Light control device and panel unit

Abstract

This dimmer device comprises: a panel unit in which a plurality of dimmer panels are layered in a first direction, the dimmer panels including a first substrate and a second substrate that overlaps the first substrate on one side in the first direction orthogonal to the first substrate; an optical sheet that is adhered to the dimmer panel in an overlapping state with the dimmer panel; and a light source that is positioned on the other side, relative to the panel unit, in the first direction. The optical sheet is adhered to at least either: the second substrate in the first dimmer panel positioned farthest on one side in the first direction in the panel unit; or the first substrate in a second dimmer panel that is positioned farthest on the other side in the first direction.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light control device and a panel unit. [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] For example, in the case of a light control device that is attached to a ceiling, if the light control device falls and hits the floor, the light control device may be damaged and the damaged parts may fly off into the air.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a dimming device and a panel unit that are capable of preventing broken parts from scattering even if they are broken due to the impact of being dropped. [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 of which includes a first substrate and a second substrate overlapping one side of a first direction intersecting the first substrate, are stacked in the first direction, an optical sheet adhered to the dimming panel while overlapping the dimming panel, and a light source located on the other side of the first direction relative to the panel unit, and the optical sheet is adhered to at least one of the second substrate of a first dimming panel located furthest on one side of the first direction in the panel unit and the first substrate of a second dimming panel located furthest on the other side of the first direction.

[0007] A panel unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of dimming panels, each including a first substrate and a second substrate overlapping one side of a first direction intersecting the first substrate, stacked in the first direction, the first substrate being larger than the second substrate in a planar view, the plurality of dimming panels including a third dimming panel and a fourth dimming panel adjacent to each other in the first direction, the fourth dimming panel being disposed on one side of the third dimming panel in the first direction, and an adhesive layer bonding the second substrate of the third dimming panel and the first substrate of the fourth dimming panel, the adhesive layer being provided on the entire surface of the first substrate of the fourth dimming panel. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a light control panel according to a first embodiment, viewed from above. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the surface of the array substrate according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the front surface, on which wiring is provided, of the counter substrate according to the first embodiment, when turned over. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the light control device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a light control device according to a modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a light control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a light control device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a light control device according to another modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a light control device according to still another modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a light control device according to still another modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a light control device according to still another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] In the XYZ coordinate system shown in the figure, the X direction is the left-right direction, and the X1 side is opposite the X2 side. The X1 side is also called the left side, and the X2 side is also called the right side. The Y direction is the front-rear direction, and the Y1 side is opposite the Y2 side. The Y1 side is also called the front side, and the Y2 side is also called the rear side. The Z direction is the up-down direction (stacking direction). The Z1 side is opposite the Z2 side. The Z1 side is also called the upper side, and the Z2 side is also called the lower side. The Z direction is also called the first direction, and the X direction and the Y direction are also called the second direction. The Z2 side is also called one side of the first direction, and the Z1 side is also called the other side of the first direction.

[0012] [First embodiment] First, a light control device according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a light control panel according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a surface of an array substrate according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of an opposing substrate according to the first embodiment as turned over to show the surface on which wiring is provided.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, the light control panel 1 includes an array substrate (first substrate) 2 and an opposing substrate (second substrate) 3 disposed on the upper side of the array substrate 2. The light control panel 1 is a regular octagon in a plan view, and has a first side 11, a second side 12, a third side 13, a fourth side 14, a fifth side 15, a sixth side 16, a seventh side 17, and an eighth side 18. In the present invention, the shape of the light control panel 1 is not particularly limited, and polygons other than an octagon, as well as circles and ellipses, are also included in the present invention.

[0014] The first side 11 is located on the Y1 side of the light control panel 1. The first side 11 is parallel to the X direction in the figure. The first side 11 of the light control panel 1 coincides with the first side 211 of the array substrate 2 shown in FIG. 2. In contrast, the first side 311 of the counter substrate 3 shown in FIG. 3 is located on the Y2 side of the first side 211 of the array substrate 2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, when the counter substrate 3 is stacked on the upper side of the array substrate 2, the end portion 2c on the Y1 side of the array substrate 2 is exposed. A first terminal group 10 is provided on the end portion 2c.

[0015] The second side 12 is located on the X1 side of the light control panel 1. The second side 12 is parallel to the Y direction in the figure. The second side 12 of the light control panel 1 coincides with the second side 212 of the array substrate 2 shown in FIG. 2. In contrast, the second side 312 of the counter substrate 3 shown in FIG. 3 is located on the X2 side of the second side 212 of the array substrate 2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, when the counter substrate 3 is stacked on the upper side of the array substrate 2, an end portion 2d on the X1 side of the array substrate 2 is exposed. A second terminal group 20 is provided at the end portion 2d.

[0016] The third side 13 intersects with both the X1 direction and the Y1 direction. The intersecting angle is 45 degrees. The third side 13 coincides with the third side 213 of the array substrate 2 shown in FIG. 2. In contrast, the third side 313 of the counter substrate 3 shown in FIG. 3 is located on the X2 and Y2 sides of the third side 213 of the array substrate 2. In other words, in a plan view, the third side 313 of the counter substrate 3 is located closer to the center C than the third side 213 of the array substrate 2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, when the counter substrate 3 is stacked on the upper side of the array substrate 2, the end portion 2e of the array substrate 2 is exposed.

[0017] The fourth side 14 intersects with both the X1 direction and the Y2 direction at an intersection angle of 45 degrees. The fourth side 14 overlaps with the fourth side 214 of the array substrate 2 shown in FIG. 2 and the fourth side 314 of the counter substrate 3 shown in FIG.

[0018] The fifth side 15 is located on the Y2 side of the light control panel 1. The fifth side 15 overlaps with the fifth side 215 of the array substrate 2 shown in FIG. 2 and the fifth side 315 of the counter substrate 3 shown in FIG.

[0019] The sixth side 164 intersects with both the X2 direction and the Y2 direction at an intersection angle of 45 degrees. The sixth side 164 overlaps with the sixth side 216 of the array substrate 2 shown in FIG. 2 and the sixth side 316 of the counter substrate 3 shown in FIG.

[0020] The seventh side 17 is located on the X2 side of the light control panel 1. The seventh side 17 overlaps with the seventh side 217 of the array substrate 2 shown in FIG. 2 and the seventh side 317 of the counter substrate 3 shown in FIG.

[0021] The eighth side 18 intersects with both the X2 direction and the Y1 direction at an intersection angle of 45 degrees. The eighth side 18 overlaps with the eighth side 218 of the array substrate 2 shown in FIG. 2 and the eighth side 318 of the counter substrate 3 shown in FIG.

[0022] In this manner, since the area of ​​the counter substrate 3 is smaller than the area of ​​the array substrate 2, the first terminal group 10 provided at the end portion 2c of the array substrate 2 and the second terminal group 20 provided at the end portion 2d are exposed.

[0023] Next, the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the front surface 3a, which is the surface on which wiring is provided, among the front and back surfaces of the counter substrate 3. Therefore, the directions of X1 and X2 in the counter substrate 3 in FIG. 3 are opposite to the directions of X1 and X2 in the array substrate 2 in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows a center line CL1 that passes through the center of the array substrate 2 in the X direction and extends in the Y direction, and a center line CL2 that passes through the center of the array substrate 2 in the Y direction and extends in the X direction. As shown in FIG. 2, at the end 2c along the first side 211 of the array substrate 2, a first terminal group 10 is provided at the first end 21 (shown by a two-dot chain line) on the second side 212 side (or the third side 213 side) from the center of the first side 211. That is, the end 2c is an end on the Y1 side of the array substrate 2, and a first end 21 indicated by a two-dot chain line is disposed on the X1 side of the center line CL1 of the end 2c. A first terminal group 10 is provided on the first end 21. As shown in FIG. 2, 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 disposed in order in the X direction (fourth direction) from the X1 side toward the X2 side. These terminals 101 to 104 have a pair of short sides 105 parallel to the first side 211 and a pair of long sides 106 parallel to the second side 212.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, in an end 2d along the second side 212 of the array substrate 2, a second terminal group 20 is provided at a second end 22 (indicated by a two-dot chain line) closer to the first side 211 side (or the third side 213 side) than the center of the second side 212. That is, the end 2d is an end on the X1 side of the array substrate 2, and the second end 22 indicated by the two-dot chain line is disposed on the Y1 side of the portion of the end 2d from the center line CL2. The second terminal group 20 is provided at the second end 22. As shown in FIG. 2, 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 in sequence in the front-rear direction (Y direction) from the Y1 side to the Y2 side. These terminals 201 to 204 have a pair of long sides 107 parallel to a first side 211 and a pair of short sides 108 parallel to a second side 212 .

[0025] Next, we will explain the wiring of the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3. Of the front and back surfaces of the substrates, the wiring is provided on the front surface. That is, the surface on which the wiring is provided is referred to as the front surface, and the surface opposite the front surface is referred to as the back surface.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 2, wiring, liquid crystal driving electrodes, and connecting parts are provided on the surface 2a 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 pillar (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).

[0027] The first terminal 101 and the fifth terminal 201 are electrically connected via a wiring (first wiring) 241. A branch point 242 is provided midway along the wiring 241, and the wiring extends from the branch point 242 to a connection part C1.

[0028] The second terminal 102 and the sixth terminal 202 are electrically connected via wiring (second wiring) 243, 245. A branch point 244 is provided in the wiring 243, and a wiring 246 extends from the branch point 244 to an end 247.

[0029] The third terminal 103 and the seventh terminal 203 are electrically connected via a wiring (third wiring) 248. The fourth terminal 104 and the eighth terminal 204 are electrically connected via wiring (fourth wiring) 249, 251. The wiring 249 extends from the fourth terminal 104 toward the X2 side to a branch point 250. The wiring 251 extends from the branch point 250 to the eighth terminal 204. The wiring extends from the branch point 250 to the connection part C2.

[0030] The liquid crystal driving electrodes 261 are connected to the wirings 243 and 246. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 261 extend linearly along the X direction. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 261 are disposed at equal intervals in the Y direction.

[0031] The liquid crystal driving electrodes 262 are connected to the wiring 248. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 262 extend linearly along the X direction. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 262 are arranged at equal intervals in the Y direction. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 261 and the liquid crystal driving electrodes 262 are arranged alternately in the Y direction.

[0032] 3, wiring, liquid crystal driving electrodes, and connecting portions are provided on a surface 3a of the counter substrate 3. Note that center lines CL1 and CL2 shown in FIG.

[0033] The connection portion C3 is connected to the wires 342 and 343 via a branch point 341. The wire 342 extends to an end 348. The wire 343 extends to an end 349. The connection portion C4 is connected to the wires 345 and 346 via a branch point 344. The wire 346 extends to an end 347.

[0034] The liquid crystal driving electrodes 361 are connected to the wirings 342 and 343. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 361 extend linearly along the Y direction. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 361 are disposed at equal intervals in the X direction.

[0035] The liquid crystal driving electrodes 362 are connected to the wiring 346. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 362 extend linearly along the Y direction. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 362 are arranged at equal intervals in the X direction. The liquid crystal driving electrodes 361 and the liquid crystal driving electrodes 362 are arranged alternately in the X direction.

[0036] Next, a cross-sectional structure of the light control panel 1 will be briefly described. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the light control panel 1 includes an array substrate 2, a counter substrate 3, and a liquid crystal layer 4. As shown in FIG. 4, 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. That is, the surface 2a of the array substrate 2 and the surface 3a of the counter substrate 3 are disposed to face each other with the liquid crystal layer 4 interposed therebetween. The opposite side of the surface 2a of the array substrate 2 is the back surface 2b, and the opposite side of the surface 3a of the counter substrate 3 is the back surface 3b. As described above, the counter substrate 3 has a smaller area than the array substrate 2, so that the third terminal 103 provided on the surface 2a of the array substrate 2 is exposed. The insulating layer is provided to prevent contact between the two wirings, but in the light control panel 1 according to this embodiment, the array substrate 2 does not have a portion where the wirings overlap, so no insulating layer is provided.

[0037] 4, an alignment film 610 is laminated on both substrates and electrodes. Specifically, the alignment film 610 is laminated on the surface 2a of the array substrate 2, the liquid crystal driving electrodes 261, 262, and part of the upper surface of the third wiring 248. The alignment film 610 is also laminated on the surface 3a of the counter substrate 3 and the upper surface of the liquid crystal driving electrode 361. The array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 are bonded together by a seal 600 that surrounds the effective area, and the space formed by the seal 600 is filled with a liquid crystal layer 4.

[0038] Next, a description will be given of the light control device of the first embodiment. Fig. 5A is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the light control device of the first embodiment.

[0039] 5A, the light control device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a panel unit 110, an optical sheet 5, and a light source 620. The device body 111 includes the panel unit 110 and the optical sheet 5. In the light control device 100 according to the present embodiment, a liquid crystal cell for p-wave polarization and a liquid crystal cell for s-wave polarization are combined by being stacked.

[0040] The panel unit 110 is formed by stacking a plurality of dimming panels 1 in the Z direction (first direction). In this embodiment, a plurality of dimming panels 1 (four in the embodiment) shown in FIG. 1 are stacked. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A, the four dimming panels 1 are stacked in order from the top, i.e., dimming panels 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. The dimming panel 1A is also referred to as the first dimming panel. The dimming panel 1A is disposed at the top of the four dimming panels 1. In other words, the dimming panel 1A is located at the furthest Z2 side (one side in the first direction) of the plurality of dimming panels. The dimming panel 1D is also referred to as the second dimming panel. The dimming panel 1D is disposed at the bottom of the four dimming panels 1. In other words, the dimming panel 1D is located at the furthest Z1 side (the other side in the first direction) of the plurality of dimming panels. The light control panels 1B and 1C are stacked between the light control panels 1A and 1D.

[0041] In addition, the light control panels 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are bonded together via a second adhesive layer (adhesive layer) 72. That is, all the light control panels adjacent to each other in the Z direction (first direction) are bonded together via a second adhesive layer (adhesive layer) 72. For example, when two light control panels adjacent to each other in the Z direction are the light control panel 1B (fourth light control panel) and the light control panel 1C (third light control panel), the back surface 2b of the array substrate 2 in the light control panel 1B (fourth light control panel) and the back surface 3b of the counter substrate 3 in the light control panel 1C (third light control panel) are bonded together via the second adhesive layer 72. Similarly, the light control panel 1A and the light control panel 1B, and the light control panel 1C and the light control panel 1D are bonded together via the second adhesive layer 72.

[0042] Here, the second adhesive layer 72 is provided over the entire surface of the substrate (array substrate 2, counter substrate 3) in each of the light control panels 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. For example, in the light control panel 1B (fourth light control panel), the second adhesive layer 72 is provided over the entire surface of the back surface 2b of the array substrate 2. Specifically, the second adhesive layer 72 is provided in the X direction from the end on the X2 side to the end on the X1 side on the back surface 2b of the array substrate 2, and in the Y direction from the end on the Y1 side to the end on the Y2 side on the back surface 2b of the array substrate 2. Also, in the light control panel 1C (third light control panel), the second adhesive layer 72 is provided over the entire surface of the back surface 3b of the counter substrate 3. Specifically, in the X direction, the second adhesive layer 72 is provided from the end on the X2 side to the end on the X1 side on the back surface 3b of the counter substrate 3, and in the Y direction, ... In this manner, the second adhesive layer 72 is provided on the entire surface of the counter substrate 3 of the third light control panel and on the entire surface of the array substrate 2 of the fourth light control panel.

[0043] In addition, since the array substrate 2 is larger than the counter substrate 3, the end 2d on the X1 side of the array substrate 2 forms a frame region that does not overlap with the counter substrate 3 in the Z direction. The second adhesive layer 72 extends to this frame region outside the effective region. Note that the bottom surface of the second adhesive layer 72 provided in the frame region is exposed, but the surface hardens to a certain extent.

[0044] In the first embodiment, the optical sheet 5 is, for example, an anti-reflection film 51 made of resin. Specifically, the anti-reflection film 511 is adhered to the rear surface 3b of the counter substrate 3 in the light control panel 1A via a first adhesive layer 71. The anti-reflection film 512 is adhered to the rear surface 2b of the array substrate 2 in the light control panel 1D via a first adhesive layer 71. The first adhesive layer 71 and the second adhesive layer 72 are, for example, OCR (Optical Clear Resin) or OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive). The first adhesive layer 71 and the second adhesive layer 72 may be conductive. The size of the optical sheet 5 is approximately the same as the surface to which the optical sheet 5 is adhered. In other words, the edge of the optical sheet 5 extends along the edge of the surface to which the optical sheet 5 is adhered. In other words, when viewed from the Z direction, the edges of the optical sheet 5 overlap the edges of the substrate surface to which the optical sheet 5 is attached, or are so close to each other that they can be regarded as overlapping the edges of the substrate surface. For example, as shown in Fig. 5A, an edge 511a on the X1 side of the antireflection film 511 coincides in position in the X direction with an edge 3c on the X1 side of the counter substrate 3. An edge 511b on the X2 side of the antireflection film 511 coincides in position in the X direction with an edge 3d on the X2 side of the counter substrate 3. The same is true for the Y direction and edges that are oblique to these X and Y directions.

[0045] The light source 620 is disposed on the Z1 side (lower side) of the panel unit 110. The light source 620 is a light source that uses a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode (LED), but is not limited to this and may be a light source used for general illumination.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5A, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) 400 is connected to a terminal group (for example, a second terminal group 20) of the array substrate 2 in the light control panels 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D.

[0047] As described above, the optical sheet 5 is adhered to the back surface 3b of the opposing substrate 3 of the first dimming panel (dimming panel 1A) located at the top (one side in the first direction) and to the back surface 2b of the array substrate 2 of the second dimming panel (dimming panel 1D) located at the bottom.

[0048] When the light control device 100 is installed in a high place such as a ceiling, if the light control device 100 falls, the uppermost or lowermost part of the panel unit 110 often hits the floor surface. Here, the optical sheet 5 is adhered to the upper side of the light control panel 1A arranged at the uppermost side of the panel unit 110 and the lower side of the light control panel 1D arranged at the lowermost side of the panel unit 110. Therefore, even if the light control device 100 is damaged by the impact of being dropped, the optical sheet 5 and adhesive layers (for example, the first adhesive layer 71 and the second adhesive layer 72) can prevent the broken parts from scattering.

[0049] In addition, when two adjacent dimming panels in the Z direction (first direction) among the multiple dimming panels are the third dimming panel and the fourth dimming panel, a second adhesive layer (adhesive layer) 72 is provided to bond the opposing substrate 3 of the third dimming panel and the array substrate 2 of the fourth dimming panel. The second adhesive layer 72 is provided on the entire surface of the opposing substrate 3 of the third dimming panel and on the entire surface of the array substrate 2 of the fourth dimming panel. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A, the second adhesive layer 72 is provided on the entire surface of the array substrate 2 of the third dimming panel, and the second adhesive layer 72 is also present under the end of the third dimming panel, and the end of the third dimming panel and the end of the fourth dimming panel face each other through the second adhesive layer 72. The relationship between the other dimming panels and the second adhesive layer 72 is similar. Furthermore, the second adhesive layer 72 is hardened during the manufacturing process, and the second adhesive layer 72 is used in an unhardened state, so that there is no risk of the second adhesive layer 72 sticking to the edges of other light control panels or FPCs during use.

[0050] This further prevents fragments of the substrate from scattering even if a crack occurs in any part of the dimming panel due to the drop of the dimming device 100, etc. In particular, since the array substrate 2 is larger than the counter substrate 3, the end portion 2d of the array substrate 2 protrudes in the X direction from the end of the counter substrate 3, but the second adhesive layer 72 is also provided on this end portion 2d. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which the second adhesive layer 72 is not provided on the end portion 2d of the array substrate 2, scattering of fragments of the substrate is further prevented even if a crack occurs in the frame region of the terminal portion or the like.

[0051] The optical sheet 5 also includes anti-reflection films 511 and 512. As shown in FIG. 5A, a light source 620 is disposed on the Z1 side (lower side) of the second light control panel (light control panel 1D). That is, light 621 emitted from the light source 620 enters the panel unit 110 from the light control panel 1D side. Here, since the anti-reflection film 512 is bonded to the light control panel 1D, the light 621 is prevented from being reflected toward the Z1 side, and the amount of light 621 toward the Z2 side (upper side) is further increased. Furthermore, the light 621 that has traveled toward the Z2 side (upper side) inside the panel unit 110 exits from the light control panel 1A. In this case, since the anti-reflection film 511 is bonded to the light control panel 1A, the light 621 is prevented from being reflected toward the Z1 side, and the amount of light 621 exiting from the Z2 side (upper side) is increased.

[0052] Furthermore, the edge of the optical sheet 5 is provided along the edge of the surface of the substrate to which the optical sheet 5 is adhered. This allows the optical sheet 5 to be adhered to the substrate over a larger area. Therefore, if the light control device 100 is damaged by the impact of being dropped, the amount of broken parts scattered is further reduced. In addition, the anti-reflection film 512 has a larger area, so the amount of light 621 that reduces reflection can be increased.

[0053] [Variations] Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 5B is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a light control device according to the modified example. The light control device 100A shown in Fig. 5B is different from the light control device 100 shown in Fig. 5A in the position of the end 2d of the array substrate 2. This will be specifically described below.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5B, the panel unit 110 is formed by stacking a plurality of light control panels 1 in the Z direction (first direction). Specifically, four light control panels 1 shown in FIG. 1 are stacked. The four light control panels 1 are stacked in order from the top, i.e., the light control panels 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. Here, in the light control panel 1A, the end 2d of the array substrate 2 is located at the end on the X1 side, as in FIG. 5A. In the light control panel 1B, the end 2c of the array substrate 2 is located at the end on the X2 side, opposite to FIG. 5A. In the light control panel 1C, the end 2d of the array substrate 2 is located at the end on the X1 side, as in FIG. 5A. In the light control panel 1D, the end 2c of the array substrate 2 is located at the end on the X2 side, opposite to FIG. 5A. That is, the positions in the X direction of the ends 2c and 2d of the array substrate 2 in each light control panel alternate between the X1 side and the X2 side in the order of stacking.

[0055] All the light control panels adjacent to each other in the Z direction are bonded together via a second adhesive layer (adhesive layer) 72. The second adhesive layer 72 is provided over the entire surface of the substrate (array substrate 2, counter substrate 3) in each of the light control panels 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. For example, in the light control panel 1B (fourth light control panel), the second adhesive layer 72 is provided over the entire surface of the back surface 2b of the array substrate 2. Specifically, the second adhesive layer 72 is provided in the X direction from the end on the X2 side to the end on the X1 side on the back surface 2b of the array substrate 2, and in the Y direction from the end on the Y2 side to the end on the Y1 side on the back surface 2b of the array substrate 2. In addition, in the light control panel 1C (third light control panel), the second adhesive layer 72 is provided over the entire surface of the back surface 3b of the counter substrate 3. Specifically, the second adhesive layer 72 is provided in the X direction from the end on the X2 side to the end on the X1 side on the back surface 3b of the counter substrate 3, and in the Y direction from the end on the Y2 side to the end on the Y1 side on the back surface 3b of the counter substrate 3. In this manner, the second adhesive layer 72 is provided on the entire surface of the counter substrate 3 of the third light control panel and on the entire surface of the array substrate 2 of the fourth light control panel.

[0056] As described above, even in the modified example, when two adjacent dimming panels in the Z direction (first direction) are the third dimming panel and the fourth dimming panel, and the fourth dimming panel is arranged on the Z2 side (one side in the first direction) of the third dimming panel, the second adhesive layer 72 is provided on the entire surface of the opposing substrate 3 of the third dimming panel and on the entire surface of the array substrate 2 of the fourth dimming panel.

[0057] This further suppresses scattering of fragments of the substrate, etc., even if a crack occurs in any part of the dimming panel due to a drop or the like of the dimming device 100A. In particular, since the array substrate 2 is larger than the counter substrate 3, the ends 2c, 2d of the array substrate 2 protrude in the X direction from the end of the counter substrate 3, but the second adhesive layer 72 is also provided on these ends 2c, 2d. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which the second adhesive layer 72 is not provided on the ends 2c, 2d of the array substrate 2, scattering of fragments of the substrate, etc., is further suppressed even if a crack occurs in the frame region of the terminal portion, etc.

[0058] [Second embodiment] Next, a light control device according to a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the light control device according to the second embodiment. The light control device 100B according to the second embodiment further includes a triacetyl cellulose (TAC) film 52 in addition to the light control device 100 according to the first embodiment. The following will explain in detail.

[0059] In the second embodiment, the optical sheet 5 includes an antireflection film 51 and a triacetyl cellulose film 52. The antireflection film 51 and the triacetyl cellulose film 52 are provided on the panel unit 110 in a laminated state.

[0060] The triacetyl cellulose film 521 is adhered to the rear surface 3b of the counter substrate 3 in the light control panel 1A via a first adhesive layer 71. In other words, the lower surface 521b of the triacetyl cellulose film 521 is adhered to the rear surface 3b of the counter substrate 3 via the first adhesive layer 71. The antireflection film 511 is adhered to the upper surface 521a of the triacetyl cellulose film 521 via the first adhesive layer 71.

[0061] The triacetyl cellulose film 522 is adhered to the rear surface 2b of the array substrate 2 in the light control panel 1D via a first adhesive layer 71. In other words, an upper surface 522a of the triacetyl cellulose film 522 is adhered to the rear surface 2b of the array substrate 2 via the first adhesive layer 71. The antireflection film 512 is adhered to the lower surface 522b of the triacetyl cellulose film 522 via the first adhesive layer 71.

[0062] As described above, the optical sheet 5 has the antireflection film 51 and the triacetyl cellulose film 52 laminated thereon. The triacetyl cellulose film 52 is located on the substrate side, and the antireflection film 51 is located on the opposite side of the substrate with respect to the triacetyl cellulose film 52.

[0063] According to this, the ultraviolet ray component in the light 621 can be reduced by the triacetyl cellulose film 52. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the light control panel 1 due to the ultraviolet ray component.

[0064] [Third embodiment] Next, a light control device according to a third embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the light control device according to the third embodiment. The light control device 100C according to the third embodiment is different from the light control device 100B according to the second embodiment in that an anti-reflection film is provided on the light control panel to be laminated, and the device body (panel unit and optical sheet) is held by a frame. The following will be described in detail.

[0065] The anti-reflection film 513 is adhered to the rear surface 2b of the array substrate 2 in the light control panel 1A via a first adhesive layer 71. The anti-reflection film 514 is adhered to the rear surface 3b of the counter substrate 3 in the light control panel 1B via a first adhesive layer 71. The anti-reflection film 513 and the anti-reflection film 514 face each other in the Z direction. A configuration in which an adhesive layer is provided between the anti-reflection films 513 and 514 and these films are adhered to each other can also be adopted, but in this embodiment, there is no adhesive layer between them and they are simply laminated.

[0066] The anti-reflection film 515 is adhered to the rear surface 2b of the array substrate 2 in the light control panel 1B via a first adhesive layer 71. The anti-reflection film 516 is adhered to the rear surface 3b of the counter substrate 3 in the light control panel 1B via a first adhesive layer 71. The anti-reflection film 515 and the anti-reflection film 516 face each other in the Z direction. A configuration in which an adhesive layer is provided between the anti-reflection films 515 and 516 and these films are adhered to each other can also be adopted, but in this embodiment, there is no adhesive layer between them and they are simply laminated.

[0067] The anti-reflection film 517 is adhered to the rear surface 2b of the array substrate 2 in the light control panel 1C via a first adhesive layer 71. The anti-reflection film 518 is adhered to the rear surface 3b of the counter substrate 3 in the light control panel 1D via a first adhesive layer 71. The anti-reflection film 517 and the anti-reflection film 518 face each other in the Z direction. A configuration in which an adhesive layer is provided between the anti-reflection films 517 and 518 and these films are adhered to each other can also be adopted, but in this embodiment, there is no adhesive layer between them and they are simply laminated.

[0068] Furthermore, the device body 111 including the panel unit 110 and the optical sheet 5 is held by a frame 8. The frame 8 includes a first frame 81 and a second frame 82. The first frame 81 holds a portion of the device body 111 on the X1 side. The second frame 82 holds a portion of the device body 111 on the X2 side.

[0069] The first frame 81 has a second leg portion 811, a frame main body portion 812, and a first leg portion 813. The second leg portion 811 extends in the X direction. The second leg portion 811 extends from end 814 to end 815. The frame main body portion 812 extends in the Z direction from end 815 to end 816. The first leg portion 813 extends in the X direction from end 816 to end 817. The first frame 81 has a generally U-shaped cross section.

[0070] The second frame 82 has a second leg portion 821, a frame main body portion 822, and a first leg portion 823. The second leg portion 821 extends in the X direction. The second leg portion 821 extends from end 824 to end 825. The frame main body portion 822 extends in the Z direction from end 825 to end 826. The first leg portion 823 extends in the X direction from end 826 to end 827. The second frame 82 has a generally U-shaped cross section.

[0071] In other words, the frame 8 comprises frame main body portions 812, 822 provided on the side portions (end portions in the second direction intersecting the first direction) of the device body 111 and extending in the vertical direction, first leg portions 813, 823 extending from the frame main body portions 812, 822 in the X direction (second direction) along the upper end portion (end portion on one side in the first direction) of the device body 111, and second leg portions 811, 821 extending from the frame main body portion 812 in the X direction (second direction) along the lower end portion (end portion on the other side in the first direction) of the device body 111.

[0072] The first adhesive layer 71 is provided on the entire surface of the array substrate 2. That is, the first adhesive layer 71 is provided along the X direction from the end on the X2 side to the end on the X1 side of the array substrate 2. More specifically, the first adhesive layer 71 is provided on the entire surface of the array substrate 2 so as to cover not only the effective area through which light passes, but also the frame area such as the terminal portion. The antireflection films 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516, 517, and 518 are provided along the X direction from the end on the X2 side to the end on the X1 side of the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3. More specifically, the antireflection film on the array substrate 2 side has the same size as the array substrate 2 in a plan view, and is adhered to the entire surface of the array substrate 2. Similarly, the antireflection film on the counter substrate 3 side has the same size as the counter substrate 3 in a plan view, and is adhered to the entire surface of the counter substrate 3.

[0073] As described above, the light control device 100B according to the third embodiment further includes the frame 8 that holds the device body 111 including the panel unit 110 and the optical sheet 5. The frame 8 includes a frame body portion 812, a first leg portion 813, and a second leg portion 811 that extend in the vertical direction.

[0074] Even if the multiple light control panels 1 included in the panel unit 110 are not bonded to each other, the device body 111 can be held by the frame 8. Therefore, a transparent adhesive layer for bonding the multiple light control panels 1 to each other is not required. This increases the transmittance of the light 621 in the panel unit 110 and also reduces costs.

[0075] Also, in the panel unit 110, an anti-reflection film 51 is adhered to each dimming panel 1, so that reflection of light 621 traveling toward the Z2 side (upper side) within the panel unit 110 toward the Z1 side (lower side) is suppressed, and the amount of light 621 emerging from the Z2 side (upper side) is increased.

[0076] In the first terminal group 10 and the second terminal group 20 (terminal groups) provided on the array substrate 2, the first terminal 101, the second terminal 102, the third terminal 103, and the fourth terminal 104 (terminals) included in the first terminal group 10 and the fifth terminal 201, the sixth terminal 202, the seventh terminal 203, and the eighth terminal 204 (terminals) included in the second terminal group 20 are electrically connected.

[0077] Therefore, it is possible to connect the flexible printed circuit board 400 to both the first terminal group 10 and the second terminal group 20.

[0078] The array substrate 2 includes a first side 211 and a second side 212 intersecting the first side 211, and has an octagonal shape (a polygon with four or more sides). The terminal groups are provided at an end along the first side 211 of the array substrate 2, a first end 21 that is closer to the second side 212 than the center of the first side 211, and a second end 22 that is provided at an end along the second side 212 that is closer to the first side 211 than the center of the second side 212. The first terminal group 10 is provided at the first end 21, and the second terminal group 20 is provided at the second end 22.

[0079] According to this, by the simple task of rotating the dimming panels 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D having the same structure, the first terminal group 10 or the second terminal group 20 to which the flexible printed circuit board 400 is connected can be positioned on the Y1 side or the Y2 side.

[0080] The wiring (first wiring) 241 and the wiring (fourth wiring) 249, 251 of each of the array substrates 2 are electrically connected through conductive pillars to the wiring of the counter substrate 3 laminated on the array substrate 2. Therefore, with a simple structure, it is possible to electrically connect the wiring of the array substrate 2 and the wiring of the counter substrate 3.

[0081] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and each configuration can be appropriately modified within the scope of the invention. For example, the thickness of the adhesive layer is preferably 50 μm to 500 μm, more preferably 100 μm to 250 μm, from the viewpoint of preventing scattering of fragments when dropped. In a normal liquid crystal display panel, the polarizing plate is adhered to the liquid crystal panel via an adhesive layer, and the thickness of the adhesive layer is about 25 μm. Considering this, the thickness of the adhesive layer in this embodiment is sufficiently larger than that of the adhesive layer in the liquid crystal display panel.

[0082] Also, a configuration in which the thickness of each adhesive layer is appropriately changed can be adopted. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, in the second adhesive layer 72, a configuration in which the thickness of a portion located on the inside when viewed in the thickness direction (first direction) is made thinner than that of a portion located on the outside can be adopted. In other words, as viewed in the Z direction, for example, the thickness of the second adhesive layer 72 provided in the portion where the counter substrate 3 of the light-adjusting panel 1C and the array substrate 2 of the light-adjusting panel 1B overlap is thinner than that of the second adhesive layer 72 provided on the outside (outside in the thickness direction). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, in the second adhesive layer 72, a configuration in which the thickness of the second adhesive layer 72 located on the inside is thicker than that of the second adhesive layer 72 located on the outside can be adopted. In other words, as viewed in the Z direction, for example, the thickness of the second adhesive layer 72 provided in the portion where the counter substrate 3 of the light-adjusting panel 1C and the array substrate 2 of the light-adjusting panel 1B overlap is thicker than that of the second adhesive layer 72 provided on the outside (outside in the thickness direction). By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to improve resistance to heat from the light source 620 and to ultraviolet light from the light output side.

[0083] Furthermore, a configuration in which the adhesive layer is gradually thickened from the light source 620 side toward the light output side can also be adopted (see FIG. 10). In addition, the adhesive layer may be made conductive only to the adhesive layer located at the outermost position in the thickness direction, or a configuration in which all adhesive layers are made conductive can also be adopted. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, a configuration in which the adhesive layer having the conductivity is connected to wiring having a GND potential or the like can also be adopted. It is possible to prevent static electricity from the outside from entering the conductive layer of the light control panel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 Dimming Panel 11 Side 1 12 Side 2 13 Third Side 14 Side 4 15 Side 5 16 Side 6 17 Side 7 18 Side 8 1A Dimming Panel (1st Dimming Panel) 1B Dimming panel (4th dimming panel) 1C Dimming Panel (3rd Dimming Panel) 1D Dimming Panel (Second Dimming Panel) 2 Array board (first board) 2a surface 2b Back side 2c end 2d end 2e end 3 Opposing substrate (second substrate) 3a surface 3b back side 3c, 3d edge 4 Liquid crystal layer 10 First terminal group 20 Second terminal group 21 First end 22 Second end 211 Side 1 212 Side 2 213 Third Side 214 Side 4 215 Side 5 216 Side 6 217 Side 7 218 Side 8 311 Side 1 312 Side 2 313 Third Side 314 Side 4 315 Side 5 316 Side 6 317 Side 7 318 Side 8 100, 100A, 100B, 100C dimmer 101 1st terminal 102 2nd terminal 103 3rd terminal 104 4th terminal 105 Short side 106 Long side 107 Long side 108 Short side 110 Panel unit 111 Device body 201 5th terminal 202 6th terminal 203 7th terminal 204 8th terminal 241, 243, 245, 246, 248, 249, 251, 342, 343, 345, 346 Wiring 242, 244, 250, 341, 344 Junction 247, 347, 348, 349 edge 261, 262, 361, 362 Liquid crystal drive electrodes 400 Flexible Printed Circuit Board 5 Optical Sheet 51 Anti-reflective film (optical sheet) 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516, 517, 518 Anti-reflection film (optical sheet) 511a, 511b Edge 52 Triacetyl cellulose film (optical sheet) 521, 522 Triacetyl cellulose film (optical sheet) 521a, 522a top surface 521b, 522b bottom surface 600 stickers 610 Orientation Film 620 light source 621 light 71 1st adhesive layer 72 Second adhesive layer (adhesive layer) 8 Frames 81 1st Frame 811 Second leg 812 Frame body 813 1st leg 814, 815, 816,817 edge 82 2nd Frame 821 Second leg 822 Frame body 823 1st leg 824, 825, 826,827 edge C center C1, C2, C3, C4 connections CL1, CL2 center line

Claims

1. A panel unit in which a plurality of light control panels each including a first substrate and a second substrate overlapping one side of a first direction intersecting the first substrate are stacked in the first direction; an optical sheet that is adhered to the light control panel in a state where the optical sheet overlaps the light control panel; a light source located on the other side of the panel unit in the first direction, The optical sheet is adhered to at least one of the second substrate of the first light control panel located closest to one side in the first direction in the panel unit and the first substrate of the second light control panel located closest to the other side in the first direction, The first substrate is provided with two or more terminal groups, and terminals included in one terminal group are electrically connected to terminals included in another terminal group. the first substrate has a polygonal shape including a first side and a second side intersecting the first side and having four or more sides; the first terminal group is provided at a first end portion along the first side of the first substrate, the first end portion being closer to the second side than a center of the first side; The other terminal group is provided at a second end portion along the second side, the second end portion being closer to the first side than a center of the second side. Dimmer.

2. The optical sheet includes an anti-reflection film. The light control device according to claim 1 .

3. The edge of the optical sheet is provided along the edge of the substrate to which the optical sheet is adhered. The light control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Regarding the light control panel included in the panel unit, The anti-reflection film is adhered to at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate in the light control panel in a state where the anti-reflection film overlaps the first substrate and the second substrate. The light control device according to claim 2 .

5. a frame for holding a device body including the panel unit and the optical sheet; The frame is a frame main body portion provided at an end of the device main body in a second direction intersecting the first direction and extending in the first direction; a first leg portion extending in the second direction from the frame main body portion along an end portion of the device main body on one side in the first direction; a second leg portion extending in the second direction from the frame main body portion along an end portion of the device main body on the other side in the first direction; Equipped with The light control device according to claim 1 .

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

7. A plurality of light control panels each including a first substrate and a second substrate overlapping one side of a first direction intersecting the first substrate are stacked in the first direction, The first substrate is larger than the second substrate in a plan view, The plurality of light control panels include a third light control panel and a fourth light control panel adjacent to each other in the first direction, and the fourth light control panel is disposed on one side of the third light control panel in the first direction; An adhesive layer that bonds the second substrate of the third light control panel and the first substrate of the fourth light control panel, The adhesive layer is The fourth light control panel is provided on the entire surface of the first substrate, A direction intersecting the first direction is a second direction, an end portion of one of the first substrate and the second substrate protrudes in the second direction more than the other of the first substrate and the second substrate; The adhesive layer is provided on the end portion, When viewed from the first direction, the thickness of the adhesive layer provided at a portion where the second substrate of the third light control panel and the first substrate of the fourth light control panel overlap is thinner than the thickness of the adhesive layer provided at the end portion; Panel unit.

8. The first substrate has a regular polygonal shape, and the second substrate has a shape obtained by removing a portion of the regular polygonal shape, and has one or more sides having a length that coincides with at least one side constituting an outer edge of the first substrate or with adjacent sides. The panel unit according to claim 7.

9. When viewed from the first direction, the thickness of the adhesive layer provided at a portion where the second substrate of the third light control panel and the first substrate of the fourth light control panel overlap is thicker than the thickness of the adhesive layer provided at the end portion; The panel unit according to claim 7.

10. Among the plurality of light control panels, adjacent light control panels in the first direction are joined together via the adhesive layer, The adhesive layers are thicker toward one side in the first direction. The panel unit according to claim 7.

11. The adhesive layer is at ground potential. The panel unit according to claim 7.

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