boards when the printed boards are connected to a plurality of layered dimming panels through a flexible printed board respectively.SOLUTION: In a dimmer, a dimming panel which has a first substrate having two or more terminal groups consisting of a plurality of terminals connectable to one flexible printed board and a second substrate with which the first substrate is overlaid comprises: a plurality of panel units which are layered in a first direction; and flexible printed boards which are connected to terminal groups of one dimming panel, one to one. The panel units have the plurality of terminal groups arranged side by side in a second direction crossing the first direction when viewed from the first direction, and a plurality of flexible printed boards do not overlap when viewed from the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light control device. [Background technology]

[0002] The light control device of Patent Document 1 includes a light control panel. The light control panel has a plurality of substrates and a liquid crystal layer sealed between the substrates. When incident light enters the light control panel, the light transmittance of the incident light is adjusted in the light control panel, and the adjusted transmitted light exits the light control device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-333567 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a plurality of light control panels are stacked and a printed circuit board is connected to each of the light control panels via a flexible printed circuit board, it is desirable to reduce the number of printed circuit boards.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a dimming device that can reduce the number of printed circuit boards when connecting printed circuit boards to each of multiple stacked dimming panels via flexible printed circuit boards. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A dimming device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a panel unit in which dimming panels, each having a first substrate having two or more terminal groups each consisting of a plurality of terminals connectable to a single flexible printed circuit board, and a second substrate overlapping the first substrate, are stacked in a first direction, and flexible printed circuit boards are connected to the terminal groups of each of the dimming panels one by one, wherein when the panel unit is viewed from the first direction, the terminal groups are arranged in a row along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and when viewed from the first direction, the flexible printed circuit boards are non-overlapping. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a light control device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the array substrate according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the counter substrate according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the light control panel according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the light control device according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the light control panel stacked on the upper side in the light control device of FIG. 6, as viewed from above. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the light control panel stacked on the lower side in the light control device of FIG. 6, as viewed from above. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the array substrate according to the second embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the opposing substrate according to the second embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a light control panel according to the second embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the light control device according to the second embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the first stacked light control panel from the top in the light control device of FIG. 13, as viewed from above. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the second-highest layered light control panel from the top in the light control device of FIG. 13, as viewed from above. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the third layered light control panel from the top in the light control device of FIG. 13, as viewed from above. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of the fourth stacked light control panel from the top in the light control device of FIG. 13, as viewed from above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The form (embodiment) for carrying out the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiment. In addition, the components described below include those that a person skilled in the art can easily imagine and those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the components described below can be appropriately combined.

[0009] The disclosure is merely an example, and those who are skilled in the art can easily conceive of appropriate modifications that maintain the gist of the disclosure are naturally included in the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, in order to make the explanation clearer, the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part may be shown diagrammatically compared to the actual embodiment, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present disclosure. In addition, in this specification and each figure, elements similar to those described above with respect to the previous figures may be given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations may be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a light control device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an array substrate according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an opposing substrate according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a light control panel according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a light control device according to a first embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a light control panel stacked on the upper side in the light control device of FIG. 6 as viewed from above. FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a light control panel stacked on the lower side in the light control device of FIG. 6 as viewed from above.

[0011] In the XYZ coordinate system shown in the figure, the X direction is the left-right direction, and the X1 direction is opposite to the X2 direction. The X1 direction is also referred to as the left direction, and the X2 direction is also referred to as the right direction. The Y direction is the front-back direction, and the Y1 direction is opposite to the Y2 direction. The Y1 direction is also referred to as the front direction, and the Y2 direction is also referred to as the rear direction. The Z direction is the up-down direction (stacking direction). The Z1 direction is opposite to the Z2 direction. The Z1 direction is also referred to as the up direction, and the Z2 direction is also referred to as the down direction. The Z direction is also referred to as the first direction, and the X direction is also referred to as the second direction. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular (intersecting).

[0012] [First embodiment] First, the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a light control panel according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic view of an array substrate according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. Fig. 3 is a schematic view of an opposing substrate according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a light control panel according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in Fig. 4.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the light control panel 1 according to the first embodiment is electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit board (FPC: FLEXIBLE PRINTED CIRCUITS) 400. The light control panel 1 has an array substrate (first substrate) 2, an opposing substrate (second substrate) 3, and a liquid crystal layer 4. The insulating layer is provided to prevent contact between two wirings. In the first embodiment, as described later with reference to FIG. 2, the array substrate (first substrate) 2 does not have a portion where wirings overlap, and therefore no insulating layer is provided.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the array substrate (first substrate) 2 is larger than the counter substrate (second substrate) 3. That is, the area of ​​the counter substrate (second substrate) 3 is smaller than the area of ​​the array substrate (first substrate) 2. The array substrate 2 has a transparent glass 23 (see FIG. 2). The counter substrate 3 has a transparent glass 31 (see FIG. 3). In the first embodiment, the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 are square in plan view from above, but the shape of the substrate according to the present invention is not limited to a square. In plan view from above, the X1 side end of the counter substrate 3 is provided at approximately the same position as the X1 side end of the array substrate 2, and the Y2 side end of the counter substrate 3 is provided at approximately the same position as the Y2 side end of the array substrate 2. Therefore, the Y1 side end of the surface 2a of the array substrate 2 and the X2 side end of the surface 2a of the array substrate 2 are exposed.

[0015] In other words, a first area (first side) 21 and a second area (second side) 22 are provided on the surface 2a of the array substrate 2, and the first area 21 and the second area 22 are exposed. The first area 21 and the second area 22 are perpendicular to each other (intersect). The first area (first side) 21 is located at the end of the Y1 side of the surface 2a of the array substrate 2, and extends along the X direction. The second area (second side) 22 is located at the end of the X2 side of the surface 2a of the array substrate 2, and extends along the Y direction. The first area (first side) 21 and the second area 22 have an L shape when viewed from above. The first terminal group 10 is arranged in the first area (first side) 21, and the second terminal group 20 is arranged in the second area (second side) 22. In the light control panel 1, since the area of ​​the counter substrate 3 is smaller than the area of ​​the array substrate 2, the first terminal group 10 and the second terminal group 20 are exposed.

[0016] 1 and 4, the first terminal group 10 includes a first terminal 101, a second terminal 102, a third terminal 103, and a fourth terminal 104. The first terminal 101, the second terminal 102, the third terminal 103, and the fourth terminal 104 are arranged in order in the left-right direction (X direction) from the X1 side to the X2 side. The first terminal group 10 is electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit board 400 indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0017] 1 and 4, the second terminal group 20 includes a fifth terminal 201, a sixth terminal 202, a seventh terminal 203, and an eighth terminal 204. The fifth terminal 201, the sixth terminal 202, the seventh terminal 203, and the eighth terminal 204 are arranged side by side in order in the front-rear direction (Y direction) from the Y2 side toward the Y1 side.

[0018] 1, the counter substrate 3 is disposed on the upper side (Z1 side) of the array substrate 2. A liquid crystal layer 4 is provided between the counter substrate 3 and the array substrate 2. The region where the liquid crystal layer 4 is provided is an active region 50 (see the active region 50 in FIG. 6 etc.), the outside of the liquid crystal layer 4 is a frame region, and the first area 21 and the second area 22 are terminal regions.

[0019] Next, the wiring of the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the wiring is provided on the front surface of the front and back surfaces of the substrate. That is, the surface on which the wiring is provided is referred to as the front surface, and the surface opposite to the front surface is referred to as the back surface. Specifically, referring to FIG. 5, the wiring is provided on the upper surface 2a of the front surface 2a and back surface 2b of the array substrate 2, and the wiring is provided on the lower surface 3a of the front surface 3a and back surface 3b of the counter substrate 3. In this manner, the front surface 2a of the array substrate 2 and the front surface 3a of the counter substrate 3 are disposed to face each other with the liquid crystal layer 4 interposed therebetween. The wiring of the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 is supplied with, for example, an alternating current (AC) having a predetermined amplitude and period (for example, ±15V) from a power source (not shown). A detailed description will be given below.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 2, wiring, liquid crystal driving electrodes, and connecting parts are provided on the surface 2a of the transparent glass 23 of the array substrate 2. The connecting part C1 of the array substrate 2 and the connecting part C3 (see Fig. 3) of the counter substrate 3 are electrically connected via a conductive common electrode (not shown). Similarly, the connecting part C2 of the array substrate 2 and the connecting part C4 (see Fig. 3) of the counter substrate 3 are electrically connected via a conductive common electrode (not shown).

[0021] The first terminal 101 and the fifth terminal 201 are electrically connected via wirings (first wirings) 241, 242, and 243. The wiring 241 extends from the first terminal 101 to the connection part C1. The wiring 242 extends linearly in the Y2 direction from the first terminal 101. The wiring 243 extends linearly in the X2 direction from the Y2 end of the wiring 242 and is connected to the fifth terminal 201.

[0022] The second terminal 102 and the sixth terminal 202 are electrically connected via wiring (second wiring) 244, 245. The wiring 244 is connected to the second terminal 102 and extends in the Y2 direction. The wiring 245 extends in the X2 direction from the Y2 end of the wiring 244 and is connected to the sixth terminal 202.

[0023] The third terminal 103 and the seventh terminal 203 are electrically connected via wirings (third wirings) 246, 247, and 240. The wiring 246 is connected to the third terminal 103 and extends in the X2 direction. The wiring 247 extends in the Y2 direction from the end of the wiring 246 in the X2 direction and is connected to the wiring 240. The wiring 240 is connected to the seventh terminal 203.

[0024] The fourth terminal 104 and the eighth terminal 204 are electrically connected via wirings (fourth wirings) 248 and 249. The wiring 248 extends linearly from the fourth terminal 104 to the connection portion C2. The wiring 249 extends linearly from the connection portion C2 in the Y2 direction and is connected to the eighth terminal 204.

[0025] The liquid crystal driving electrodes 261 are connected to the wiring 244. As shown in Fig. 2, seven liquid crystal driving electrodes 261 are provided in this embodiment. That is, the seven liquid crystal driving electrodes 261 extend linearly in the X2 direction from the wiring 244. The seven liquid crystal driving electrodes 261 are arranged at equal intervals along the Y direction.

[0026] The liquid crystal driving electrodes 262 are connected to the wiring 247. As shown in Fig. 2, six liquid crystal driving electrodes 262 are provided in this embodiment. That is, the six liquid crystal driving electrodes 262 extend linearly from the wiring 247 in the X1 direction. The six liquid crystal driving electrodes 262 are arranged at equal intervals along the Y direction. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 261 and the liquid crystal driving electrodes 262 are arranged alternately in the Y direction.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, on the surface 3a of the counter substrate 3, wirings 340, 341, 342, and 343 and liquid crystal driving electrodes 361 and 362 are provided.

[0028] The wiring 340 extends linearly in the Y2 direction from the connection portion C3. The wiring 341 extends linearly in the X2 direction from the end of the wiring 340 in the Y2 direction.

[0029] The wiring 342 is connected to the connection portion C4. The wiring 343 is connected to the wiring 342, and extends linearly in the X1 direction.

[0030] The liquid crystal driving electrodes 361 are connected to the wiring 341. As shown in Fig. 3, seven liquid crystal driving electrodes 361 are provided in this embodiment. That is, the seven liquid crystal driving electrodes 361 extend linearly in the Y1 direction from the wiring 341. The seven liquid crystal driving electrodes 361 are disposed at equal intervals along the X direction.

[0031] The liquid crystal driving electrodes 362 are connected to the wiring 343. As shown in Fig. 3, six liquid crystal driving electrodes 362 are provided in this embodiment. That is, the six liquid crystal driving electrodes 362 extend linearly from the wiring 343 in the Y2 direction. The six liquid crystal driving electrodes 362 are arranged at equal intervals along the X direction. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 361 and the liquid crystal driving electrodes 362 are arranged alternately in the X direction.

[0032] 4 and 5, the light control panel 1 includes an array substrate 2, a counter substrate 3 disposed above the array substrate 2 at a distance, and a liquid crystal layer 4 filled between the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3. An alignment film is provided on the wiring in the active region (see active region 50 in FIG. 6, etc.), but is omitted in the drawings. The cell gap, which is the distance between the surface 2a of the array substrate 2 and the surface 3a of the counter substrate 3 shown in FIG. 5, is preferably, for example, 10 micrometers (μm) or more and 50 micrometers (μm) or less.

[0033] As described above, in the first embodiment, the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 are square in plan view from above. As shown in Fig. 6, the center line CL1 is a straight line passing through the center C of the array substrate 2 and extending in the Y direction. The center line CL2 is a straight line passing through the center C of the array substrate 2 and extending in the X direction. The active region 50 shown in Fig. 1 is provided in the central portion of the light control device 100.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 6, the light control device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a panel unit 110, flexible printed circuit boards 400 and 410, and a printed circuit board 500. The panel unit 110 includes a light control panel (second light control panel) 1B and a light control panel (first light control panel) 1A stacked on the upper side of the light control panel (second light control panel) 1B. When the panel unit 110 is viewed from above, the first terminal group 10 of the light control panel (first light control panel) 1A and the second terminal group 20 of the light control panel (second light control panel) 1B are arranged along the X direction. When viewed from above, the flexible printed circuit board 400 drawn out from the light control panel (first light control panel) 1A and the flexible printed circuit board 410 drawn out from the light control panel (second light control panel) 1B are misaligned in the X direction and do not overlap. In other words, when viewed from above, the flexible printed circuit board 400 is disposed on the X1 side of the center line CL1, and the flexible printed circuit board 410 is disposed on the X2 side of the center line CL1. The flexible printed circuit boards 400 and 410 are electrically connected to the printed circuit board 500. This will be described in detail below.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 7, in the light control panel (first light control panel) 1A, the first area 21 is disposed on the Y1 side, which is the lower side of FIG. 7. That is, the first terminal group 10 is disposed on the Y1 side of the front side of the light control panel (first light control panel) 1A and on the X1 side of the center line CL1. The flexible printed circuit board 400 is electrically connected to the first terminal 101, the second terminal 102, the third terminal 103, and the fourth terminal 104 that configure the first terminal group 10. The flexible printed circuit board 400 extends in the Y1 direction. The flexible printed circuit board 400 is disposed on the X1 side of the center line CL1.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 8, the light control panel 1B has the same arrangement as the light control panel 1A rotated 90 degrees clockwise around the center C. That is, in the light control panel 1B, the second area 22 is arranged on the Y1 side, which is the lower side of FIG. 8. Therefore, the second terminal group 20 is arranged on the Y1 side of the front side of the light control panel 1B and on the X2 side of the center line CL2. The flexible printed circuit board 410 is electrically connected to the fifth terminal 201, the sixth terminal 202, the seventh terminal 203, and the eighth terminal 204 that constitute the second terminal group 20. The flexible printed circuit board 410 extends in the Y1 direction. The flexible printed circuit board 410 is arranged on the X2 side of the center line CL2.

[0037] As described above, the light control device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a panel unit 110 in which a plurality of light control panels (light control panel 1B, light control panel 1A) each having an array substrate (first substrate) 2 having a first terminal group 10 and a second terminal group 20 and an opposing substrate (second substrate) 3 are stacked in the up-down direction (first direction), and flexible printed circuit boards 400, 410 connected to the first terminal group 10 and the second terminal group 20 of each of the light control panels 1A, 1B, respectively. When the panel unit 110 is viewed from above, the first terminal group 10 and the second terminal group 20 are arranged in a row in the X direction, and the flexible printed circuit boards 400, 410 do not overlap each other.

[0038] Therefore, it is possible to connect a plurality of flexible printed circuit boards 400, 410 to one printed circuit board 500. In other words, two vertically stacked light control panels (light control panel 1B, light control panel 1A) and one printed circuit board 500 are connected via the flexible printed circuit boards 400, 410, so that it is possible to connect to fewer printed circuit boards. Note that, according to this embodiment, the number of parts of the light control device 100 is reduced, and it is also possible to reduce costs.

[0039] In the first terminal group 10 and the second terminal group 20, the first terminal 101, the second terminal 102, the third terminal 103, and the fourth terminal 104 included in the first terminal group 10 are electrically connected to the fifth terminal 201, the sixth terminal 202, the seventh terminal 203, and the eighth terminal 204 included in the second terminal group 20. Therefore, it is possible to connect the flexible printed circuit boards 400 and 410 to both the first terminal group 10 and the second terminal group 20. As a result, in the panel unit 110 in which the dimming panel 1B and the dimming panel 1A are stacked vertically, by changing the orientation of the dimming panel 1B or the dimming panel 1A, as shown in FIG. 6, it is possible to arrange the second terminal group 20 of the dimming panel 1B and the first terminal group 10 of the dimming panel 1A side by side along the left-right direction (X direction) of FIG. 6. Therefore, the multiple flexible printed circuit boards 400 and 410 are drawn out in the same direction, making it possible to connect the multiple flexible printed circuit boards 400 and 410 to one printed circuit board 500.

[0040] The array substrate (first substrate) 2 has a rectangular shape including a first area (first side) 21 and a second area (second side) 22. The first area (first side) 21 of the array substrate (first substrate) 2 of the light control panel (first light control panel) 1A shown in FIG. 7 extends along the X direction (second direction). The second area (second side) 22 of the array substrate (first substrate) 2 of the light control panel (second light control panel) 1B shown in FIG. 8 extends along the X direction (second direction). The first terminal group 10 is arranged in the first area (first side) 21, and the second terminal group 20 is arranged in the second area (second side) 22.

[0041] According to this, by the simple operation of rotating the dimming panel 1A, which has the same structure as the dimming panel 1B, 90 degrees clockwise around center C, it is possible to arrange the second terminal group 20 of the dimming panel 1B and the first terminal group 10 of the dimming panel 1A side by side along the left-right direction (X direction) of Figure 6.

[0042] The wirings (first wirings) 241, 242, 243 and the wirings (fourth wirings) 248, 249 of the array substrate (first substrate) 2 are electrically connected to the wirings of the counter substrate (second substrate) 3 via a common electrode. Therefore, with a simple structure, it is possible to electrically connect the wirings of the array substrate (first substrate) 2 and the wirings of the counter substrate (second substrate) 3.

[0043] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of an array substrate according to the second embodiment as viewed from above. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of an opposing substrate according to the second embodiment as viewed from above. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of a light control panel according to the second embodiment as viewed from above. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Fig. 9. In the second embodiment, as will be described later with reference to Fig. 12, an insulating layer is provided since there are portions of the array substrate (first substrate) 2 where wiring overlaps.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 9, wiring, liquid crystal driving electrodes, and connecting portions are provided on a surface 2a of the transparent glass 23 of the array substrate (first substrate) 2C.

[0045] First, the first terminal group 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the first terminal 101 and the fifth terminal 201 are electrically connected via the wirings 101W, 242, 243, and 201W. The wiring 101W extends from the first terminal 101 to the connection part C1. The wiring 242 extends linearly in the Y2 direction from the connection part C1. The wiring 243 extends linearly in the X2 direction from the end of the wiring 242 in the Y2 direction. The wiring 201W extends from the end of the wiring 243 in the X2 direction to the fifth terminal 201.

[0046] The wiring 102W extends in the Y2 direction from the second terminal 102. The wiring 102W is connected to the wiring 252A. The wiring 252A extends linearly in the X direction. The wiring 251A extends in the Y2 direction from the end of the wiring 252A in the X1 direction. The wiring 253A extends in the Y2 direction from the end of the wiring 252A in the X2 direction.

[0047] A wiring 103W extends in the Y2 direction from the third terminal 103. The wiring 103W is connected to a wiring 245A. The wiring 245A extends linearly in the X direction. A wiring 244A extends in the Y2 direction from an end of the wiring 245A in the X1 direction. A wiring 247A extends in the Y2 direction from an end of the wiring 245A in the X2 direction.

[0048] A wiring 104W extends from the fourth terminal 104. The wiring 104W is connected to a wiring 248. The wiring 248 extends to a connection portion C2. A wiring 249 extends from the connection portion C2 in the Y2 direction. The wiring 249 is connected to a wiring 204W. The wiring 204W is connected to the eighth terminal 204.

[0049] Next, a description will be given of the third terminal group 30. The third terminal group (terminal portion) 30 has a ninth terminal 301, a tenth terminal 302, an eleventh terminal 303, and a twelfth terminal 304. The third terminal group (terminal portion) 30 is disposed on the X2 side of the first terminal group (terminal portion) 10.

[0050] A wire 301W extends from the ninth terminal 301. The wire 301W is connected to the wire 242. A wire 302W extends from the tenth terminal 302. The wire 302W is connected to the wire 252A. A wire 303W extends from the eleventh terminal 303. The wire 303W is connected to the wire 245A. A wire 304W extends from the twelfth terminal 304. The wire 304W is connected to the wire 248.

[0051] Next, the second terminal group 20 will be described. A wiring 202W extends from the sixth terminal 202. The wiring 202W is connected to a wiring 253A. A wiring 203W extends from the seventh terminal 203. The wiring 203W is connected to a wiring 247A. A wiring 204W extends from the eighth terminal 204. The wiring 204W is connected to a wiring 249.

[0052] Next, the fourth terminal group 40 will be described. The fourth terminal group (terminal portion) 40 has a thirteenth terminal 401, a fourteenth terminal 402, a fifteenth terminal 403, and a sixteenth terminal 404. The fourth terminal group (terminal portion) 40 is disposed on the Y1 side of the second terminal group (terminal portion) 20.

[0053] A wire 401W extends from the thirteenth terminal 401. The wire 401W is connected to the wire 243. A wire 402W extends from the fourteenth terminal 402. The wire 402W is connected to the wire 253A. A wire 403W extends from the fifteenth terminal 403. The wire 403W is connected to the wire 247A. A wire 404W extends from the sixteenth terminal 404. The wire 404W is connected to the wire 249.

[0054] Next, the liquid crystal driving electrodes will be described. As shown in Fig. 9, the liquid crystal driving electrode 261A connects the wiring 244A and the wiring 247A. As shown in Fig. 9, six liquid crystal driving electrodes 261A are provided in this embodiment. That is, the six liquid crystal driving electrodes 261A extend linearly from the wiring 244A to the wiring 247A in the X2 direction. The six liquid crystal driving electrodes 261A are arranged at equal intervals along the Y direction.

[0055] The liquid crystal driving electrode 262A connects the wiring 251A and the wiring 253A. As shown in FIG. 9, seven liquid crystal driving electrodes 262A are provided in this embodiment. That is, the seven liquid crystal driving electrodes 262A extend linearly from the wiring 251A to the wiring 253A in the X2 direction. The seven liquid crystal driving electrodes 262A are arranged at equal intervals along the Y direction. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 261A and the liquid crystal driving electrodes 262A are arranged alternately in the Y direction.

[0056] Next, the insulating layer 5 will be described. As shown in FIG. 12, the second terminal 102 is provided on the surface 2a of the array substrate 2C. The wirings 301W, 245A, and 252A are also arranged on the surface 2a of the array substrate 2C. The wirings 301W, 245A, and 252A are arranged at intervals from each other from the Y1 side to the Y2 side. The wiring 102W extends from the second terminal 102 along the Y2 direction. Here, the wiring 102W passes through the upper side (Z1 side) of the wirings 301W and 245A and is connected to the upper surface of the wiring 252A. Then, in the cross section of FIG. 12, an insulating layer 5 is provided between the wiring 102W and the wirings 301W and 245A. Note that a through hole 51 is provided in the insulating layer 5. A convex portion 102C protrudes downward from the end of the wiring 102W, and the convex portion 102C is arranged on the inner periphery side of the through hole 51. The convex portion 102C is connected to the wiring 252A. The insulating layer 5 is provided at least in the area where the two wirings overlap, but may be provided over the entire surface of the array substrate 2C.

[0057] The first dimming panel 1C shown in Figure 11 comprises the array substrate 2C of Figure 9, the counter substrate 3 of Figure 10 arranged above the array substrate 2C at a distance, and a liquid crystal layer 4 (see Figure 5) filled between the array substrate 2C and the counter substrate 3.

[0058] Next, a flexible printed circuit board attached to the light control panel will be described. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a light control device according to a second embodiment, viewed from above. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a light control panel that is the first layer from the top in the light control device of FIG. 13, viewed from above. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a light control panel that is the second layer from the top in the light control device of FIG. 13, viewed from above. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a light control panel that is the third layer from the top in the light control device of FIG. 13, viewed from above. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a light control panel that is the fourth layer from the top in the light control device of FIG. 13, viewed from above.

[0059] The light control device 100C shown in FIG. 13 includes a panel unit 110C, flexible printed circuit boards 420, 430, 440, 450, and a printed circuit board 500. That is, the four flexible printed circuit boards 420, 430, 440, 450 are electrically connected to the light control device 100C. When the light control device 100C is viewed from above, the four flexible printed circuit boards 420, 430, 440, 450 are arranged with a shift in the X direction and do not overlap. The flexible printed circuit boards 420, 430 are located on the X1 side of the center line CL1, and the flexible printed circuit boards 440, 450 are located on the X2 side of the center line CL1. The four flexible printed circuit boards 420, 430, 440, 450 are electrically connected to one printed circuit board 500. This will be described in detail below.

[0060] The panel unit 110C includes a first unit 110D and a second unit 110E. The first unit 110D includes a first light control panel 1C shown in Fig. 14 and a second light control panel 1D shown in Fig. 15. The first light control panel 1C is stacked on the upper side of the second light control panel 1D.

[0061] 14, the first light control panel 1C includes an array substrate 2C and a counter substrate 3. In the array substrate 2C, a first area (first side) 21A is disposed on the Y1 side, which is the lower side of Fig. 14, and a second area (second side) 22A is disposed on the X2 side of Fig. 14. The first area (first side) 21A extends along the X direction (second direction).

[0062] The first area (first side) 21A is provided with a first terminal group 10 and a third terminal group 30. The first terminal group 10 and the third terminal group 30 are arranged along the X direction. The first terminal group 10 and the third terminal group 30 are arranged on the Y1 side of the first light control panel 1C and on the X1 side of the center line CL1. The third terminal group 30 is arranged on the X2 side of the first terminal group 10. The third terminal group 30 includes a ninth terminal 301, a tenth terminal 302, an eleventh terminal 303, and a twelfth terminal 304.

[0063] Further, the second terminal group 20 and the fourth terminal group 40 are provided in the second area (second side) 22A. The second terminal group 20 and the fourth terminal group 40 are arranged along the Y direction. The second terminal group 20 and the fourth terminal group 40 are arranged on the X2 side of the first light control panel 1C and on the Y2 side of the center line CL2. The fourth terminal group 40 is arranged on the Y1 side of the second terminal group 20. The fourth terminal group 40 includes a thirteenth terminal 401, a fourteenth terminal 402, a fifteenth terminal 403, and a sixteenth terminal 404.

[0064] 14, the flexible printed circuit board 420 is electrically connected to the first terminal 101, the second terminal 102, the third terminal 103, and the fourth terminal 104 that constitute the first terminal group 10. The flexible printed circuit board 420 extends in the Y1 direction. The flexible printed circuit board 420 is disposed on the X1 side of the center line CL1.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 15, the second light control panel 1D has the same configuration as the first light control panel 1C. The first area (first side) 21A extends along the X direction (second direction). The flexible printed circuit board 430 is electrically connected to the ninth terminal 301, the tenth terminal 302, the eleventh terminal 303, and the twelfth terminal 304 that constitute the third terminal group 30. The flexible printed circuit board 430 extends in the Y1 direction. The flexible printed circuit board 430 is disposed on the X1 side of the center line CL1.

[0066] The second unit 110E includes a third light control panel 1E shown in FIG. 16 and a fourth light control panel 1F shown in FIG. 17. As shown in FIG. 16, the third light control panel 1E has the same arrangement as the first light control panel 1C or the second light control panel 1D rotated 90 degrees clockwise around the center C. That is, in the third light control panel 1E, the second area 22A is arranged on the Y1 side, which is the lower side of FIG. 16. That is, the fourth terminal group 40 is arranged on the Y1 side of the front side of the third light control panel 1E and on the X2 side of the center line CL2. The second area (second side) 22A extends along the X direction (second direction). The flexible printed circuit board 440 is electrically connected to the thirteenth terminal 401, the fourteenth terminal 402, the fifteenth terminal 403, and the sixteenth terminal 404 that constitute the fourth terminal group 40. The flexible printed circuit board 440 extends in the Y1 direction. The flexible printed circuit board 440 is disposed on the X2 side of the center line CL2.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 17, the fourth light control panel 1F has the same arrangement as the third light control panel 1E. The second area (second side) 22A extends along the X direction (second direction). The flexible printed circuit board 450 is electrically connected to the fifth terminal 201, the sixth terminal 202, the seventh terminal 203, and the eighth terminal 204 that constitute the second terminal group 20. The flexible printed circuit board 450 extends in the Y1 direction. The flexible printed circuit board 450 is disposed on the X2 side of the center line CL2.

[0068] As described above, the light control device 100C according to the second embodiment includes the panel unit 110C, and the panel unit 110C includes the first unit 110D and the second unit 110E. The first unit 110D includes the first light control panel 1C and the second light control panel 1D adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. The second unit 110E includes the third light control panel 1E and the fourth light control panel 1F adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. In the first light control panel 1C and the second light control panel 1D, the first area (first side) 21A extends along the X direction (second direction). In the third light control panel 1E and the fourth light control panel 1F, the second area (second side) 22A extends along the X direction (second direction).

[0069] Therefore, also in the second embodiment, it is possible to connect a plurality of flexible printed circuit boards 420, 430, 440, 450 to one printed circuit board 500. In other words, four vertically stacked dimming panels (first dimming panel 1C, second dimming panel 1D, third dimming panel 1E, and fourth dimming panel 1F) are connected to one printed circuit board 500 via the flexible printed circuit boards 420, 430, 440, 450, so that the number of components of the dimming device 100C can be reduced, thereby enabling cost reduction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1 Dimming Panel 1A Dimming Panel (1st Dimming Panel) 1B Dimming panel (second dimming panel) 1C First dimming panel 1D Secondary Dimming Panel 1E 3rd dimming panel 1F 4th dimming panel 2, 2C Array board (first board) 3 Opposing substrate (second substrate) 10 First terminal group 20 Second terminal group 21 First Area (First Side) 22 Second Area (Second Side) 100, 100C dimmer 101 1st terminal 102 2nd terminal 103 3rd terminal 104 4th terminal 110, 110C Panel unit 110D 1st Unit 110E 2nd Unit 201 5th terminal 202 6th terminal 203 7th terminal 204 8th terminal 241, 242, 243 wiring (1st wiring) 244, 245 wiring (second wiring) 246, 247, 240 wiring (3rd wiring) 248, 249 wiring (4th wiring) 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450 Flexible Printed Circuit Boards 500 Printed Circuit Boards

Claims

1. A panel unit including a first light control panel having a first substrate and a second substrate overlapping the first substrate on one side in a first direction, and a second light control panel having a third substrate and a fourth substrate overlapping the third substrate on one side in the first direction, the first light control panel being stacked on the second substrate on one side in the first direction; a plurality of flexible printed circuit boards each connected to the first light control panel and the second light control panel, When viewed from one side in the first direction, the first substrate in the first light control panel has a first side and a second side intersecting the first side, and the third substrate in the second light control panel has a third side and a fourth side intersecting the third side, the first substrate has a first surface located on one side in the first direction and a second surface located on the other side in the first direction, the second substrate has a third surface located on one side in the first direction and a fourth surface located on the other side in the first direction, the third substrate has a fifth surface located on one side in the first direction and a sixth surface located on the other side in the first direction, and the fourth substrate has a seventh surface located on one side in the first direction and an eighth surface located on the other side in the first direction, The second surface of the first substrate of the first light control panel and the fifth surface of the third substrate of the second light control panel face each other with the fourth substrate of the second light control panel interposed therebetween; At least one terminal group connectable to one of the flexible printed circuit boards is provided on the first side of the first surface of the first substrate of the first light control panel, At least one terminal group connectable to one of the flexible printed circuit boards is provided on the fourth side of the fifth surface of the third substrate of the second light control panel, The first side of the first substrate of the first light control panel and the fourth side of the third substrate of the second light control panel extend along a second direction intersecting the first direction, When the panel unit is viewed from the first direction, a terminal group provided on the first side of the first surface of the first substrate in the first light control panel and a terminal group provided on the fourth side of the fifth surface of the third substrate in the second light control panel are arranged in a non-overlapping state along the second direction, When viewed from the first direction, the flexible printed circuit board connected to the terminal group provided on the first side of the first surface of the first substrate in the first light control panel and the flexible printed circuit board connected to the terminal group provided on the fourth side of the fifth surface of the third substrate in the second light control panel are not overlapped with each other. Dimmer.

2. At least one terminal group connectable to one of the flexible printed circuit boards is provided on the second side of the first surface of the first substrate of the first light control panel, In the first light control panel, a terminal included in the terminal group on the first side of the first surface of the first substrate and a terminal included in the terminal group on the second side of the first surface of the first substrate are electrically connected to each other, At least one terminal group connectable to one of the flexible printed circuit boards is provided on the third side of the fifth surface of the third substrate of the second light control panel, In the second light control panel, a terminal included in the terminal group on the third side of the fifth surface of the third substrate and a terminal included in the terminal group on the fourth side of the fifth surface of the third substrate are electrically connected to each other. The light control device according to claim 1 .

3. The first substrate of the first light control panel has a rectangular shape including the first side and the second side, The third substrate of the second light control panel has a rectangular shape including the third side and the fourth side, The first side of the first substrate extends along the second direction, and the fourth side of the third substrate extends along the second direction. The light control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The terminal group provided on the first side of the first surface of the first substrate of the first light control panel includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal, the terminal group provided on the second side of the first surface of the first substrate includes a fifth terminal, a sixth terminal, a seventh terminal, and an eighth terminal; the first terminal and the fifth terminal are electrically connected via a first wiring, the second terminal and the sixth terminal are electrically connected via a second wiring, the third terminal and the seventh terminal are electrically connected via a third wiring, the fourth terminal and the eighth terminal are electrically connected via a fourth wiring, A liquid crystal driving electrode is connected to each of the second wiring and the third wiring. The light control device according to claim 1 .

5. In the first light control panel, the first wiring and the fourth wiring of the first substrate are electrically connected to wiring of the second substrate via a common electrode. The light control device according to claim 4.

6. The terminal group provided on the third side of the fifth surface of the third substrate of the second light control panel includes a ninth terminal, a tenth terminal, an eleventh terminal, and a twelfth terminal, the terminal group provided on the fourth side of the fifth surface of the third substrate includes a thirteenth terminal, a fourteenth terminal, a fifteenth terminal, and a sixteenth terminal; the ninth terminal and the thirteenth terminal are electrically connected via a fifth wiring, the tenth terminal and the fourteenth terminal are electrically connected via a sixth wiring, the eleventh terminal and the fifteenth terminal are electrically connected via a seventh wiring, the twelfth terminal and the sixteenth terminal are electrically connected via an eighth wiring, A liquid crystal driving electrode is connected to each of the sixth wiring and the seventh wiring. The light control device according to claim 4.

7. The fifth wiring and the eighth wiring of the third substrate of the second light control panel are electrically connected to wiring of the fourth substrate via a common electrode. The light control device according to claim 6.

8. Further comprising a printed circuit board; The flexible printed circuit board connected to the terminal group provided on the first side of the first surface of the first substrate in the first light control panel and the flexible printed circuit board connected to the terminal group provided on the fourth side of the fifth surface of the third substrate in the second light control panel are connected to the one printed circuit board. The light control device according to claim 1 .

9. The first and second light control panels have the same configuration, The second light control panel is arranged in a rotated state with respect to the first light control panel so that a fourth side of the third substrate of the second light control panel faces the same side as the first side of the first substrate of the first light control panel. The light control device according to claim 1 .

10. When the panel unit is viewed from the first direction, the second side of the first substrate of the first light control panel and the third side of the third substrate of the second light control panel extend along a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, The light control device according to claim 1 .

11. the first light control panel has a first liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; The second light control panel has a second liquid crystal layer between the third substrate and the fourth substrate. The light control device according to claim 1 .

12. When the panel unit is viewed from the first direction, the second side of the first substrate of the first light control panel and the third side of the third substrate of the second light control panel are spaced apart in the second direction with the first liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. The light control device according to claim 11.

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