Light control device

Abstract

This light control device comprises: a panel unit in which a plurality of light control panels each having a first substrate having a first terminal and a second substrate overlapping the first substrate and having a second terminal are stacked in a first direction; external connection wiring that is connected to the first terminal and / or the second terminal; and a conductive member that is provided at an end in a second direction crossing the first direction of the panel unit and extends in the first direction. The conductive member extends from a light control panel located closest to one side in the first direction of the panel unit to a light control panel located closest to the other side in the first direction, and connects the first terminal of the first substrate and the second terminal of the second substrate of each light control panel.

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, for example, an array substrate, a counter substrate, and a liquid crystal layer sealed between these 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. In the light control panel, a lower array substrate and an upper counter substrate are stacked one above the other. In addition, terminals are provided on each of the array substrate and the counter substrate. The external connection wiring is connected to the terminal of the array substrate and the terminal of the counter substrate in one light control panel, respectively. That is, two external connection wirings are connected to each of the light control panels. [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] It is desirable to reduce the number of external connection wirings, such as flexible printed circuit boards, used in light control devices.

[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 external connection wirings, such as flexible printed circuit boards, that are connected to terminals of a substrate of the dimming device. [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 a first terminal and a second substrate overlapping the first substrate and having a second terminal, are stacked in a first direction; external connection wiring connected to at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal; and a conductive member provided at an end of the panel unit in a second direction intersecting the first direction and extending in the first direction, wherein the conductive member extends from a dimming panel located closest to one side of the panel unit in the first direction to a dimming panel located closest to the other side of the first direction, and connects the first terminal of the first substrate to the second terminal of the second substrate in each of the dimming panels. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a light control device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the light control device of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a wafer on which a plurality of cells are provided. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a plurality of cells of FIG. 3 stacked together. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the array substrate in the first and second light control panels from the top shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the counter substrates in the first and second light control panels from the top shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the array substrate in the third and fourth light-adjusting panels from the top shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the counter substrates in the first and second light control panels from the top shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which four light control panels are arranged vertically apart from each other. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view that illustrates a light control device according to the first embodiment in which the four light control panels illustrated in FIG. 9 are stacked. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a table showing the relationship between four conductive members and the conductive members that connect to the electrodes of the array substrate and the counter substrate in each light control panel. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which light control panels of a panel unit according to a first comparative example are stacked. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which one conductive member is provided on a panel unit according to a first comparative example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a light control device according to a first comparative example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a light control device according to a second comparative example. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a light control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a plan view of the array substrate in the first and second light control panels from the top shown in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a plan view of the opposing substrates in the first and second light control panels from the top shown in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a plan view of the array substrate in the third and fourth light control panels from the top shown in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a plan view of the opposing substrates in the third and fourth light-adjusting panels from the top shown in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a light control device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a plan view of the array substrate in the first and second light control panels from the top shown in FIG. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is a plan view of the opposing substrates in the first and second light control panels from the top shown in FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a plan view of the array substrate in the third and fourth light control panels from the top shown in FIG. [Diagram 25]FIG. 25 is a plan view of the opposing substrates in the third and fourth light-adjusting panels from the top shown in FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light control device according to a first modified example. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light control device according to a second modified example. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light control device according to a third modified example. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light control device according to a fourth modified example. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light control panel in which an array substrate and a counter substrate are connected by a conductor in a light control device according to a fifth modified example. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing a panel unit in which the light control panels of FIG. 30 are stacked. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram in which a conductive member is provided on the side of the panel unit of FIG. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light control device according to a sixth modified example. [Diagram 34] FIG. 34 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light control device according to a seventh modified example. [Diagram 35] FIG. 35 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light control device according to an eighth modified example. [Diagram 36] FIG. 36 is a schematic plan view showing the light control device of FIG. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a plan view of an array substrate in a light control device according to a ninth modification. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXVIII-XXXVIII in FIG. 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 while keeping the gist of the disclosure are naturally included in the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the drawings may be schematic in terms of width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment in order to make the explanation clearer, but they 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 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations may be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, the array substrate is also referred to as the first substrate or the lower substrate. The counter substrate is also referred to as the second substrate or the upper substrate.

[0010] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a light control device according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the light control device shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing a wafer on which a plurality of cells are provided. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a plurality of stacked cells shown in Fig. 3.

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

[0012] 1 and 2, the light control device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a panel unit 110, a conductive member 500, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 400, which is an example of an external connection wiring. The external connection wiring 400 is not limited to a flexible printed circuit board and may be a conductor.

[0013] 2, in this embodiment, the panel unit 110 is formed by stacking a plurality of (four in this embodiment) light control panels 1 in the Z direction (first direction). In this embodiment, the light control panel 1 is a square, but the present invention is not limited to this and also includes polygonal shapes such as a pentagon.

[0014] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the four light control panels 1 are stacked in order from the top, with the light control panels 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. Each light control panel 1 includes an array substrate 2 disposed on the lower side, a counter substrate 3 disposed on the upper side, a seal 600 provided between the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3, a liquid crystal layer 4 filled inside the seal 600, and a terminal 200. The inside of the seal 600 is an effective area. When viewed from the Z direction, the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 have the same size. For example, an external connection wiring (flexible printed circuit board) 400 is electrically connected to the terminal 200 of the array substrate 2 in the light control panel 1D located at the bottom.

[0015] Furthermore, a conductive member 500 extends vertically on the side of the panel unit 110 (see FIG. 10 described later). The conductive member 500 may be made of, for example, silver (Ag) or carbon (C). The conductive member 500 is formed, for example, by applying a paste containing a conductive material to the array substrate 2 or the like and curing the paste.

[0016] Next, a procedure for producing panel units 110 by cutting the stacked wafers into individual pieces at the top and bottom will be briefly described.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the seal 600 and the liquid crystal layer 4 are arranged at regular intervals on the wafer 45. The broken lines indicate the division lines 47. In this manner, a plurality of liquid crystal cells are fabricated on the wafer 45. Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the wafers 45 each having the liquid crystal cells are stacked one on top of the other while being bonded together using a light-transmitting adhesive 720 (e.g., OCR). Then, the wafers are cut along the division lines 47 shown in FIG. 4 using a wire saw or dicing to separate them. This completes the panel unit 110.

[0018] Next, the wiring and terminals of the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 constituting the panel unit 110 will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the array substrate in the first and second light control panels from the top shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the counter substrate in the first and second light control panels from the top shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the array substrate in the third and fourth light control panels from the top shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the counter substrate in the first and second light control panels from the top shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which four light control panels are arranged vertically at a distance. FIG. 10 is a perspective view that typically shows a light control device according to the first embodiment in which the four light control panels shown in FIG. 9 are stacked. FIG. 11 is a table showing the relationship between four conductive members and conductive members that connect to the electrodes of the array substrate and the counter substrate in each light control panel.

[0019] As described above, referring to FIG. 9, the four light control panels are stacked in the order from the top, that is, the light control panel 1A, the light control panel 1B, the light control panel 1C, and the light control panel 1D.

[0020] 5, the array substrate 2 of the light control panel 1A and the light control panel 1B includes first terminals 210, 220, 230, and 240, and a liquid crystal driving electrode 250. The array substrate 2 is square in plan view, and has a first side 21, a second side 22, a third side 23, and a fourth side 24. The first side 21 is located on the X1 side. The second side 22 is located on the X2 side. The third side 23 is located on the Y1 side. The fourth side 24 is located on the Y2 side.

[0021] The first terminal 210 has straight portions 213 and 215. The straight portions 213 and 215 are wide strip-shaped bodies. The straight portion 213 extends from end 211 to end 212. The straight portion 213 extends along the first side 21. The straight portion 215 extends from end 212 to end 214. The end 214 is connected to a wiring 251. A liquid crystal driving electrode 250 is provided in the center of the array substrate 2, and the wiring 251 is electrically connected to the liquid crystal driving electrode 250. The wiring 251 extends in the Y direction. A plurality of liquid crystal driving electrodes 250 are provided, each extending in the X direction.

[0022] The first terminal 220 has straight portions 223 and 225. The straight portions 223 and 225 are wide strips. The straight portion 223 extends from the end 221 to the end 222. The straight portion 223 extends along the second side 22. The straight portion 225 extends from the end 222 to the end 224. The end 224 is connected to a wiring 252. The wiring 252 is connected to a liquid crystal driving electrode 250. The wiring 252 extends in the Y direction.

[0023] The first terminal 230 has a straight portion 233. The straight portion 233 is a wide strip. The straight portion 233 extends from the end 231 to the end 232. The straight portion 233 extends along the third side 23.

[0024] The first terminal 240 has a straight portion 243. The straight portion 243 is a wide strip. The straight portion 243 extends from the end 241 to the end 242. The straight portion 243 extends along the fourth side 24.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 6, the counter substrate 3 of the light control panel 1A and the light control panel 1B includes second terminals 310, 320, 330, and 340, and a liquid crystal driving electrode 350. The counter substrate 3 is square in plan view, and has a first side 31, a second side 32, a third side 33, and a fourth side 34. The first side 31 is located on the X1 side. The second side 32 is located on the X2 side. The third side 33 is located on the Y1 side. The fourth side 34 is located on the Y2 side.

[0026] The second terminal 310 has a straight portion 313. The straight portion 313 is a wide strip. The straight portion 313 extends from the end 311 to the end 312. The straight portion 313 extends along the first side 31.

[0027] The second terminal 320 has a straight portion 323. The straight portion 323 is a wide strip. The straight portion 323 extends from the end 321 to the end 322. The straight portion 323 extends along the second side 32.

[0028] The second terminal 330 has straight portions 333 and 335. The straight portions 333 and 335 are wide strip-shaped bodies. The straight portion 333 extends from end 331 to end 332. The straight portion 333 extends along the third side 33. The straight portion 335 extends from end 332 to end 334. The end 334 is connected to a wiring 351. A liquid crystal driving electrode 350 is provided in the center of the counter substrate 3, and the wiring 351 is electrically connected to the liquid crystal driving electrode 350. The wiring 351 extends in the X direction. A plurality of liquid crystal driving electrodes 350 are provided, each extending in the Y direction.

[0029] The second terminal 340 has straight portions 343 and 345. The straight portions 343 and 345 are wide strips. The straight portion 343 extends from the end 341 to the end 342. The straight portion 343 extends along the fourth side 34. The straight portion 345 extends from the end 342 to the end 344. The end 344 is connected to a wiring 352. The wiring 352 is electrically connected to the liquid crystal driving electrode 350. The wiring 352 extends in the X direction.

[0030] Next, the light control panels 1C and 1D will be described. The light control panels 1C and 1D are obtained by rotating the light control panels 1A and 1B by 90 degrees in the clockwise direction (right-handed direction). Therefore, the positions of the wiring, terminals, and electrodes of the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 included in the light control panels 1C and 1D are also obtained by rotating the wiring, terminals, and electrodes of the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 included in the light control panels 1A and 1B by 90 degrees in the clockwise direction (right-handed direction).

[0031] Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the light control panels 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are stacked vertically to produce a panel unit 110. Next, as shown in FIG. 10, a conductive member 500 is provided on the side of the panel unit 110. Specifically, four conductive members 510, 520, 530, and 540 are provided on the side of each side of the panel unit 110. Specifically, for example, a paste containing a conductive material such as silver or carbon is applied to the side of the panel unit 110 and then cured to form the conductive member 500. The paste is applied so as to be electrically connected to the terminal 200 of the array substrate 2 and the terminal 200 of the counter substrate 3 in the light control panel 1. Therefore, the terminal 200 of the array substrate 2 and the terminal 200 of the counter substrate 3 in one light control panel 1 are electrically connected via the conductive member 500. As described above, one conductive member 500 electrically connects the terminal 200 of the array substrate 2 and the terminal 200 of the counter substrate 3 in the dimming panel 1D, the terminal 200 of the array substrate 2 and the terminal 200 of the counter substrate 3 in the dimming panel 1C, the terminal 200 of the array substrate 2 and the terminal 200 of the counter substrate 3 in the dimming panel 1B, and the terminal 200 of the array substrate 2 and the terminal 200 of the counter substrate 3 in the dimming panel 1A.

[0032] Here, the table in Fig. 11 will be explained. For example, 210 (510) written in the column of the array substrate in the light control panel 1A means that the first terminal 210 shown in Fig. 5 is connected to the conductive member 510. As shown in Fig. 5, the first terminal 210 is located on the X1 side. As shown in Fig. 10, the conductive member 510 is also located on the X1 side. Therefore, the conductive member 510 and the first terminal 210, both of which are located on the X1 side, are electrically connected.

[0033] Also, 340 (520) written in the column of the counter substrate in the dimming panel 1D means that the second terminal 340 shown in FIG. 8 is connected to the conductive member 520. As shown in FIG. 8, the second terminal 340 is located on the X2 side. As shown in FIG. 10, the conductive member 520 is also located on the X2 side. Therefore, the conductive member 520 and the second terminal 340, both of which are located on the X2 side, are electrically connected. In the dimming device 100 according to this embodiment, a liquid crystal cell for p-wave polarization and a liquid crystal cell for s-wave polarization are combined by stacking them.

[0034] Next, a first comparative example will be described. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the light control panels of the panel unit according to the first comparative example are stacked. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which one conductive member is provided on the panel unit according to the first comparative example. Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a light control device according to the first comparative example.

[0035] 12 to 14, in the light control device 100A and panel unit 110A according to the first comparative example, the counter substrate 3 is arranged to be shifted in the Y direction with respect to the array substrate 2. Specifically, the position of the counter substrate 3 is shifted toward the Y1 side with respect to the array substrate 2. In addition, the counter substrate 3 is not arranged to face the upper side of the terminal 200 of the array substrate 2. The array substrate 2 is not arranged to face the lower side of the terminal 300 of the counter substrate 3. A manufacturing procedure for the light control device 100A according to the first comparative example will be briefly described below.

[0036] First, as shown in Fig. 12, the light control panels 10 including the array substrate 2, the counter substrate 3, the seal 600, and the liquid crystal layer 4 are stacked vertically. When joining the upper light control panel 10 and the lower light control panel 10, a light-transmitting adhesive 720, which is an optical adhesive sheet such as OCA, is used. In this way, as shown in Fig. 13, the panel unit 110A is produced. As shown in Fig. 13, in the panel unit 110A, the light control panels 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are stacked in this order from the top.

[0037] Next, as shown in Fig. 13, a conductive member 510 is provided on one side (Y2 side) of the side of the panel unit 110A. The conductive member 510 vertically connects the terminals 200 of the array substrate 2 in each of the dimming panels 10. Also, as shown in Fig. 14, a conductive member 520 is provided on the other side (Y1 side) of the side of the panel unit 110A. The conductive member 520 vertically connects the terminals 300 of the counter substrate 3 in each of the dimming panels 10. Note that the external connection wiring 400 is connected to the terminal 200 of the array substrate 2 in the dimming panel 10 located at the bottom, for example.

[0038] Next, a description will be given of Comparative Example 2. Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a light control device according to Comparative Example 2.

[0039] 15, in the light control device 100F and the panel unit 110F according to the second comparative example, the conductive members 510, 520 are connected to the terminal 200 of the array substrate 2 and are not connected to the counter substrate 3. The terminal 200 of the array substrate 2 is connected vertically by the conductive member 510, and is connected to the external connection wiring 400 at the terminal 200 of the light control panel 10D. The light control device 100F according to the second comparative example will be briefly described below.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 15, the light control panels 10 are stacked vertically to form a panel unit 110F. The light control panel 10 includes an array substrate 2, a counter substrate 3, a seal 600, and a liquid crystal layer 4. The array substrate 2 is larger than the counter substrate 3. Specifically, the array substrate 2 is formed larger in the X direction and the Y direction than the counter substrate 3, and the terminals 200 provided on each side of the array substrate 2 are exposed from the counter substrate 3 when viewed from the Z1 side. No terminals are provided on the counter substrate 3. In the panel unit 110F, the light control panels 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are stacked in this order from the top.

[0041] A conductive member 510 is provided on one side (Y2 side) of the side of the panel unit 110F. The conductive member 510 vertically connects the terminals 200 of the array substrate 2 in each of the dimming panels 10. A conductive member 520 is provided on the other side (Y1 side) of the side of the panel unit 110F. The conductive member 520 vertically connects the terminals 200 of the array substrate 2 in each of the dimming panels 10. The external connection wiring (flexible printed circuit board) 400 is connected to the terminals 200 of the array substrate 2 in the dimming panel 10D located at the bottom, for example.

[0042] As described above, the light control device 100 of the first embodiment includes a panel unit 110 in which light control panels 1A, 1B, 1C, 1 each having an array substrate 2 (first substrate) having first terminals 210, 220, 230, 240 and a counter substrate 3 having second terminals 310, 330, 330, 340 are stacked in the vertical direction (first direction, Z direction), an external connection wiring (flexible printed circuit board) 400 connected to the first terminal or the second terminal, and a conductive member 500 provided on a side portion (end portion in the second direction) of the panel unit 110 and extending in the vertical direction. The conductive member 500 extends from the light control panel 1A located at the topmost side (one side in the first direction) of the panel unit 110 to the light control panel 1D located at the bottommost side (the other side in the first direction), and connects the first terminal of the array substrate 2 and the second terminal of the counter substrate 3 in each light control panel.

[0043] As described above, in Patent Document 1, since one external connection wiring 400 is connected to each of the terminals of the array substrate and the terminals of the counter substrate in one light control panel, the number of external connection wirings 400 used in the entire light control device is large. Specifically, in Patent Document 1, eight external connection wirings 400 are required.

[0044] However, in this embodiment and the first and second comparative examples, as explained in the table of Figure 11, it is sufficient to connect external connection wiring 400 such as a flexible printed circuit board to a total of four locations, for example, the first terminals 210, 220 of the array substrate 2 of the dimming panel 1D and the second terminals 330, 340 of the opposing substrate 3 of the dimming panel 1D.

[0045] That is, in the case of a light control device having four stacked light control panels, eight external connection wirings 400 are required in Patent Document 1, but in the present embodiment and the first and second comparative examples, only four external connection wirings 400 are required, and the number of external connection wirings 400 can be reduced. Note that the four external connection wirings 400 can be arranged one by one on each side of the rectangular light control device 100, so that the connection work of the external connection wirings 400 is easier than when the four external connection wirings 400 are concentrated on one side.

[0046] The light control panels 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D have a polygonal shape when viewed from the top and bottom, and the first terminals 210, 220, 230, and 240 and the second terminals 310, 320, 330, and 340 are strips extending along the sides of the polygon. This allows wide terminals to be arranged along the edges of the light control panels 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, facilitating the connection between the terminals and the external connection wiring 400 such as a flexible printed circuit board.

[0047] In the first and second comparative examples, the terminals 200 of the array substrate 2 are exposed from the counter substrate 3 when viewed from the Z1 side, so that the connection between the external connection wiring (flexible printed substrate) 400 and the terminals 200 is easier than in the first embodiment. However, in the conductive members 510 and 520 according to the first and second comparative examples, the Z-direction distance of the connection portion between the conductive members 510 and 520 and the substrate is larger than that in the first embodiment. For example, in the first comparative example, as shown in FIG. 13, the conductive member 510 is connected to the array substrate 2 of the dimming panel 10A, the array substrate 2 of the dimming panel 10B, the array substrate 2 of the dimming panel 10C, and the array substrate 2 of the dimming panel 10D, but is not connected to the counter substrate 3. That is, the distance in the Z direction between the connection portions between the conductive member 510 and the substrate is the thickness of one dimming panel 10. Therefore, in the first and second comparative examples, it is difficult to control the application of the conductive paste of the conductive members 510 and 520.

[0048] In contrast, in the first embodiment, the array substrate 2 on which the terminal 200 is located faces the counter substrate 3, and the conductive members 510 and 520 are connected to the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 of all the light-adjusting panels 10. That is, the distance in the Z direction between the connection portions of the conductive members 510 and 520 and the substrates is the distance in the Z direction between the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the side surface of the panel unit 110, which is the application surface of the conductive paste, is flattened compared to the first and second comparative examples, which makes it easier to control the application of the conductive paste of the conductive members 510 and 520.

[0049] Furthermore, in the first and second comparative examples, since the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 are different in size and one substrate has an area where it does not overlap with the other substrate in the Z direction, dicing cannot be performed on multiple stacked wafers each having multiple array substrates 2 and multiple counter substrates 3, as described above in Figures 3 and 4, which may result in a decrease in the manufacturing efficiency of the dimming device and an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0050] In contrast, the first embodiment has advantages not found in the first and second comparative examples in that the conductive paste of the conductive members 510 and 520 can be easily applied, and the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 can be diced together on a stacked wafer, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency. Also, in the first embodiment, the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 overlap in the Z direction without being misaligned in the Y and X directions, so that the frame of the panel unit 110 is narrowed, which contributes to the miniaturization and narrowing of the frame of the light control device 100.

[0051] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 16 is a perspective view that shows a light control device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 17 is a plan view of an array substrate in the first and second light control panels from the top shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 18 is a plan view of an opposing substrate in the first and second light control panels from the top shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 19 is a plan view of an array substrate in the third and fourth light control panels from the top shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 20 is a plan view of an opposing substrate in the third and fourth light control panels from the top shown in Fig. 16.

[0052] First, the wiring and terminals of the array substrate and the counter substrate constituting the panel unit 110 will be described in detail. As shown in Fig. 17, the array substrate 2A of the light control panel 1A and the light control panel 1B includes first terminals 210A, 220A, 230A, and 240A and a liquid crystal driving electrode 250. The first side 21 is located on the X1 side. The second side 22 is located on the X2 side. The third side 23 is located on the Y1 side. The fourth side 24 is located on the Y2 side.

[0053] The first terminal 210A has straight portions 216A, 217A, 218A, and 219A. The straight portion 216A extends from the end 211A to the end 212A. The straight portion 217A extends from the end 212A to the end 213A. The straight portion 218A extends from the end 213A to the end 214A. The straight portion 219A extends from the end 214A to the end 215A. The end 215A is connected to the wiring 251. The straight portion 216A extends along the second side 22. The straight portion 217A extends along the fourth side 24. The straight portion 218A extends along the first side 21.

[0054] The first terminal 220A has a straight portion 223A. The straight portion 223A extends from the end 221A along the X direction to an end 222A. The end 222A is connected to the wiring 252.

[0055] The first terminal 230A extends from the end 231A to the end 232A. The first terminal 240A extends from the end 241A to the end 242A. The first terminal 230A is disposed on the X2 side of the first terminal 240A. The first terminal 230A and the first terminal 240A are provided on the third side 23. As shown in FIG. 18, the counter substrate 3A of the light control panel 1A and the light control panel 1B includes second terminals 310A, 320A, 330A, and 340A and a liquid crystal driving electrode 350.

[0056] The second terminal 310A extends from the end 311A ​​to the end 312A. The second terminal 320A extends from the end 321A to the end 322A. The second terminal 310A is disposed on the Y2 side of the second terminal 320A. The second terminal 310A and the second terminal 320A are provided on the second side 32.

[0057] The second terminal 330A is provided on the third side 33. The second terminal 340A has straight portions 346A, 347A, 348A, and 349A. The straight portion 346A extends from the end 341A to the end 342A. The straight portion 346A extends along the third side 33. The straight portion 347A extends from the end 342A to the end 343A. The straight portion 347A extends along the first side 31. The straight portion 348A extends from the end 343A to the end 344A. The straight portion 347A extends along the fourth side 34. The straight portion 349A extends from the end 344A to the end 345A. The end 345A is connected to the wiring 352.

[0058] Next, the light control panels 1C and 1D will be described. When viewed from above, the positions of the terminals, wiring, and liquid crystal drive electrodes of the array substrate in the light control panels 1C and 1D are the same as those of the terminals, wiring, and liquid crystal drive electrodes of the counter substrate in the light control panels 1A and 1B. That is, the positions of the terminals, wiring, and liquid crystal drive electrodes are the same for the array substrate shown in FIG. 19 and the counter substrate shown in FIG. 18. Also, the positions of the terminals, wiring, and liquid crystal drive electrodes are the same for the counter substrate shown in FIG. 20 and the array substrate shown in FIG. 17. The following is a specific description.

[0059] 19, the array substrate 2B of the light control panel 1C and the light control panel 1D includes first terminals 210A, 220A, 230A, and 240A and a liquid crystal driving electrode 250. The first side 21 is located on the X1 side. The second side 22 is located on the X2 side. The third side 23 is located on the Y1 side. The fourth side 24 is located on the Y2 side.

[0060] The first terminal 210A has straight line portions 216A, 217A, 218A, and 219A. The straight line portion 216A extends along the third side 23. The straight line portion 217A extends along the first side 21. The straight line portion 218A extends along the fourth side 24. The first terminal 210A is connected to the wiring 251.

[0061] The first terminal 220A has a straight portion 223A. The straight portion 223A is provided on the third side 23. The straight portion 223A is connected to the wiring 252.

[0062] The first terminal 230A and the first terminal 240A are provided on the second side 22. The first terminal 230A is disposed on the Y2 side with respect to the first terminal 240A.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 20, the counter substrate 3B of the light control panel 1C and the light control panel 1D includes second terminals 310A, 320A, 330A, and 340A and a liquid crystal driving electrode 350.

[0064] The second terminals 310A and 320A are provided on the third side 33. The second terminal 310A is located closer to the X1 side than the second terminal 320A.

[0065] The second terminal 330A is provided on the second side 32.

[0066] The second terminal 340A has straight portion 346A, 347A, 348A, and 349A. The straight portion 346A extends along the second side 32. The straight portion 347A extends along the fourth side 34. The straight portion 348A extends along the first side 31. An end 345A of the straight portion 349A is connected to the wiring 352.

[0067] As described above, in the second embodiment, in the case of a dimming device having four stacked dimming panels, eight external connection wirings 400 are required in Patent Document 1, but in this embodiment, only four external connection wirings 400 are required, and similarly to the first embodiment, the number of external connection wirings 400 can be reduced.

[0068] Furthermore, since the straight portion 217A of the first terminal 210A and the straight portion 347A of the second terminal 340A extend over the entire area of ​​the side, the range over which the external connection wiring 400 is connected is long.

[0069] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. Fig. 21 is a perspective view that shows a light control device according to the third embodiment. Fig. 22 is a plan view of an array substrate in the first and second light control panels from the top shown in Fig. 21. Fig. 23 is a plan view of a counter substrate in the first and second light control panels from the top shown in Fig. 21. Fig. 24 is a plan view of an array substrate in the third and fourth light control panels from the top shown in Fig. 21. Fig. 25 is a plan view of a counter substrate in the third and fourth light control panels from the top shown in Fig. 21.

[0070] First, the wiring and terminals of the array substrate and the counter substrate constituting the panel unit 110 in the light control device 100C according to the third embodiment will be described in detail. In the third embodiment, in all the light control panels, the four terminals are arranged on the same second side. The specific description will be given below.

[0071] 22, the array substrate 2C of the light control panel 1A and the light control panel 1B includes first terminals 210C, 220C, 230C, and 240C and a liquid crystal driving electrode 250. The first side 21 is located on the X1 side. The second side 22 is located on the X2 side. The third side 23 is located on the Y1 side. The fourth side 24 is located on the Y2 side.

[0072] The first terminal 210C is provided on the second side 32. An end 211C of the first terminal 210C is connected to the wiring 252. The first terminal 220C has straight portions 222C, 223C, 224C, and 225C. The straight portion 222C extends from the second side 22 to an end 226C. The straight portion 223C extends from the end 226C to the end 227C. The straight portion 224C extends from the end 227C to the end 228C. The straight portion 225C extends from the end 228C to the end 229C. The end 229C is connected to the wiring 251.

[0073] The first terminal 230C is provided on the second side 22. The first terminal 230C is located on the Y2 side with respect to the first terminal 210C.

[0074] The first terminal 240C is provided on the second side 22. The first terminal 240C is located on the Y1 side with respect to the straight portion 222C.

[0075] On the second side 22 of the array substrate 2C, a first terminal 230C, a first terminal 210C, a straight portion 222C of a first terminal 220C, and a first terminal 240C are arranged in order from the Y2 side toward the Y1 side.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 23, the counter substrate 3C of the light control panel 1A and the light control panel 1B includes second terminals 310C, 320C, 330C, and 340C and a liquid crystal driving electrode 350.

[0077] The second terminal 310C and the second terminal 320C are provided on the second side 32. The second terminal 310C is disposed on the Y2 side with respect to the second terminal 320C.

[0078] The second terminal 330C has straight portion 332C, 333C, and 334C. The straight portion 332C extends along the second side 32. The straight portion 333C extends along the fourth side 34. The straight portion 334C has an end 331C, and the end 331C is connected to the wiring 352.

[0079] The second terminal 340C has straight portion 342C, 343C, and 344C. The straight portion 342C extends along the second side 32. The straight portion 343C extends along the third side 33. The straight portion 344C has an end 341C, and the end 341C is connected to the wiring 351.

[0080] Next, the light control panels 1C and 1D will be described. When viewed from above, the positions of the terminals, wiring, and liquid crystal drive electrodes of the array substrate in the light control panels 1C and 1D are the same as those of the terminals, wiring, and liquid crystal drive electrodes of the counter substrate in the light control panels 1A and 1B. That is, the positions of the terminals, wiring, and liquid crystal drive electrodes are the same for the array substrate shown in FIG. 24 and the counter substrate shown in FIG. 23. Also, the positions of the terminals, wiring, and liquid crystal drive electrodes are the same for the counter substrate shown in FIG. 25 and the array substrate shown in FIG. 22. A specific description will be given below.

[0081] 24, the array substrate 2D of the light control panel 1C and the light control panel 1D includes first terminals 210D, 220D, 230D, and 240D and a liquid crystal driving electrode 250. The first side 21 is located on the X1 side. The second side 22 is located on the X2 side. The third side 23 is located on the Y1 side. The fourth side 24 is located on the Y2 side.

[0082] The first terminal 210D has straight portion 212D, 213D, and 214D. The straight portion 212D extends along the second side 22. The straight portion 213D extends along the fourth side 24. The straight portion 214D has an end 211D, and the end 211D is connected to the wiring 251.

[0083] The first terminal 220D has straight line portions 222D, 223D, and 224D. The straight line portion 222D extends along the second side 22. The straight line portion 223D extends along the third side 23. The straight line portion 224D has an end 221D, and the end 221D is connected to the wiring 252.

[0084] The first terminals 230D and 240D are provided on the second side 22. The first terminal 230D is located on the Y2 side with respect to the first terminal 240D.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 25, the counter substrate 3D of the light control panel 1C and the light control panel 1D includes second terminals 310D, 320D, 330D, and 340D and a liquid crystal driving electrode 350.

[0086] The second terminal 310D and the second terminal 320D are provided on the second side 32. The second terminal 310D is located on the Y2 side with respect to the second terminal 320D.

[0087] The second terminal 330D is provided on the second side 32. The second terminal 330D is connected to the wiring 352.

[0088] The second terminal 340D has straight line portions 342D, 343D, 344D, and 345D. The straight line portion 342D is provided on the second side 32. The straight line portion 343D extends from the tip of the straight line portion 342D to the Y1 side. The straight line portion 344D extends along the third side 33. The straight line portion 345D extends in the Y direction, and an end 341D is connected to the wiring 351.

[0089] As described above, the third embodiment can also reduce the number of external connection wirings 400, such as flexible printed circuit boards, in the same way as the first and second embodiments. In particular, in the third embodiment, all terminals are arranged on one side, so that the four external connection wirings 400 are drawn in the same direction, and the number of external connectors connected to the external connection wirings 400 can be reduced to one.

[0090] [First Modification] Next, a first modified example will be described below. Fig. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light control device according to the first modified example.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 26, in the first modification, a chamfered portion 25E is provided at an end of the array substrate 2E. The chamfered portion 25E is provided at a corner between the front surface 20a and the side surface 20c. The chamfered portion 25E is shown, for example, as an inclined surface in a cross section. The inclined surface inclines downward as it approaches the conductive member 500. In other words, the chamfered portion 25E is formed in a shape in which the vertical distance between the array substrate 2E and the counter substrate 3 increases toward the Y1 side. The chamfered portion 25E is, for example, a plane connecting an end 251E of the front surface (upper surface) 20a of the array substrate 2E and an end 252E of the side surface 20c of the array substrate 2E.

[0092] As described above, the first modified example has chamfered portion 25E in which the distance in the up-down direction (distance in the Z direction) increases toward the Y1 side. Therefore, for example, when forming conductive member 500 by applying conductive paste, the paste flows in from chamfered portion 25E, facilitating the molding operation of conductive member 500.

[0093] [Second modified example] Next, a second modified example will be described below. Fig. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light control device according to the second modified example.

[0094] As shown in Fig. 27, in the second modification, a curved surface portion 25F is provided at an end of an array substrate 2F. The curved surface portion 25F is provided at a corner portion between the front surface 20a and the side surface 20c. The curved surface portion 25F is formed in a shape in which the vertical distance between the array substrate 2E and the counter substrate 3 increases toward the Y1 side. The curved surface portion 25F is curved in a convex shape toward the counter substrate 3.

[0095] As described above, the second modified example has a curved portion 25F that is convexly curved. Therefore, for example, when applying a conductive paste to form the conductive member 500, the paste flows in from the curved portion 25F, facilitating the molding operation of the conductive member 500.

[0096] [Third Modification] Next, a third modified example will be described below. Fig. 28 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light control device according to the third modified example.

[0097] As shown in Fig. 28, in the third modified example, the conductive member has a two-layer structure. That is, the conductive member 500 described in the embodiment has a one-layer structure, but the conductive member 550 according to the third modified example has a two-layer structure in which a second layer 552 is formed on a first layer 551. Specifically, a low-viscosity paste is applied as the first layer 551, a high-viscosity paste is applied on the first layer 551 as the second layer 552, and the paste is then hardened to form the conductive member 550. Note that, for example, a silver (Ag) paste is preferable as the low-viscosity paste, and, for example, a carbon (C) paste is preferable as the high-viscosity paste.

[0098] As described above, in the third modified example, the conductive member 500 has the first layer 551 containing silver, and the second layer 552 that is laminated on the first layer 551 and contains carbon.

[0099] The conductive member 500 is formed, for example, by applying a paste containing a conductive material and drying it. A low-viscosity paste has a higher shrinkage rate than a high-viscosity paste. If a high-viscosity paste is applied to the first layer, and then a high-viscosity paste is applied to the second layer, and the entire paste is dried, cracks or the like are likely to occur in the second layer. Therefore, it is preferable to form the conductive member 500 by applying a low-viscosity silver paste to the first layer, and then applying a carbon paste, which has a higher viscosity than silver, to the second layer.

[0100] [Fourth Modification] Next, a fourth modified example will be described below. Fig. 29 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light control device according to the fourth modified example.

[0101] 29, in the fourth modification, a concave-convex portion 25G is provided on a side surface 20c of an array substrate 2G. In other words, the concave-convex portion 25G is also a groove. That is, convex portions and concave portions are alternately arranged in the up-down direction on the side surface 20c of the array substrate 2G.

[0102] As described above, in the fourth modification, the side surface 20c of the array substrate 2G is provided with the uneven portion 25G. When the conductive member 500 is formed by applying a paste containing a conductive material and drying it, the paste enters the grooves of the uneven portion 25G and hardens. Therefore, the conductive member 500 is more firmly fixed to the array substrate 2G.

[0103] [Fifth Modification] Next, a fifth modified example will be described. Fig. 30 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light control panel in which an array substrate and an opposing substrate are connected by a conductor in a light control device according to the fifth modified example. Fig. 31 is a schematic diagram showing a panel unit in which the light control panels of Fig. 30 are stacked. Fig. 32 is a schematic diagram in which a conductive member is provided on the side of the panel unit of Fig. 31.

[0104] In the fifth modification, the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 are electrically connected vertically by the conductor 43, and the conductive member 560 is electrically connected to the conductor 43. A specific description will be given below.

[0105] First, as shown in Fig. 30, an electrode 41 is formed on the front surface 20a of the array substrate 2. The electrode 41 extends, for example, entirely in the Y direction, and is connected, for example, to the liquid crystal driving electrode 250. In addition, electrodes 40 are formed on the ends of the front surface 3a and rear surface 3b of the counter substrate 3. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 31, a conductor 43 extending in the vertical direction is provided so as to connect the electrode 40 and the electrode 41.

[0106] 32, a conductive member 560 is provided on a side of the panel unit 110. The conductive member 560 has a plurality of protruding portions 561 protruding laterally (in the Y direction) provided at intervals in the vertical direction. The tip of the protruding portion 561 is electrically connected to the conductor 43.

[0107] As described above, in the fifth modified example, the first terminal 210 of the array substrate 2 and the second terminal 310 of the counter substrate 3 are connected by the conductor 43, and the conductive member 500 is connected to the conductor 43. Since the first terminal 210 of the array substrate 2 and the second terminal 310 of the counter substrate 3 are connected by both the conductor 43 and the conductive member 500, the conductivity is improved.

[0108] [Sixth Modification] Next, a sixth modified example will be described below. Fig. 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light control device according to the sixth modified example.

[0109] In the sixth modification, an ITO film is provided in the panel unit 110 to be connected to the conductive member 500, and an external connection wiring 400 such as a flexible printed circuit board is connected to the ITO film. A specific description will be given below.

[0110] As shown in Fig. 33, in the light control device 100D, an ITO film 44 is provided on the upper surface (rear surface 30b) of the counter substrate 3 arranged at the uppermost side of the panel unit 110. The ITO film 44 is formed over substantially the entirety in the Y direction. An external connection wiring 400 is connected to the end of the ITO film 44 on the Y1 side. The ITO film 44 is an example of a translucent conductive film.

[0111] As described above, in the sixth modified example, the ITO film 44 connected to the conductive member 500 is formed on the upper surface of the counter substrate 3. The ITO film 44 is connected to the wiring 400 for external connection.

[0112] In the above-described embodiment and modified example, the external connection wiring 400 is connected to the terminal 200. However, in this modified example, the external connection wiring 400 is connected to the terminal 200 via the conductive member 500 and the ITO film 44, so that the external connection wiring 400 can be connected to a portion where no terminal exists, such as the upper surface of the counter substrate 3.

[0113] [Seventh Variation] Next, a seventh modified example will be described below. Fig. 34 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light control device according to the seventh modified example.

[0114] In the seventh modified example, an ITO film 44 is formed on the opposing substrate 3 arranged on the uppermost side of the panel unit 110, and an external connection wiring 400, such as a flexible printed circuit board, is connected to the ITO film 44. In contrast, in the seventh modified example, an ITO film 44 is formed on the array substrate 2 arranged on the lowermost side of the panel unit 110, and an external connection wiring 400 is connected to the ITO film 44. A specific description will be given below.

[0115] 34, in the light control device 100E, an ITO film 44 is provided on the lower surface (rear surface 20b) of the array substrate 2 arranged at the lowest side of the panel unit 110. The ITO film 44 is formed over substantially the entire area in the Y direction. An external connection wiring 400 is connected under the end of the ITO film 44 on the Y1 side.

[0116] As described above, in the seventh modified example, an ITO film 44 connected to a conductive member 500 is formed on the lower surface 2b (the surface on the other side in the first direction) of the array substrate 2, and the ITO film 44 is connected to an external connection wiring 400.

[0117] In the above-described embodiment and modified example, the external connection wiring 400 is connected to the terminal 200. However, in this modified example, the external connection wiring 400 is connected to the terminal 200 via the conductive member 500 and the ITO film 44, so that the external connection wiring 400 can be connected to a portion where there is no terminal, such as the lower surface 2b of the array substrate 2.

[0118] [Eighth Modification] Fig. 35 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light control device according to an eighth modified example, and Fig. 36 is a schematic plan view showing the light control device of Fig. 35.

[0119] In the sixth modified example, an ITO film 44 is formed on the opposing substrate 3 arranged on the uppermost side of the panel unit 110, and an external connection wiring 400, such as a flexible printed circuit board, is connected to the ITO film 44. In contrast, in the eighth modified example, a metal wiring 46 is provided on the opposing substrate 3 arranged on the uppermost side of the panel unit 110, and the external connection wiring 400 is connected to the metal wiring 46. A specific description will be given below.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 35, in the light control device 100G, metal wiring 46 is provided on the upper surface (rear surface 30b) of the counter substrate 3 arranged at the uppermost side of the panel unit 110. The metal wiring 46 is opaque. As shown in FIG. 36, the inside of the seal 600 is the effective area. The metal wiring 46 is provided so as to surround the outside of the seal 600. Each of the four conductive members 500 is connected to the external connection wiring 400.

[0121] As described above, in the eighth modified example, metal wiring 46 is provided on the upper surface (rear surface 30b) of the opposing substrate 3, and the metal wiring 46 is connected to the external connection wiring 400, so that the external connection wiring 400 can be connected to a portion where there is no terminal, such as the upper surface of the opposing substrate 3.

[0122] [Ninth Variation] Next, a ninth modification will be described. Fig. 37 is a plan view of an array substrate in a light control device according to the ninth modification. Fig. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXVIII-XXXVIII in Fig. 37.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 37 and FIG. 38, in the ninth modification, for a plurality of terminals (first terminals 210C, 220C, 230C, 240C) of the array substrate 2, partition walls 602, 603, 604 of the seal 600 are provided between adjacent terminals in the Y direction. The seal 600 has a circular ring portion 601 and partition walls 602, 603, 604. The liquid crystal layer 4 is filled on the inner periphery side of the circular ring portion 601. The partition walls 602, 603, 604 extend from the circular ring portion 601 toward the X2 side. The partition wall 602 is located between the first terminals 240C and 220C. The partition wall 603 is located between the first terminals 220C and 210C. The partition wall 604 is located between the first terminals 210C and 230C.

[0124] As described above, in the ninth modification, since the partition walls 602, 603, and 604 are provided between the terminals 210C, 220C, 230C, and 240C, it is possible to prevent short circuits between adjacent terminals. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D Dimming Panel 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G Array board (first board, lower board) 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D Opposite board (2nd board, upper board) 4 Liquid crystal layer 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D Dimming Panel 20a surface 20b back side 20c side 21 Side 1 22 Side 2 23 Third Side 24 Side 4 25E Chamfered part 25F curved section 25G uneven part 31 Side 1 32 Side 2 33 Third Side 34 Side 4 40, 41 electrode 43 Conductor 44 ITO film (transparent conductive film) 46 Metal wiring 100, 100A, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G Dimmer 110, 110A, 110F Panel unit 200 Terminals 210, 210A, 210C, 210D, 220, 220A, 220C, 220D, 230, 230A, 230C, 230D, 240, 240A, 240C 1st terminal 250 Liquid crystal driving electrode 300 Terminals 310, 310A, 310C, 310D, 320, 320A, 320C, 320D, 330, 330A, 330C, 330D, 340, 340A, 340C, 340D 2nd terminal 350 Liquid crystal driving electrode 400 External connection wiring (flexible printed circuit board) 500, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560 Conductive material 551 1st layer 552 2nd layer 561 Protrusion 600 stickers 601 Circular Ring 602, 603, 604 Bulkhead section 720 Translucent adhesive

Claims

1. A panel unit in which a plurality of light control panels each having a first substrate having a first terminal and a second substrate overlapping the first substrate and having a second terminal are stacked in a first direction; an external connection wiring connected to at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal; a conductive member provided at an end of the panel unit in a second direction intersecting the first direction and extending in the first direction; Equipped with The conductive member is The panel unit extends from a light control panel located closest to one side in the first direction to a light control panel located closest to the other side in the first direction, and The first terminal of the first substrate and the second terminal of the second substrate in each of the light control panels are connected to each other; In each of the light control panels, the first terminal of the first substrate and the second terminal of the second substrate are connected by a conductor, and the conductive member is connected to the conductor; Dimmer.

2. The light control panel has a polygonal shape when viewed from the first direction, The first terminal and the second terminal include straight portions of strips extending along sides of the polygon. The light control device according to claim 1 .

3. Regarding the first substrate and the second substrate included in one of the light control panels, An end portion on one side in the second direction of at least one of a surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate and a surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate is a chamfered portion in which the distance between the first substrate and the second substrate in the first direction increases toward one side in the second direction; The light control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Regarding the first substrate and the second substrate included in one of the light control panels, An end portion on one side in the second direction of at least one of a surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate and a surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate is a distance between the first substrate and the second substrate in the first direction increases toward one side in the second direction, and the first substrate has a curved surface portion that is convexly curved; The light control device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The conductive member has a first layer including silver and a second layer including carbon laminated on the first layer. The light control device according to claim 1 .

6. a side surface provided at an end portion in the second direction of at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate has an uneven portion; The light control device according to claim 1 .

7. Regarding the light control panel located closest to one side in the first direction provided in the panel unit, the second substrate is disposed on one side of the first substrate in the first direction, a transparent conductive film connected to the conductive member is formed on one surface of the second substrate in the first direction; the transparent conductive film is connected to the external connection wiring; The light control device according to claim 1 .

8. Regarding the light control panel located closest to the other side in the first direction in the panel unit, the second substrate is disposed on one side of the first substrate in the first direction, a transparent conductive film connected to the conductive member is formed on the other surface of the first substrate in the first direction; the transparent conductive film is connected to the external connection wiring; The light control device according to claim 1 .

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