Flexible wiring board and dimming unit
The flexible wiring board's point-symmetrical terminals and folding mechanism address the flexibility issue of double-sided boards, enhancing usability and design coherence with light-control sheets.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2021116619
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-07-14
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-02
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-07-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing flexible wiring boards with double-sided terminals require separate protective layers, making them thicker and less flexible compared to single-sided boards.
A flexible wiring board design with an insulating layer having a support surface that extends in a first direction, featuring first and second sheet-bonded terminals that are point-symmetrical and spaced apart, allowing the board to be folded along a bending line, reducing the load required for bending and enabling a double-sided configuration.
The design enhances flexibility and ease of use by allowing the board to be folded without increasing thickness, while maintaining a sense of unity and design coherence with the light-control sheet.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flexible wiring board having bonded terminals facing in opposite directions, and a light control unit having the flexible wiring board. [Background technology]
[0002] A light-controlling sheet having two transparent electrode layers facing each other exhibits a different light transmittance when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal composition between the transparent electrode layers. The two transparent electrode layers are connected to an external power source via a flexible wiring substrate (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). One example of a flexible wiring substrate has adhesive terminals facing in opposite directions, each connected to an electrode terminal of the light-controlling sheet.
[0003] For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the light control sheet 70 includes a first transparent electrode sheet 71, a second transparent electrode sheet 81, and a light control layer 91. The light control layer 91 is located between the first transparent electrode sheet 71 and the second transparent electrode sheet 81. The first transparent electrode sheet 71 includes a first transparent electrode layer 73 in contact with the light control layer 91, and a first support film 72. The second transparent electrode sheet 81 includes a second transparent electrode layer 83 in contact with the light control layer 91, and a second support film 82. The light control layer 91, located between the first transparent electrode layer 73 and the second transparent electrode layer 83, is driven by a voltage applied between the first transparent electrode layer 73 and the second transparent electrode layer 83.
[0004] The light-controlling sheet 70 has one edge 70E that extends linearly from right to left in Fig. 10. The first transparent electrode terminal 73P of the first transparent electrode layer 73 and the second transparent electrode terminal 83P of the second transparent electrode layer 83 are aligned along the edge 70E of the light-controlling sheet 70. The light-controlling layer 91 is positioned between the first transparent electrode layer 73 and the second transparent electrode layer 83 so that the first transparent electrode terminal 73P and the second transparent electrode terminal 83P are exposed from the light-controlling layer 91.
[0005] The light controlling sheet 70 is connected to an external power source 65 through a flexible wiring board 60. The flexible wiring board 60 includes an insulating layer 61, a first conductive layer 62, and a second conductive layer 63. A first support surface 61A of the insulating layer 61 supports the first conductive layer 62. A second support surface 61B of the insulating layer 61, which is opposite to the first support surface 61A, supports the second conductive layer 63.
[0006] As indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 10, the first conductive layer 62 is connected to an external power supply 65 through a through-hole in the insulating layer 61. The second conductive layer 63 is also connected to the external power supply 65. As indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 10, the first sheet-bonded terminal 62P of the first conductive layer 62 is disposed so as to face the first transparent electrode layer 73 and is bonded to the first transparent electrode terminal 73P via a conductive adhesive. The second sheet-bonded terminal 63P of the second conductive layer 63 is disposed so as to face the second transparent electrode layer 83 and is bonded to the second transparent electrode terminal 83P via a conductive adhesive. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-57925 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-38265 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0008] On the other hand, a flexible wiring board 60 in which the first support surface 61A supports the first conductive layer 62 and the second support surface 61B supports the second conductive layer 63 usually requires separate protective layers to cover the first conductive layer 62 and the second conductive layer 63. As a result, the above-mentioned double-sided flexible wiring board is thicker than a single-sided flexible wiring board, which reduces its flexibility. [Means for solving the problem]
[0009] A flexible wiring board for solving the above problem includes an insulating layer having a support surface extending in a first direction, first sheet-bonded terminals located on the support surface and extending in the first direction, and second sheet-bonded terminals located on the support surface and extending in the first direction, wherein the shape of the first sheet-bonded terminals is point-symmetrical to the shape of the second sheet-bonded terminals with respect to a point on a bending line extending in the first direction.
[0010] A light control unit that solves the above problem includes a light control sheet with an edge extending in a first direction and a flexible wiring substrate adhered to the edge. The light control sheet includes a first transparent electrode layer with a first transparent electrode terminal on a first electrode surface, a second transparent electrode layer with a second transparent electrode terminal on a second electrode surface, and a light control layer positioned between the first electrode surface and the second electrode surface so that the first transparent electrode terminal and the second transparent electrode terminal are exposed from the light control layer. The first transparent electrode terminal and the second transparent electrode terminal form the edge and are aligned along the first direction. The flexible wiring substrate includes an insulating layer with a support surface extending in the first direction, a first sheet-adhered terminal adhered to the first transparent electrode terminal, located on the support surface, and extending in the first direction, and a second sheet-adhered terminal adhered to the second transparent electrode terminal, located on the support surface, and extending in the first direction. The support surface is folded along a straight fold line extending in the first direction, and the shape of the first sheet-bonded terminal is a translation of the shape of the second sheet-bonded terminal along the straight fold line.
[0011] According to each of the above configurations, one support surface is divided into a first surface region and a second surface region by a single bending line. When one support surface is folded along the single bending line, the first surface region faces a first side relative to the first surface region, while the second surface region faces a second side opposite the first side. The first sheet-bonded terminal and the second sheet-bonded terminal face opposite sides. This allows a flexible wiring board having two sheet-bonded terminals on one support surface to be used as a double-sided board.
[0012] Furthermore, the shape of the first sheet-bonded terminal as viewed from a point on the bending line is the same as the shape of the second sheet-bonded terminal as viewed from a point on the bending line. When one support surface is bent along one bending line, the shape of the first sheet-bonded terminal becomes the same as the shape of the second sheet-bonded terminal translated along the bending line. This makes it possible to bond one sheet-bonded terminal to each of two connection objects that are lined up along the bending line and have the same shape.
[0013] The flexible wiring board may include a weakened portion on the bending line that induces bending of the flexible wiring board along the bending line. According to the above configuration, the load caused by bending the flexible wiring board along the bending line extending in the first direction can be reduced, which makes it easier to use the above-mentioned double-sided flexible wiring board.
[0014] A flexible wiring board for solving the above problem includes an insulating layer having a support surface extending in a first direction, first sheet-bonded terminals located on the support surface, and second sheet-bonded terminals located on the support surface, and includes weakened portions on a bending line extending in the first direction that induce bending of the flexible wiring board along the bending line, and the first sheet-bonded terminals are spaced apart from the second sheet-bonded terminals in the first direction and are located on the opposite side of the bending line from the second sheet-bonded terminals.
[0015] A light control unit that solves the above problem includes a light control sheet with an edge extending in a first direction and a flexible wiring substrate adhered to the edge. The light control sheet includes a first transparent electrode layer with a first transparent electrode terminal on a first electrode surface, a second transparent electrode layer with a second transparent electrode terminal on a second electrode surface, and a light control layer positioned between the first electrode surface and the second electrode surface so that the first transparent electrode terminal and the second transparent electrode terminal are exposed from the light control layer. The first transparent electrode terminal and the second transparent electrode terminal form the edge and are aligned along the first direction. The flexible wiring substrate includes an insulating layer with a support surface extending in the first direction, a first sheet-adhered terminal adhered to the first transparent electrode terminal and positioned on the support surface, and a second sheet-adhered terminal adhered to the second transparent electrode terminal and positioned on the support surface. The support surface is folded along a folding line extending in the first direction, and the first sheet-bonded terminal is spaced apart from the second sheet-bonded terminal in the first direction and is positioned on the opposite side of the support surface from the second sheet-bonded terminal with respect to the folding line.
[0016] In the flexible wiring board, a folding line defined by the fragile portion divides one support surface into two surface regions. When one support surface is folded along the folding line, one surface region faces a first side relative to the support surface, while the other surface region faces a second side opposite the first side relative to the support surface. The first sheet-bonded terminals face the first side relative to the support surface, while the second sheet-bonded terminals face the second side relative to the support surface. This allows a flexible wiring board with two sheet-bonded terminals on one support surface to be used as a double-sided board.
[0017] In the flexible substrate, the insulating layer may include a first support piece supporting the first sheet-bonded terminal and extending in the first direction, and a second support piece supporting the second sheet-bonded terminal and extending in the first direction. A portion of the first support piece connected to the second support piece is a tip end of the first support piece in the first direction, and a portion of the second support piece connected to the first support piece is a base end of the second support piece in the first direction. The flexible wiring substrate may include a fragile portion located at a boundary between the tip end and the base end.
[0018] In the flexible wiring board, the bending of the first sheet-bonded terminals and the second sheet-bonded terminals to face opposite sides is performed at the boundary between the tip end of the first support piece and the base end of the second support piece, which reduces the load required for bending compared to bending the entire first support piece or the entire second support piece.
[0019] In the above-described flexible wiring board, the insulating layer may include a first support piece that supports the first sheet-bonded terminal and extends in the first direction. The first support piece may include a first folded portion that includes a tip end of the first support piece in the first direction and extends in the first direction, and a first terminal support portion where the first sheet-bonded terminal is located. The first folded portion may be located on the opposite side of the folding line from the first terminal support portion and may include wiring that extends in the first direction from the first sheet-bonded terminal toward the second sheet-bonded terminal. The flexible wiring board may include the fragile portion located at the boundary between the first folded portion and the first terminal support portion.
[0020] According to the flexible wiring board, the wiring connected to the first sheet-adhesive terminal extends toward the second sheet-adhesive terminal, making it easy to consolidate the wiring connected to the first sheet-adhesive terminal and the wiring connected to the second sheet-adhesive terminal. This allows the flexible wiring board to create a sense of unity by extending the consolidated wiring from a single light-controlling sheet, enhancing the design of the light-controlling unit. Furthermore, the folding line defined by the fragile portion separates the first terminal support portion from the first folded portion, making it possible to fold the first terminal support portion and the first folded portion in accordance with the folding of the first sheet-adhesive terminal and the second sheet-adhesive terminal in opposite directions. This allows the first sheet-adhesive terminal and the first folded portion to be folded along the folding line so that they overlap. This also prevents the first folded portion from extending beyond the edge of the light-controlling sheet to which the first adhesive terminal is adhered. As a result, the flexible wiring board creates a sense of unity between the light-control sheet and the flexible wiring board, which can enhance the design of the light-control unit.
[0021] In the above-described flexible wiring board, the insulating layer may include a second support piece that supports the second sheet-bonded terminal and extends in the first direction. The second support piece may include a base end of the second support piece in the first direction and include a second folded portion extending in the first direction and a second terminal support portion in which the second sheet-bonded terminal is located. The second folded portion may be located on the opposite side of the folding line from the second terminal support portion and include wiring that extends in the first direction from the second sheet-bonded terminal toward the first sheet-bonded terminal. The flexible wiring board may include the fragile portion located at the boundary between the second folded portion and the second terminal support portion.
[0022] According to the flexible wiring board, the wiring connected to the second sheet-adhesive terminal extends toward the first sheet-adhesive terminal, making it easy to consolidate the wiring connected to the first sheet-adhesive terminal and the wiring connected to the second sheet-adhesive terminal. This allows the flexible wiring board to create a sense of unity by extending the consolidated wiring from a single light-controlling sheet, enhancing the design of the light-controlling unit. Furthermore, the folding line defined by the fragile portion separates the second terminal support portion from the second folded portion, making it possible to fold the second terminal support portion and the second folded portion in accordance with the folding of the first sheet-adhesive terminal and the second sheet-adhesive terminal in opposite directions. This allows the second sheet-adhesive terminal and the second folded portion to be folded along the folding line so that they overlap. This also prevents the second folded portion from extending beyond the edge of the light-controlling sheet to which the second adhesive terminal is adhered. As a result, the flexible wiring board creates a sense of unity between the light-control sheet and the flexible wiring board, which can enhance the design of the light-control unit.
[0023] In the flexible wiring board, the portion of the first support piece connected to the second support piece may be a tip end of the first support piece in the first direction, and the portion of the second support piece connected to the first support piece may be a base end of the second support piece in the first direction. The flexible wiring board may include the fragile portion located at a boundary between the tip end and the base end.
[0024] In the flexible wiring board, the bending of the first sheet-bonded terminals and the second sheet-bonded terminals to face opposite sides is performed at the boundary between the tip end of the first support piece and the base end of the second support piece, which reduces the load required for bending compared to bending the entire first support piece or the entire second support piece.
[0025] The flexible wiring board may include an external connection terminal where an end of the wiring extending from the first sheet-bonded terminal and an end of the wiring extending from the second sheet-bonded terminal are located. The external connection terminal may be a portion of the flexible wiring board that is connected to the first folded portion and that extends from the first folded portion toward an opposite side of the folding line from the first folded portion.
[0026] According to the flexible wiring board, the external connection terminal extends from the first folded portion toward the opposite side of the first folded portion with respect to the folding line. That is, the external connection terminal extends from the first folded portion toward the same side as the first terminal support portion with respect to the folding line. When the first terminal support portion and the first folded portion are folded along the folding line, the external connection terminal extends from the first folded portion toward the opposite side of the first terminal support portion with respect to the folding line. This makes it possible to pull out the external connection terminal toward the opposite side of the folding line from the connection target of the first terminal support portion. Furthermore, the flexible wiring board gives a sense of unity by pulling out wiring gathered in one place from a single light control sheet, thereby enhancing the design of the light control unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an enlarged plan view showing a transparent electrode terminal in a light controlling sheet. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the planar structure of the flexible wiring board. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a process diagram showing a method for bonding a flexible wiring board to a light controlling sheet. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a process diagram showing a method for bonding a flexible wiring board to a light controlling sheet. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a process diagram showing a method for bonding a flexible wiring board to a light controlling sheet. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of a flexible wiring board in a light control unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of a flexible wiring board in a light control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] An embodiment of a flexible wiring board and a light control unit will be described. First, the configuration of a light control sheet to which the flexible wiring board is adhered will be described. Next, the configuration of the flexible wiring board will be described. Finally, a light control unit including a light control sheet and a flexible wiring board adhered to the light control sheet will be described.
[0029] [Light-adjusting sheet] As shown in FIG. 1, the light-controlling sheet 10 has an edge 10E that extends linearly along a first direction D1. The light-controlling sheet 10 has a first transparent electrode sheet 11, a second transparent electrode sheet 21, and a light-controlling layer 31 (see FIG. 2). The light-controlling layer 31 is located between the first transparent electrode sheet 11 and the second transparent electrode sheet 21. The light-controlling sheet 10 divides the space in which the light-controlling sheet 10 is located into two. Of the two spaces divided by the light-controlling sheet 10, the space that contacts the first transparent electrode sheet 11 is the first space. Of the two spaces divided by the light-controlling sheet 10, the space that contacts the second transparent electrode sheet 21 is the second space.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 2 , the first transparent electrode sheet 11 includes a first support film 14 and a first transparent electrode layer 15. The second transparent electrode sheet 21 includes a second support film 24 and a second transparent electrode layer 25. The first transparent electrode layer 15 is disposed on the side of the second transparent electrode sheet 21 that faces the first support film 14 and is in contact with the light control layer 31. The second transparent electrode layer 25 is disposed on the side of the first transparent electrode sheet 11 that faces the second support film 24 and is in contact with the light control layer 31. The light control layer 31, located between the first transparent electrode layer 15 and the second transparent electrode layer 25, is driven by a voltage applied between the first transparent electrode layer 15 and the second transparent electrode layer 25. The light control sheet 10 may further include an alignment layer between the first transparent electrode layer 15 and the light control layer 31. The light control sheet 10 may further include an alignment layer between the second transparent electrode layer 25 and the light control layer 31.
[0031] The support films 14 and 24 each have optical transparency that allows the transmission of visible light and electrical insulation. The material that constitutes the support films 14 and 24 is an organic polymer compound or an inorganic polymer compound. An example of the organic polymer compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyacrylate, polycarbonate, and polyolefin. An example of the inorganic polymer compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxide, silicon oxynitride, and silicon nitride.
[0032] The transparent electrode layers 15 and 25 are each optically transparent and electrically conductive, and examples of materials for the transparent electrode layers 15 and 25 include at least one selected from the group consisting of indium tin oxide, fluorine-doped tin oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, carbon nanotubes, and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene).
[0033] The light control layer 31 changes the light transmittance after application of a voltage from the light transmittance before application of the voltage. An example of the light control layer 31 includes a transparent organic polymer layer and a liquid crystal composition. The transparent organic polymer layer defines a gap between the first transparent electrode layer 15 and the second transparent electrode layer 25, which is filled with the liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal composition fills the gap in the transparent organic polymer layer. The liquid crystal composition includes a liquid crystal compound. An example of the liquid crystal compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of Schiff base compounds, azo compounds, azoxy compounds, biphenyl compounds, terphenyl compounds, benzoate ester compounds, tolane compounds, pyrimidine compounds, cyclohexane carboxylic acid ester compounds, phenylcyclohexane compounds, and dioxane compounds.
[0034] An example of the type of liquid crystal composition retention in the light-controlling layer 31 is any one selected from the group consisting of a polymer network type, a polymer dispersion type, and a capsule type. The polymer network type has a transparent polymer network with a three-dimensional mesh structure, and retains the liquid crystal composition in the interconnected mesh-like voids. The polymer network is an example of a transparent organic polymer layer. The polymer dispersion type has a large number of isolated voids in a transparent organic polymer layer, and retains the liquid crystal composition in the voids dispersed in the polymer layer. The capsule type retains a capsule-shaped liquid crystal composition in a transparent organic polymer layer. In addition to the above-mentioned liquid crystal compound, the liquid crystal composition may contain a monomer for forming a transparent organic polymer layer and a dichroic dye.
[0035] Returning to FIG. 1 , at an edge 10E of the light-controlling sheet 10, the first transparent electrode sheet 11 and the light-controlling layer 31 have a first terminal opening 12. The first terminal opening 12 extends from the edge 10E of the light-controlling sheet 10 toward the inside of the light-controlling sheet 10. The first terminal opening 12 exposes a portion of the second transparent electrode sheet 21 toward a first space defined by the light-controlling sheet 10.
[0036] At the edge 10E, the second transparent electrode sheet 21 and the light-controlling layer 31 have a second terminal opening 22. The second terminal opening 22 extends from the edge 10E of the light-controlling sheet 10 toward the inside of the light-controlling sheet 10. The second terminal opening 22 exposes a portion of the transparent electrode sheet 21 toward a second space partitioned by the light-controlling sheet 10.
[0037] The first terminal opening 12 and the second terminal opening 22 are aligned with a gap between them along the edge 10E of the light controlling sheet 10. The first terminal opening 12 has a shape obtained by translating the second terminal opening 22 in the first direction D1.
[0038] 1, for the sake of convenience in explaining the positions of the terminal openings 12, 22 in the thickness direction of the light control sheet 10, the portion of the first transparent electrode sheet 11 exposed toward the second space is surrounded by a dashed line. Also, the portion of the second transparent electrode sheet exposed toward the first space is marked with a dot.
[0039] 2, the first electrode surface 15S of the first transparent electrode layer 15 that faces the light control layer 31 extends from the second terminal opening 22 to the edge 10E. The second terminal opening 22 separates the first transparent electrode terminal 13, which is part of the first electrode surface 15S, within the first transparent electrode layer 15. The first transparent electrode terminal 13 is surrounded by the second terminal opening 22 and the edge 10E of the light control sheet 10 within the first electrode surface 15S.
[0040] The second terminal opening 22 may be formed by cutting out a part of the second transparent electrode sheet 21 and a part of the light control layer 31. Alternatively, the second terminal opening 22 may be formed in a part of the first transparent electrode sheet 11 where the second transparent electrode sheet 21 and the light control layer 31 do not face each other in advance.
[0041] The first transparent electrode terminal 13 is adhered to the flexible wiring substrate via a conductive adhesive material, which may be at least one material selected from the group consisting of anisotropic conductive film (ACF), anisotropic conductive paste (ACP), isotropic conductive film (ICF), and isotropic conductive paste (ICP).
[0042] 3, the second electrode surface 23S of the second transparent electrode layer 25 that faces the light control layer 31 extends from the first terminal opening 12 to the edge 10E. The first terminal opening 12 separates the second transparent electrode terminal 23, which is part of the second transparent electrode layer 25, within the second transparent electrode layer 25. The second transparent electrode terminal 23 is surrounded by the first terminal opening 12 and the edge 10E of the light control sheet 10 within the second electrode surface 23S.
[0043] The first terminal opening 12 may be formed by cutting out a portion of the first transparent electrode sheet 11 and a portion of the light control layer 31. Alternatively, the first terminal opening 12 may be formed in a portion of the second transparent electrode sheet 21 that does not face the first transparent electrode sheet 11 or the light control layer 31. The second transparent electrode terminal 23 is also connected to the flexible wiring board via a conductive adhesive.
[0044] The first transparent electrode terminal 13 has a shape obtained by translating the second transparent electrode terminal 23 in the first direction D1. The light-controlling layer 31 is located between the first transparent electrode layer 15 and the second transparent electrode layer 25 so that the first transparent electrode terminal 13 is exposed from the light-controlling layer 31 and so that the second transparent electrode terminal 23 is exposed from the light-controlling layer 31.
[0045] [Flexible wiring board] As shown in FIG. 4, the flexible wiring board 40 has a strip shape extending in the first direction D1. The flexible wiring board 40 includes one insulating layer 41, one protective layer 42, and one conductive layer 45. The outer shape of the insulating layer 41 follows the outer shape of the flexible wiring board 40. The insulating layer 41 is a resin base sheet. In FIG. 4, of the two spaces separated by one surface including the flexible wiring board 40, the space that contacts the protective layer 42 is the first space. Of the two spaces separated by the surface including the flexible wiring board 40, the space that contacts the insulating layer 41 is the second space.
[0046] The flexible wiring substrate 40 includes a plurality of bend guiding recesses W1 aligned in the first direction D1 and a plurality of bend guiding through holes W2 aligned in the first direction D1. The bend guiding recesses W1 have a shape recessed in the first direction D1 or a shape recessed in the opposite direction to the first direction D1 within the outline of the flexible wiring substrate 40. The bend guiding through holes W2 are flat elliptical holes extending in the first direction D1. The bend guiding recesses W1 and the bend guiding through holes W2 are located on a single bending line extending in the first direction D1. The bend guiding recesses W1 and the bend guiding through holes W2 are examples of fragile portions.
[0047] As shown in Figure 5, the conductive layer 45 is located between the insulating layer 41 and the protective layer 42. The insulating layer 41 supports the entire conductive layer 45. The surface of the insulating layer 41 that supports the entire conductive layer 45 is one support surface 41S, which is the upper surface of the insulating layer 41 in Figure 5. The protective layer 42 covers the other parts of the conductive layer 45 so as to expose a portion of the conductive layer 45. The part of the conductive layer 45 that is exposed from the protective layer 42 is connected to the light controlling sheet 10 or an external power source.
[0048] The flexible wiring board 40 is a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The material constituting the insulating layer 41 is an organic polymer compound having insulating properties, or an inorganic-organic composite material having insulating properties. The material constituting the protective layer 42 is also an organic polymer compound having insulating properties. An example of the material constituting the insulating layer 41 and the material constituting the protective layer 42 is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyimide and polyester. An example of the material constituting the conductive layer 45 is at least one selected from the group consisting of a copper thin film, an aluminum thin film, and a nickel thin film.
[0049] [Insulating layer 41] Returning to FIG. 4, the insulating layer 41 is virtually divided in two in the first direction D1 into a first support piece 4A located on the left side of FIG. 4 and a second support piece 4B located on the right side of FIG. 4. The first support piece 4A is integral with the second support piece 4B. The first support piece 4A and the second support piece 4B form a single resin sheet. A single resin sheet may be a single-layer structure formed from a single resin film, or a laminated structure formed from two or more resin films.
[0050] The first support piece 4A includes a base end portion of the insulating layer 41 in the first direction D1. The first support piece 4A has a strip shape extending in the first direction D1. A first base end portion 4AT of the first support piece 4A includes a base end portion of the first support piece 4A in the first direction D1. A first tip end portion 4AE of the first support piece 4A includes a tip end portion of the first support piece 4A in the first direction D1. The first base end portion 4AT constitutes a base end portion of the insulating layer 41 in the first direction D1. The first tip end portion 4AE is a portion of the first support piece 4A that connects to the second support piece 4B.
[0051] The second support piece 4B includes the tip end portion of the insulating layer 41 in the first direction D1. The second support piece 4B has a strip shape extending in the first direction D1. The length of the second support piece 4B in the first direction D1 is approximately equal to the length of the first support piece 4A in the first direction D1. The second base end portion 4BT of the second support piece 4B includes the base end of the second support piece 4B in the first direction D1. The second tip end portion 4BE of the second support piece 4B includes the tip of the second support piece 4B in the first direction D1. The second tip end portion 4BE constitutes the tip end portion of the insulating layer 41 in the first direction D1. The second base end portion 4BT is the portion of the second support piece 4B that connects to the first support piece 4A.
[0052] In the insulating layer 41, the first tip portion 4AE of the first support piece 4A is integral with the second base end portion 4BT of the second support piece 4B. The boundary between the first tip portion 4AE of the first support piece 4A and the second base end portion 4BT of the second support piece 4B is located approximately in the center of the insulating layer 41 in the first direction D1. The boundary line between the first tip portion 4AE and the second base end portion 4BT is located on a third guiding line 4LC extending along the first direction D1. The boundary line between the first tip portion 4AE and the second base end portion 4BT is sandwiched between a bending guiding depression W1 recessed in the first direction D1 and a bending guiding depression W1 recessed in the opposite direction to the first direction D1. The two bending guiding depressions W1 sandwiching the boundary line between the first tip portion 4AE and the second base end portion 4BT guide the flexible wiring substrate 40 to bend along the guiding line 4LC.
[0053] The first support piece 4A includes a first folded portion 4A1 having a strip shape extending in the first direction D1 and a first terminal support portion 4A2 having a strip shape extending in the first direction D1. The first folded portion 4A1 and the first terminal support portion 4A2 are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. The length of the first folded portion 4A1 in the first direction D1 is longer than the length of the first terminal support portion 4A2 in the first direction D1. The base end of the first folded portion 4A1 in the first direction D1 and the base end of the first terminal support portion 4A2 in the first direction D1 form a first base end portion 4AT of the first support piece 4A. The tip end of the first folded portion 4A1 in the first direction D1 is a first tip end portion 4AE of the first support piece 4A.
[0054] The first folded portion 4A1 is integral with the first terminal support portion 4A2. The boundary between the first folded portion 4A1 and the first terminal support portion 4A2 is located on a first guiding straight line 4LA extending along the first direction D1. The boundary between the first folded portion 4A1 and the first terminal support portion 4A2 is sandwiched between a bending guiding recess W1 recessed in the first direction D1 and a bending guiding recess W1 recessed in the opposite direction to the first direction D1. Five bending guiding through holes W2 are located on the boundary between the first folded portion 4A1 and the first terminal support portion 4A2. The two bending guiding recesses W1 sandwiching the boundary between the first folded portion 4A1 and the first terminal support portion 4A2 guide the insulating layer 41 to bend along the guiding straight line 4LA. The five bending guide through holes W2 located on the boundary line between the first folded portion 4A1 and the first terminal support portion 4A2 also guide the insulating layer 41 to bend along the guide lines 4LA.
[0055] The second support piece 4B includes a second folded portion 4B1 having a strip shape extending in the first direction D1 and a second terminal support portion 4B2 having a strip shape extending in the first direction D1. The second folded portion 4B1 and the second terminal support portion 4B2 are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. The length of the second folded portion 4B1 in the first direction D1 is longer than the length of the second terminal support portion 4B2 in the first direction D1. The tip end of the second folded portion 4B1 in the first direction D1 and the tip end of the second terminal support portion 4B2 in the first direction D1 form a second tip end 4BE of the second support piece 4B. The base end of the second folded portion 4B1 in the first direction D1 is a second base end 4BT of the second support piece 4B.
[0056] The second folded portion 4B1 is integral with the second terminal support portion 4B2. The boundary between the second folded portion 4B1 and the second terminal support portion 4B2 is located on a second guide line 4LB extending in the first direction D1. The boundary between the second folded portion 4B1 and the second terminal support portion 4B2 is sandwiched between two bend guide recesses W1. Five bend guide through holes W2 are located on the boundary between the second folded portion 4B1 and the second terminal support portion 4B2. The two bend guide recesses W1 sandwiching the boundary between the second folded portion 4B1 and the second terminal support portion 4B2 guide the bending of the insulating layer 41 along the guide line 4LB. The five bend guide through holes W2 located on the boundary between the second folded portion 4B1 and the second terminal support portion 4B2 also guide the bending of the insulating layer 41 along the guide line 4LB.
[0057] The flexible wiring board 40 defines three imaginary guiding lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC that extend in the first direction D1. The three guiding lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC are located on a single bending line that extends in the first direction D1.
[0058] The first folded portion 4A1 is located on the opposite side of the guide line 4LA from the first terminal support portion 4A2. The second folded portion 4B1 is located on the opposite side of the guide line 4LB from the second terminal support portion 4B2. The first folded portion 4A1 is located on the opposite side of the single folded line through which the three guide lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC pass from the second folded portion 4B1. The first terminal support portion 4A2 is located on the opposite side of the single folded line through which the three guide lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC pass from the second terminal support portion 4B2.
[0059] The shape of the first terminal support portion 4A2 is point-symmetric to the shape of the second terminal support portion 4B2 with respect to a point on a single bending line through which the three guiding lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC pass. For example, the shape of the first terminal support portion 4A2 is point-symmetric to the shape of the second terminal support portion 4B2 with respect to a point on the single bending line through which the three guiding lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC pass, which is midway between the first terminal support portion 4A2 and the second terminal support portion 4B2.
[0060] The tip of the first folded portion 4A1 is connected to the external terminal support portion 48. The external terminal support portion 48 is located on the opposite side of the guide line 4LA from the first folded portion 4A1. The external terminal support portion 48 extends from the tip of the first folded portion 4A1 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 and is located on the same side of the guide line 4LA as the first terminal support portion 4A2.
[0061] [Conductive layer 45] Conductive layer 45 is divided into a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer in first direction D1. The first conductive layer is located on the left side of conductive layer 45 in FIG. 4. The second conductive layer is located on the right side of conductive layer 45 in FIG. 4. The first conductive layer is electrically insulated from the second conductive layer.
[0062] The first conductive layer is composed of a first sheet-bonded terminal 45A having a strip shape extending in the first direction D1 and a first folded wiring 43A having a strip shape extending in the first direction D1. The first sheet-bonded terminal 45A and the first folded wiring 43A are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. The length of the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A in the first direction D1 is longer than the length of the first folded wiring 43A in the first direction D1. The base end of the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A in the first direction D1 and the base end of the first folded wiring 43A in the first direction D1 constitute the base end of the first conductive layer in the first direction D1.
[0063] The first sheet-bonded terminal 45A has comb-like terminals arranged in the first direction D1. The first sheet-bonded terminal 45A is entirely supported by the first terminal support portion 4A2 of the first support piece 4A. The first folded wiring 43A is entirely supported by the first folded portion 4A1 of the first support piece 4A and the external terminal support portion 48.
[0064] The boundary line between the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A and the first folded wiring 43A is located on the first guiding straight line 4LA. The first sheet-bonded terminal 45A is integral with the first folded wiring 43A and is electrically connected to the first folded wiring 43A via the periphery of the bending guiding through-hole W2. Five bending guiding through-holes W2 are located on the boundary line between the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A and the first folded wiring 43A. The five bending guiding through-holes W2 located on the boundary line between the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A and the first folded wiring 43A, like the first support piece 4A, guide the conductive layer 45 to bend at the guiding straight line 4LA.
[0065] The first sheet-bonded terminals 45A are exposed toward the first space from the protective layer 42. The first folded wiring 43A is covered by the protective layer 42 on the side of the first space opposite to the first folded wiring 43A.
[0066] The tip of the first folded wiring 43A in the first direction D1 is bent in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. The tip of the first folded wiring 43A in the first direction D1 is a first power supply terminal 42AT, which is supported by an external terminal support portion 48. The first power supply terminal 42AT, like the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A, is exposed from the protective layer 42 toward the first space.
[0067] The second conductive layer is composed of second sheet-bonded terminals 45B each having a strip shape extending in the first direction D1 and second folded wiring 43B each having a strip shape extending in the first direction D1. The second sheet-bonded terminals 45B and the second folded wiring 43B are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. The length of the second sheet-bonded terminals 45B in the first direction D1 is longer than the length of the second folded wiring 43B in the first direction D1. The tip end of the second sheet-bonded terminals 45B in the first direction D1 and the tip end of the second folded wiring 43B in the first direction D1 constitute the tip end of the second conductive layer in the first direction D1.
[0068] The second sheet-bonded terminal 45B has comb-like terminals aligned in the first direction D1. The second sheet-bonded terminal 45B is entirely supported by the second terminal support portion 4B2 of the second support piece 4B. The second folded wiring 43B is entirely supported by the second folded portion 4B1 of the second support piece 4B, the tip of the first support piece 4A, and the external terminal support portion 48.
[0069] The boundary line between the second sheet-bonded terminal 45B and the second folded wiring 43B is located on the second guiding straight line 4LB. The second sheet-bonded terminal 45B is integral with the second folded wiring 43B and is electrically connected to the second folded wiring 43B via the periphery of the bending guiding through-hole W2. Five bending guiding through-holes W2 are located on the boundary line between the second sheet-bonded terminal 45B and the second folded wiring 43B. The five bending guiding through-holes W2 located on the boundary line between the second sheet-bonded terminal 45B and the second folded wiring 43B, like the second support piece 4B, guide the conductive layer 45 to bend at the guiding straight line 4LB.
[0070] Like the first sheet-bonded terminals 45A, the second sheet-bonded terminals 45B are exposed from the protective layer 42 toward the first space. Like the first folded wiring 43A, the second folded wiring 43B is covered by the protective layer 42 on the side of the first space facing the second folded wiring 43B. The base end of the second folded wiring 43B in the first direction D1 is bent once in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 and once in the direction opposite to the first direction D1. The base end of the second folded wiring 43B in the first direction D1 is bent once so as to cross the boundary between the first support piece 4A and the second support piece 4B, and is also bent once from the tip of the first support piece 4A toward the external terminal support portion 48. The base end of the second folded wiring 43B in the first direction D1 is the second power supply terminal 42BT, and is supported by the external terminal support portion 48. The second power supply terminals 42BT are exposed from the protective layer 42 toward the first space, similar to the second sheet-bonded terminals 45B.
[0071] The first sheet-bonded terminal 45A is located on the opposite side of the guiding straight line 4LA from the first folded wiring 43A. The second sheet-bonded terminal 45B is located on the opposite side of the guiding straight line 4LB from the second folded wiring 43B. The first sheet-bonded terminal 45A is located on the opposite side of the single folded line through which the three guiding straight lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC pass from the second sheet-bonded terminal 45B. The first folded wiring 43A extends from the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A toward the second sheet-bonded terminal 45B. The second folded wiring 43B extends from the second sheet-bonded terminal 45B toward the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A.
[0072] The shape of the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A is point-symmetrical to the shape of the second sheet-bonded terminal 45B with respect to a point on a single bending line through which the three guiding lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC pass. For example, the shape of the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A is point-symmetrical to the shape of the second sheet-bonded terminal 45B with respect to a point on the single bending line through which the three guiding lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC pass, which is midway between the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A and the second sheet-bonded terminal 45B.
[0073] The external terminal support portion 48, the first power supply terminal 42AT which is the tip of the first folded wiring 43A, and the second power supply terminal 42BT which is the base end of the second folded wiring 43B constitute an external connection terminal.
[0074] [Dimming unit] Next, a method for bonding the flexible wiring board 40 to the light controlling sheet 10, that is, a method for manufacturing the light controlling unit, will be described.
[0075] 6, when the flexible wiring board 40 is adhered to the light controlling sheet 10, first, the flexible wiring board 40 is positioned so that the first sheet-adhered terminal 45A faces the first transparent electrode terminal 13. Furthermore, the flexible wiring board 40 is positioned so that the guiding lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC on the flexible wiring board 40 substantially coincide with the edge 10E of the light controlling sheet 10. Then, the first sheet-adhered terminal 45A and the first transparent electrode terminal 13 are adhered via a conductive adhesive.
[0076] The first sheet-adhered terminal 45A faces the first space partitioned by the light-controlling sheet 10, while the first transparent electrode terminal 13 faces the second space partitioned by the light-controlling sheet 10. As indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 6 , the second folded portion 4B1 and the external terminal support portion 48 are arranged on the side of the second space facing the second transparent electrode sheet 21. Like the first sheet-adhered terminal 45A, the second sheet-adhered terminal 45B also faces the first space partitioned by the light-controlling sheet 10.
[0077] 7, when the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A and the first transparent electrode terminal 13 are bonded, the first folded portion 4A1 is folded back at the guiding line 4LA. The first folded portion 4A1 folded back at the guiding line 4LA is positioned on the opposite side of the first transparent electrode sheet 11 from the side of the second transparent electrode sheet 21 and so as to cover the first transparent electrode sheet 11. In other words, the first folded portion 4A1 is positioned on the side of the first space relative to the first transparent electrode sheet 11.
[0078] At this time, the second folded portion 4B1 connected to the first folded portion 4A1 and the second sheet-adhered terminal 45B are also folded back together with the first folded portion 4A1 to the side opposite the side of the second transparent electrode sheet 21 relative to the first transparent electrode sheet 11. The second sheet-adhered terminal 45B folded back together with the first folded portion 4A1 faces the second space and faces the second transparent electrode terminal 23 through the first terminal opening 12.
[0079] As a result, the shape of the second sheet-bonded terminal 45B becomes a shape obtained by translating the shape of the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A along the guiding lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC. The second sheet-bonded terminal 45B is spaced apart from the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A in the first direction D1 and is located on the opposite side of the guiding lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC to the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A on the support surface of the insulating layer 41. The second sheet-bonded terminal 45B and the second transparent electrode terminal 23 are bonded to each other via a conductive adhesive.
[0080] Note that the second sheet-adhered terminal 45B faces the second space, while the second transparent electrode terminal 23 faces the first space. Also, as indicated by the dashed lines in Fig. 7, the first power supply terminal 42AT and the second power supply terminal 42BT located on the external terminal support portion 48 are located outside the light controlling sheet 10 and, like the second sheet-adhered terminal 45B, face the second space.
[0081] 8, when the second sheet bonded terminal 45B and the second transparent electrode terminal 23 are bonded, the second folded portion 4B1 is folded back along the guiding lines 4LB and 4LC. The second folded portion 4B1 folded back along the guiding lines 4LB and 4LC is positioned on the opposite side of the first transparent electrode sheet 11 from the side of the second transparent electrode sheet 21 and so as to cover the second terminal support portion 4B2.
[0082] As a result, the edges of the flexible wiring board 40 bent along the guide lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC are positioned so as to substantially coincide with the edges 10E of the light controlling sheet 10. Then, the flexible wiring board 40 is adhered to the light controlling sheet 10 so that only the external terminal support parts 48 protrude from the edges 10E of the light controlling sheet 10, thereby manufacturing the light controlling unit.
[0083] 9, the first folded portion 4A1 is folded back so that the first folded portion 4A1 and the first terminal support portion 4A2 sandwich the first transparent electrode sheet 11. The second folded portion 4B1 is folded back so that the second folded portion 4B1 and the second terminal support portion 4B2 overlap each other.
[0084] According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) One support surface 41S is divided into two regions by one guide line 4LC. When one support surface 41S is folded by one guide line 4LC, the support surface 41S in one region, the first support piece 4A, faces the first space divided by the light controlling sheet 10. Meanwhile, the support surface 41S in the other region, the second support piece 4B, faces the second space divided by the light controlling sheet 10. This causes the first sheet-adhered terminal 45A and the second sheet-adhered terminal 45B to face opposite sides. As a result, a flexible wiring board 40 having two sheet-adhered terminals 45A and 45B on one support surface 41S can be used as a double-sided board.
[0085] (2) Furthermore, when viewed from a point on a bending line passing through the guiding lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC, the shape of the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A is the same as the shape of the second sheet-bonded terminal 45B. When one support surface 41S is bent along the guiding line 4LC, the shape of the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A becomes the same as the shape of the second sheet-bonded terminal 45B translated along the guiding line 4LC. This allows one sheet-bonded terminal 45A, 45B to be bonded to each of the two transparent electrode terminals 13, 23 that are aligned along the guiding line 4LC and have the same shape.
[0086] (3) The bending guide recesses W1 and the bending guide through holes W2 are located on a single bending line passing through the guide lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC. This reduces the load of bending the flexible wiring board 40 along the guide lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC extending in the first direction D1, making it easier to use the double-sided flexible wiring board 40 described above.
[0087] (4) The bending that causes the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A and the second sheet-bonded terminal 45B to face opposite sides is performed at the boundary between the first tip end 4AE of the first support piece 4A and the second base end 4BT of the second support piece 4B. This reduces the load required for bending compared to bending the entire first support piece 4A or the entire second support piece 4B.
[0088] (5) The first folded wiring 43A connected to the first sheet-adhered terminal 45A extends toward the second sheet-adhered terminal 45B. This makes it easy to consolidate the first folded wiring 43A connected to the first sheet-adhered terminal 45A and the second folded wiring 43B connected to the second sheet-adhered terminal 45B. This allows the flexible wiring board 40 to give a sense of unity, with wiring gathered in one place being pulled out from one light-controlling sheet 10, thereby enhancing the design of the light-controlling unit.
[0089] (6) Furthermore, the guide line 4LA defined by the bend guide recess W1 and the bend guide through hole W2 separates the first terminal support portion 4A2 from the first folded portion 4A1. Therefore, the first terminal support portion 4A2 and the first folded portion 4A1 can be folded in accordance with the bending of the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A and the second sheet-bonded terminal 45B in opposite directions. This allows the first terminal support portion 4A2 and the first folded portion 4A1 to be folded along the guide line 4LA so that they overlap. This also prevents the first folded portion 4A1 from extending beyond the edge of the light controlling sheet 10 to which the first terminal support portion 4A2 is bonded. As a result, the flexible wiring board 40 creates a sense of unity between the light controlling sheet 10 and the flexible wiring board 40, enhancing the design of the light controlling unit.
[0090] (7) The second folded wiring 43B connected to the second sheet-adhered terminal 45B extends toward the first sheet-adhered terminal 45A. This makes it easy to consolidate the first folded wiring 43A connected to the first sheet-adhered terminal 45A and the second folded wiring 43B connected to the second sheet-adhered terminal 45B. This allows the flexible wiring board 40 to give a sense of unity, with wiring gathered in one place being pulled out from one light-adhering sheet 10, thereby enhancing the design of the light-adhering unit.
[0091] (8) Furthermore, the guide line 4LB defined by the bend guide recess W1 and the bend guide through hole W2 separates the second terminal support portion 4B2 from the second folded portion 4B1. Therefore, the second terminal support portion 4B2 and the second folded portion 4B1 can be folded in accordance with the bending of the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A and the second sheet-bonded terminal 45B in opposite directions. This allows the second terminal support portion 4B2 and the second folded portion 4B1 to be folded along the guide line 4LB so that they overlap. This also prevents the second folded portion 4B1 from extending beyond the edge of the light controlling sheet 10 to which the second terminal support portion 4B2 is bonded. As a result, the flexible wiring board 40 creates a sense of unity between the light controlling sheet 10 and the flexible wiring board 40, enhancing the design of the light controlling unit.
[0092] (9) The external terminal support portion 48 extends from the first folded portion 4A1 toward the opposite side of the guide line 4LA from the first folded portion 4A1. That is, the external terminal support portion 48 extends from the first folded portion 4A1 toward the same side of the guide line 4LA as the first terminal support portion 4A2. When the first terminal support portion 4A2 and the first folded portion 4A1 are folded along the guide line 4LA, the external terminal support portion 48 extends from the first folded portion 4A1 toward the opposite side of the guide line 4LA from the first terminal support portion 4A2. This makes it possible to extend the external terminal support portion 48 toward the opposite side of the guide line 4LA from the first terminal support portion 4A2, i.e., the opposite side of the first transparent electrode terminal 13. The flexible wiring substrate 40 also provides a sense of unity, as if the wiring is gathered in one place and is drawn out from a single light controlling sheet 10, thereby enhancing the design of the light controlling unit.
[0093] (10) Since it is possible to employ a single-sided flexible wiring board 40 that does not require through holes, it is possible to reduce the restrictions on bending locations that would be caused by the location of through holes.
[0094] The above embodiment can be modified as follows. [Weak part] The flexible wiring board 40 may be configured such that at least some of the bending guide recesses W1 are omitted, or at least some of the bending guide through holes W2 are omitted. In this case, the flexible wiring board 40 may be configured such that the insulating layer 41 is provided as a weakened portion in at least a portion of the bending line passing through the bending guide lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC, and is thinner than the portion outside the bending line.
[0095] If the shape of the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A is point-symmetrical to the shape of the second sheet-bonded terminal 45B with respect to a point on the bending line passing through the guiding lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC, the flexible wiring board 40 may be configured without the fragile portion.
[0096] The portion of the first support piece 4A that is connected to the second support piece 4B may be other than the first tip portion 4AE of the first support piece 4A in the first direction D1. For example, the portion of the first support piece 4A that is connected to the second support piece 4B may be the middle of the first support piece 4A in the first direction D1.
[0097] The portion of the second support piece B that is connected to the first support piece 4A may be other than the base end 4BT of the second support piece 4B in the first direction D1. For example, the portion of the second support piece 4B that is connected to the first support piece 4A may be the middle of the second support piece 4B in the first direction D1.
[0098] Bend Line The first support piece 4A may not be bent at the boundary between the first folded portion 4A1 and the first terminal support portion 4A2. That is, the flexible wiring board 40 may be configured to include the guide lines 4LB and 4LC, without including the guide line 4LA.
[0099] The second support piece 4B may be configured so as not to be bent at the boundary between the second folded portion 4B1 and the second terminal support portion 4B2. That is, the flexible wiring board 40 may be configured so as to omit the guiding line 4LB and to include the guiding lines 4LA and 4LC. Furthermore, the flexible wiring board 40 may be configured so as to omit the guiding line 4LA.
[0100] [Sheet adhesive terminal] The shape of the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A may be a shape other than point symmetrical to the shape of the second sheet-bonded terminal 45B. In this case, the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A may be configured to be spaced apart from the second sheet-bonded terminal 45B in the first direction D1 and to be located on the opposite side of the bending line passing through the guiding lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC from the second sheet-bonded terminal 45B.
[0101] The shape of the first terminal support portion 4A2 may be a shape other than point symmetrical to the shape of the second terminal support portion 4B2, as long as the first terminal support portion 4A2 is spaced apart from the second terminal support portion 4B2 in the first direction D1 and is located on the opposite side of the bending line passing through the guiding lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC from the second terminal support portion 4B2.
[0102] The number of first sheet-bonded terminals 45A is not limited to one, and may be two or more comb-like terminals arranged in the first direction D1, or two or more flat terminals. The number of second sheet-bonded terminals 45B is not limited to one, and may be two or more comb-like terminals arranged in the first direction D1, or two or more flat terminals. The number of first sheet-bonded terminals 45A may be different from the number of second sheet-bonded terminals 45B. In this case, it is sufficient that the first sheet-bonded terminals 45A are spaced apart from the second sheet-bonded terminals 45B in the first direction D1 and are located on the opposite side of the second sheet-bonded terminals 45B with respect to the bending line passing through the guiding lines 4LA, 4LB, and 4LC.
[0103] The number of first folded wirings 43A is not limited to one, but may be two or more, or one for each comb-like terminal included in the first sheet-bonded terminal 45A. The number of second folded wirings 43B is not limited to one, but may be two or more, or one for each comb-like terminal included in the second sheet-bonded terminal 45B. The number of first folded wirings 43A may be different from the number of second folded wirings 43B. [Explanation of symbols]
[0104] D1…first direction 10...Dimming control 10E…Embe 13…1st transparent electrode terminal 15…1st transparent electrode layer 15S…1st electrode surface 23…Second transparent electrode terminal 23S…Second electrode surface 25…Second transparent electrode layer 31…Dimming layer 40…Flexible wiring board 41…Insulation layer 41S…support surface 4A…1st support piece 4A1…Part 1 of the fold 4A2…1st terminal support 4LA, 4LB, 4LC…Induction straight line 4B…Second support piece 4B1...Part 2 of the fold 4B2…Second terminal support 45A…1st connector 45B…Second connector
Claims
1. an insulating layer having a support surface extending in a first direction; a first sheet-bonded terminal located on the support surface and extending in the first direction; a second sheet-bonded terminal located on the support surface and extending in the first direction, a shape of the first sheet-bonded terminal is point-symmetrical to a shape of the second sheet-bonded terminal with respect to a point on a bending line extending in the first direction; The insulating layer is a first support piece that supports the first sheet-bonded terminal and extends in the first direction; The first support piece is a first folded portion including a tip end of the first support piece in the first direction and extending in the first direction; a first terminal support portion on which the first sheet-bonded terminal is positioned, the first folded portion is located on the opposite side of the folding line from the first terminal support portion, and includes a wiring extending in the first direction from the first sheet-bonded terminal toward the second sheet-bonded terminal, The flexible wiring board includes: a weakened portion located at the boundary between the first folded portion and the first terminal support portion; Flexible wiring board.
2. A weakened portion is provided on the bending line to induce bending of the flexible wiring board along the bending line. The flexible wiring board according to claim 1 .
3. an insulating layer having a support surface extending in a first direction; a first sheet-bonded terminal positioned on the support surface; a second sheet-bonded terminal located on the support surface, a weakened portion on the bending line that extends in the first direction, the weakened portion inducing bending of the flexible wiring substrate along the bending line; the first sheet-bonded terminal is spaced apart from the second sheet-bonded terminal in the first direction and is located on the opposite side of the folding line from the second sheet-bonded terminal; The insulating layer is a first support piece that supports the first sheet-bonded terminal and extends in the first direction; The first support piece is a first folded portion including a tip end of the first support piece in the first direction and extending in the first direction; a first terminal support portion on which the first sheet-bonded terminal is positioned, the first folded portion is located on the opposite side of the folding line from the first terminal support portion, and includes a wiring extending in the first direction from the first sheet-bonded terminal toward the second sheet-bonded terminal, The flexible wiring board includes: a weakened portion located at the boundary between the first folded portion and the first terminal support portion; Flexible wiring board.
4. The insulating layer is a second support piece that supports the second sheet-bonded terminal and extends in the first direction; a portion of the first support piece connected to the second support piece is a tip end of the first support piece in the first direction, a portion of the second support piece connected to the first support piece is a base end portion of the second support piece in the first direction, The flexible wiring board includes: a weakened portion located at the boundary between the distal end and the proximal end The flexible wiring board according to claim 1 .
5. The insulating layer is a second support piece that supports the second sheet-bonded terminal and extends in the first direction; The second support piece is a second folded portion including a base end portion of the second support piece in the first direction and extending in the first direction; a second terminal support portion on which the second sheet-bonded terminal is positioned, the second folded portion is located on the opposite side of the folding line from the second terminal support portion, and includes a wiring extending in the first direction from the second sheet-bonded terminal toward the first sheet-bonded terminal, The flexible wiring board includes: The weak portion is located at the boundary between the second folded portion and the second terminal support portion. The flexible wiring board according to claim 1 .
6. a portion of the first support piece connected to the second support piece is a tip end of the first support piece in the first direction, a portion of the second support piece connected to the first support piece is a base end portion of the second support piece in the first direction, The flexible wiring board includes: The weakened portion is located at the boundary between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion. The flexible wiring board according to claim 5 .
7. an external connection terminal at which an end of the wiring extending from the first sheet-bonded terminal and an end of the wiring extending from the second sheet-bonded terminal are located; The external connection terminal is a portion of the flexible wiring substrate that is connected to the first folded portion and that extends from the first folded portion toward the opposite side of the folding line from the first folded portion; The flexible wiring board according to claim 5 or 6.
8. a light control sheet having an edge extending in a first direction; a flexible wiring board adhered to the edge portion, The light-controlling sheet is a first transparent electrode layer having a first transparent electrode terminal on the first electrode surface; a second transparent electrode layer having a second transparent electrode terminal on the second electrode surface; a light-controlling layer located between the first electrode surface and the second electrode surface such that the first transparent electrode terminal and the second transparent electrode terminal are exposed from the light-controlling layer; the first transparent electrode terminal and the second transparent electrode terminal constitute the edge portion and are aligned along the first direction; The flexible wiring board includes: an insulating layer having a support surface extending in the first direction; a first sheet-bonded terminal bonded to the first transparent electrode terminal, positioned on the support surface, and extending in the first direction; a second sheet-bonded terminal bonded to the second transparent electrode terminal, located on the support surface, and extending in the first direction; The support surface is bent along a bending straight line extending in the first direction, The shape of the first sheet-bonded terminal is a shape obtained by translating the shape of the second sheet-bonded terminal along the bending line. Dimming unit.
9. a light control sheet having an edge extending in a first direction; a flexible wiring board adhered to the edge portion, The light-controlling sheet is a first transparent electrode layer having a first transparent electrode terminal on the first electrode surface; a second transparent electrode layer having a second transparent electrode terminal on the second electrode surface; a light-controlling layer located between the first electrode surface and the second electrode surface such that the first transparent electrode terminal and the second transparent electrode terminal are exposed from the light-controlling layer; the first transparent electrode terminal and the second transparent electrode terminal constitute the edge portion and are aligned along the first direction; The flexible wiring board includes: an insulating layer having a support surface extending in the first direction; a first sheet-bonded terminal bonded to the first transparent electrode terminal and positioned on the support surface; a second sheet-bonded terminal bonded to the second transparent electrode terminal and positioned on the support surface, The support surface is bent along a bending straight line extending in the first direction, The first sheet-bonded terminal is spaced apart from the second sheet-bonded terminal in the first direction and is located on the support surface on the opposite side of the bending line from the second sheet-bonded terminal. Dimming unit.
Citation Information
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