Light-adjusting sheet

Abstract

To provide a dimming sheet capable of suppressing deterioration of a dimming layer.SOLUTION: A dimming sheet 1 comprises: a first electrode sheet 10 provided with a first transparent base material 11 and a first transparent electrode layer 12; a second electrode sheet 20 provided with a second transparent base material 21 and a second transparent electrode layer 22; a dimming layer 30; and a first layer 40 subject to adhesion, adhered to a first surface 11S subject to adhesion, included in the first transparent base material 11. The dimming sheet includes: a first base material surface 11A formed such that the first surface 11S subject to adhesion is exposed from the first layer 40 subject to adhesion; and a second electrode surface 22A formed such that the second transparent electrode layer 22 is exposed from the dimming layer 30. In one edge 1E included in the dimming sheet 1, a first sealing part 71 is provided so as to cover the second electrode surface 22A, an end face 30ES of the dimming layer 30, the first base material surface 11A, and an end face 40ES of the first layer 40 subject to adhesion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a light control sheet having a light control layer between a first electrode sheet and a second electrode sheet. [Background technology]

[0002] The light-controlling sheet comprises a pair of electrode sheets and a light-controlling layer located between the pair of electrode sheets. Each electrode sheet comprises an insulating transparent substrate and a conductive transparent electrode layer. The light-controlling layer is located between the transparent electrode layers of each of the two electrode sheets. The light-controlling layer contains a liquid crystal composition having liquid crystal molecules. The liquid crystal molecules have different orientations when no potential difference is applied between the pair of transparent electrode layers and when a potential difference is applied between the pair of transparent electrode layers. For example, the light-controlling sheet exhibits an opaque state due to the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules when no potential difference is applied between the pair of transparent electrode layers, and exhibits a transparent state due to the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules when a potential difference is applied between the pair of transparent electrode layers.

[0003] The light-controlling sheet preferably has an insulating sealing portion covering the end faces of the light-controlling layer to prevent deterioration of the liquid crystal composition due to acid, moisture, ultraviolet rays, etc. The sealing portion covers the end faces of the light-controlling sheet, including the end faces of the light-controlling layer, and is positioned so as to overlap the surface of the outermost layer in the thickness direction of the laminated layers constituting the light-controlling sheet (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-3034 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, in light-controlling sheets, various adherend layers may be adhered to the electrode sheet. Examples of the adherend layer include a hard coat layer intended to protect the light-controlling sheet, an ultraviolet-shielding layer intended to block ultraviolet rays, and an infrared-shielding layer intended to block infrared rays. The adherend layer or the adhesive that bonds the adherend layer to the transparent electrode substrate may contain moisture or acid that causes deterioration of the light-controlling layer. When a sealing portion is provided across the surface of the adherend layer, which is the outermost layer in the thickness direction of the light-controlling sheet, and the edge face of the light-controlling layer, the sealing portion makes it difficult for moisture or acid generated from the adherend layer or adhesive to escape to the outside. Therefore, when the edge face of the light-controlling layer and the edge face of the adherend layer are close to each other, the light-controlling layer is more likely to deteriorate due to moisture or acid generated from the adherend layer or adhesive. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A light-adjusting sheet for solving the above problem is a light-adjusting sheet having one edge, and comprising: a first electrode sheet having a first transparent substrate and a first transparent electrode layer; a second electrode sheet having a second transparent substrate and a second transparent electrode layer; a light-adjusting layer located between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer; and an adherend layer adhered to an adherend surface of the first transparent substrate opposite the surface that contacts the first transparent electrode layer; in a planar view from a viewpoint facing the light-adjusting sheet, the adherend surface comprises a substrate surface exposed from the adherend layer; and an electrode surface of the second transparent electrode layer that contacts the light-adjusting layer, which is located outside the light-adjusting sheet relative to the substrate surface and is exposed from the light-adjusting layer; and a sealing portion is provided at the edge so as to cover the electrode surface, the edge surface of the light-adjusting layer, the substrate surface, and the edge surface of the adherend layer.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the distance between the end face of the adherend layer and the end face of the photochromic layer is increased by the width of the substrate surface, so that even if a sealing portion is provided to cover the substrate surface and the end face of the adherend layer, deterioration of the photochromic layer due to moisture or acid generated from the adherend layer can be suppressed.

[0008] In the above-mentioned light-adjusting sheet, in a plan view seen from a viewpoint opposite the light-adjusting sheet, the substrate surface and the electrode surface each preferably extend along a first direction, and the width of the substrate surface in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is preferably 0.1 mm or more. According to the above configuration, the distance between the end face of the adherend layer and the end face of the light-adjusting layer increases by the width of the substrate surface in the second direction. Therefore, by making the width of the substrate surface in the second direction 0.1 mm or more, deterioration of the light-adjusting layer due to moisture and acid generated from the adherend layer can be more reliably suppressed.

[0009] In the above-mentioned light-controlling sheet, in a plan view from a viewpoint opposite the light-controlling sheet, the end surface of the adherend layer that defines the substrate surface within the first transparent substrate preferably comprises a first side, a second side extending in a direction intersecting the first side, and a third side connecting the first side and the second side, and the third side preferably has a curved shape. According to the above configuration, by connecting the first side and the second side with the curved third side, the first side and the second side can be connected without creating a shape in the end surface of the adherend layer where the first side and the second side intersect, which is likely to be a starting point for peeling. This makes it possible to suppress peeling of portions of the adherend layer that would not normally peel.

[0010] In the light-adjusting sheet, the third side preferably has an arc shape with a radius of 0.1 mm or more in a plan view from a viewpoint opposite the light-adjusting sheet. According to the above configuration, by setting the radius of the third side to 0.1 mm or more, the first side, second side, and third side can be easily cut continuously at one time.

[0011] A light-adjusting sheet for solving the above problem is a light-adjusting sheet having one edge, comprising a first electrode sheet having a first transparent substrate and a first transparent electrode layer, a second electrode sheet having a second transparent substrate and a second transparent electrode layer, a light-adjusting layer located between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, and an adhesive layer adhered to an adhesive surface of the first transparent substrate opposite the surface that contacts the first transparent electrode layer, wherein, in a planar view from a viewpoint facing the light-adjusting sheet, the adhesive surface comprises a substrate surface exposed from the adhesive layer, and an electrode surface of the second transparent electrode layer that contacts the light-adjusting layer, which is located outside the light-adjusting sheet relative to the substrate surface and is exposed from the light-adjusting layer, wherein the substrate surface and the electrode surface each extend along a first direction at the edge, and the width of the substrate surface in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is 0.1 mm or more.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the distance between the end face of the adherend layer and the end face of the photochromic layer increases by the width of the substrate surface in the second direction. Therefore, by making the width of the substrate surface in the second direction 0.1 mm or more, the end face of the adherend layer and the end face of the photochromic layer can be sufficiently separated. In such a photochromic sheet, even when a sealing portion is provided on the electrode surface so as to cover the end face of the photochromic layer, and the sealing portion covers the substrate surface and the end face of the adherend layer, deterioration of the photochromic layer due to moisture and acid generated from the adherend layer can be effectively suppressed.

[0013] A light-controlling sheet for solving the above-mentioned problems includes a first electrode sheet including a first transparent substrate and a first transparent electrode layer, a second electrode sheet including a second transparent substrate and a second transparent electrode layer, a light-controlling layer located between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, a first adherend layer adhered to a first adherend surface of the first transparent substrate opposite to the surface that contacts the first transparent electrode layer, and a second adherend layer adhered to a second adherend surface of the second transparent substrate opposite to the surface that contacts the second transparent electrode layer, When viewed in a plan view from a viewpoint opposite the light-adjusting sheet, the light-adjusting sheet comprises a drive unit which is an overlap of the first electrode sheet, the second electrode sheet, and the light-adjusting layer, a first substrate surface on which the first adhered surface is exposed from the first adhered layer, and a second substrate surface on which the second adhered surface is exposed from the second adhered layer, and at one edge portion of the light-adjusting sheet, the end face of the drive unit constitutes the outer peripheral edge face of the light-adjusting sheet, and a sealing portion is provided at the edge portion so as to cover the outer peripheral edge face, the first substrate surface, and the second substrate surface.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the distance between the end face of the first adherend layer and the end face of the photochromic layer is increased by the width of the first substrate surface. Similarly, the distance between the end face of the second adherend layer and the end face of the photochromic layer is increased by the width of the second substrate surface. Therefore, even if the first adherend layer and the second adherend layer are not covered by a sealing portion, the contact area necessary to ensure the peel strength of the sealing portion can be secured. Furthermore, even if the first adherend layer is covered by a sealing portion, the long distance between the end face of the first adherend layer and the end face of the photochromic layer can suppress deterioration of the photochromic layer due to moisture or acid generated from the first adherend layer. Similarly, even if the second adherend layer is covered by a sealing portion, the long distance between the end face of the second adherend layer and the end face of the photochromic layer can suppress deterioration of the photochromic layer due to moisture or acid generated from the second adherend layer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, deterioration of the light-controlling layer can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a plan view of a light controlling sheet. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the light controlling sheet seen from the opposite side to FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of Comparative Example 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of Comparative Example 2. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of Comparative Example 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view showing an edge portion of the light controlling sheet. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing a configuration in which the first side and the second side intersect at the end surface of the first adherend layer. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view showing a configuration in which the first side and the second side are positioned apart from each other on the end surface of the first adherend layer. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the light controlling sheet from the opposite side to FIG. 9, and is an enlarged view of the edge of the light controlling sheet. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the shape shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the shape shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the shape shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the shape shown in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the shape shown in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the shape shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the light controlling sheet will be described with reference to FIGS. [Planar structure of light-control sheet] As shown in FIG. 1, the light-controlling sheet 1 includes a first electrode sheet 10 and a second electrode sheet 20, each of which is optically transparent. The first electrode sheet 10 is located on the front side of the paper relative to the second electrode sheet 20. The second electrode sheet 20 is located on the back side of the paper relative to the first electrode sheet 10. In FIGS. 1 and 2, for the convenience of explaining the relative positions of the first electrode sheet 10 and the second electrode sheet 20, the first electrode sheet 10 is indicated by a thick line and the second electrode sheet 20 is indicated by a thin line. In addition, in FIGS. 1 and 2, for the convenience of explanation, the first sealing portion 71 and the second sealing portion 72 shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 are omitted.

[0018] The light controlling sheet 1 includes a drive unit 1EC, a first non-drive unit 10EA, and a second non-drive unit 20EA in a plan view seen from a viewpoint opposite the light controlling sheet 1. Note that in Figures 1 and 2, the positions of the drive units 1EC are indicated by dots.

[0019] The driving unit 1EC includes a first electrode sheet 10, a second electrode sheet 20, and a light-controlling layer 30 (see FIG. 3) located between the first electrode sheet 10 and the second electrode sheet 20. The driving unit 1EC is the portion of the light-controlling sheet 1 where the first electrode sheet 10, the second electrode sheet 20, and the light-controlling layer 30 overlap. The driving unit 1EC applies a voltage between the first electrode sheet 10 and the second electrode sheet 20, which causes the light-controlling layer 30 to change its light transmittance.

[0020] As an example, the first non-driving section 10EA is a section that includes the first electrode sheet 10, but does not include the second electrode sheet 20 or the light-controlling layer 30. The first non-driving section 10EA includes a first electrode surface 12A where the first transparent electrode layer 12 (see FIG. 3) of the first electrode sheet 10 is exposed from the second electrode sheet 20 and the light-controlling layer 30. The first electrode surface 12A faces the back side of the paper in FIG. 1.

[0021] As an example, the second non-driving section 20EA is a section that includes the second electrode sheet 20, but does not include the first electrode sheet 10 or the light-controlling layer 30. The second non-driving section 20EA includes a second electrode surface 22A where the second transparent electrode layer 22 included in the second electrode sheet 20 is exposed from the first electrode sheet 10 and the light-controlling layer 30. The second electrode surface 22A faces the front side of the paper in FIG. 1 .

[0022] The second non-driving portion 20EA is located over almost the entire outer periphery of the light controlling sheet 1, excluding the first non-driving portion 10EA. In a plan view seen from a viewpoint facing the light controlling sheet 1, the driving portion 1EC is bordered by the first non-driving portion 10EA and the second non-driving portion 20EA. The outer peripheral edge surface 1ES of the light controlling sheet 1 is composed of either the first non-driving portion 10EA or the second non-driving portion 20EA. The first non-driving portion 10EA and the second non-driving portion 20EA are responsible for applying the voltage required to drive the driving portion 1EC and for sealing the light controlling layer 30 to protect it.

[0023] The first electrode surface 12A of the first non-driving unit 10EA has a first terminal 12P. The first terminal 12P is connected to a first external wiring 61. The first external wiring 61 applies a voltage to the first electrode sheet 10 located at the driving unit 1EC via the first terminal 12P.

[0024] The second electrode surface 22A of the second non-driving unit 20EA has a second terminal 22P. The second terminal 22P is connected to a second external wiring 62. The second external wiring 62 applies a voltage to the second electrode sheet 20 located at the driving unit 1EC via the second terminal 22P.

[0025] The light controlling sheet 1 has an edge 1E extending in the first direction D1. The first terminal 12P and the second terminal 22P are aligned along the first direction D1 at the edge 1E. As an example, the second terminal 22P is configured to have a width in the second direction D2 that is larger than that of other portions of the second non-driven unit 20EA located at the edge 1E. The second direction D2 is a direction that intersects with the first direction D1, and is, for example, a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0026] The light-controlling sheet 1 includes a first adherend layer 40. The first adherend layer 40 is located on the opposite side of the first electrode sheet 10 from the light-controlling layer 30. As an example, the first adherend layer 40 is located inside the light-controlling sheet 1 relative to the outer periphery of the first electrode sheet 10 in the driving unit 1EC, and is located so as to overlap with the first non-driving unit 10EA.

[0027] The first adherend layer 40 defines a first substrate surface 11A in the first electrode sheet 10, where the first transparent substrate 11 included in the first electrode sheet 10 is exposed from the first adherend layer 40. The first substrate surface 11A is located between the second non-driven portion 20EA and the first adherend layer 40, along the edge surface that defines the second non-driven portion 20EA in the first electrode sheet 10.

[0028] In a plan view from a viewpoint facing the light-controlling sheet 1, at edge 1E, the first substrate surface 11A and the second electrode surface 22A each extend along the first direction D1 and are aligned along the second direction D2. Furthermore, at edges other than edge 1E of the light-controlling sheet 1, the first substrate surface 11A and the second electrode surface 22A each extend in the direction in which the edge extends. In a plan view from a viewpoint facing the light-controlling sheet 1, the second electrode surface 22A is located outside the first substrate surface 11A of the light-controlling sheet 1.

[0029] 2, the light-controlling sheet 1 includes a second adherend layer 50. The second adherend layer 50 is located on the opposite side of the second electrode sheet 20 from the light-controlling layer 30. As an example, the second adherend layer 50 is located so as to overlap almost the entire second electrode sheet 20 except for the boundary with the first non-driving unit 10EA.

[0030] The second adherend layer 50 defines a second substrate surface 21A in the second electrode sheet 20, where the second transparent substrate 21 of the second electrode sheet 20 is exposed from the second adherend layer 50. The second substrate surface 21A is located between the first non-driven unit 10EA and the second adherend layer 50, along the edge surface that defines the first non-driven unit 10EA in the second electrode sheet 20.

[0031] In a plan view seen from a viewpoint opposite the light controlling sheet 1, at the edge portion 1E, the second substrate surface 21A and the first electrode surface 12A each extend along the first direction D1 and are aligned along the second direction D2. In a plan view seen from a viewpoint opposite the light controlling sheet 1, the first electrode surface 12A is located outside the second substrate surface 21A of the light controlling sheet 1.

[0032] [Cross-sectional structure of light-control sheet] As shown in Fig. 3, the light-controlling sheet 1 is a laminate in which a first electrode sheet 10, a second electrode sheet 20, a light-controlling layer 30, a first adherend layer 40, and a second adherend layer 50 are laminated in the thickness direction of each layer. Note that Figs. 3 to 8 show the thickness of each layer constituting the light-controlling sheet 1 schematically.

[0033] The first electrode sheet 10 includes a first transparent substrate 11 and a first transparent electrode layer 12. The second electrode sheet 20 includes a second transparent substrate 21 and a second transparent electrode layer 22. The light control layer 30 is located between the first transparent electrode layer 12 and the second transparent electrode layer 22.

[0034] The first transparent substrate 11 and the second transparent substrate 21 each have optical transparency that allows visible light to pass through and electrical insulation. The material constituting the first transparent substrate 11 and the second transparent substrate 21 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.

[0035] The first transparent electrode layer 12 and the second transparent electrode layer 22 each have optical transparency that allows the transmission of visible light and electrical conductivity. An example of a material that constitutes the first transparent electrode layer 12 and the second transparent electrode layer 22 is 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). The thickness of the first electrode sheet 10 and the second electrode sheet 20 is, for example, 50 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

[0036] The light control layer 30 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 30 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 12 and the second transparent electrode layer 22, 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.

[0037] The liquid crystal composition in the light-controlling layer 30 can be held in any one of a polymer network type, a polymer dispersion type, and an encapsulation type. The polymer network type has a transparent polymer network with a three-dimensional mesh structure, and holds the liquid crystal composition in interconnected mesh-like voids. The polymer network is an example of a transparent organic polymer layer. The polymer dispersion type has a transparent organic polymer layer with numerous isolated voids, and holds the liquid crystal composition in the voids dispersed in the transparent organic polymer layer. The encapsulation type holds the liquid crystal composition in an encapsulated form in the transparent organic polymer layer. In addition to the liquid crystal compound described above, the liquid crystal composition may contain a monomer for forming the transparent organic polymer layer and a dichroic dye. The thickness of the light-controlling layer 30 is, for example, 4 μm to 30 μm.

[0038] The first adherend layer 40 is adhered via a first adhesive layer 41 to a first adherend surface 11S of the first transparent substrate 11 opposite to the surface that contacts the first transparent electrode layer 12. The second adherend layer 50 is adhered via a second adhesive layer 51 to a second adherend surface 21S of the second transparent substrate 21 opposite to the surface that contacts the second transparent electrode layer 22.

[0039] The first adherend layer 40 and the second adherend layer 50 are, for example, hard coat layers that are optically transparent and have higher mechanical strength than the first transparent substrate 11 and the second transparent substrate 21. The hard coat layers may be formed of, for example, an organic material, a silicon-based material containing silicon, or an inorganic material. The organic material is a synthetic resin, and may be, for example, a melamine-based resin, a urethane-based resin, or an acrylic resin. The silicon-based material may be a silane compound such as a silicone-based hard coat material. The inorganic material may be a metal oxide. The hard coat layer is transparent to visible light.

[0040] Each of the first and second adherend layers 40 and 50 is not limited to a hard coat layer, but may be a functional layer such as an ultraviolet absorbing layer for blocking ultraviolet rays or an infrared absorbing layer for blocking infrared rays. The first and second adherend layers 40 and 50 are not limited to a single-layer structure, but may have a multilayer structure. When the first and second adherend layers 40 and 50 have a multilayer structure, the first and second adherend layers 40 and 50 may have a first layer formed from a first material and a second layer formed from a second material different from the first material. The thickness of the first and second adherend layers 40 and 50 is, for example, 10 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0041] The first adhesive layer 41 and the second adhesive layer 51 are, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of an acrylic adhesive, an epoxy adhesive, a urethane adhesive, and a silicone adhesive.

[0042] The second non-driving section 20EA includes a second electrode sheet 20 and a second adherend layer 50. The second non-driving section 20EA includes a second electrode surface 22A, which is the portion of the surface of the second transparent electrode layer 22 that contacts the switchable layer 30, that is located outside the switchable sheet 1 relative to the first substrate surface 11A and is exposed from the switchable layer 30.

[0043] The first electrode sheet 10 has an end surface 10ES that defines the second non-driven portion 20EA. As an example, the end surface 10ES of the first electrode sheet 10 forms a single end surface together with the end surface 30ES of the light-controlling layer 30 at the boundary between the second non-driven portion 20EA and the driven portion 1EC. The first adherend layer 40 has an end surface 40ES that defines the first substrate surface 11A within the first adherend surface 11S. The end surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40 is an example of an end surface for defining a first substrate surface. The end surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40 forms a single end surface together with the end surface 41ES of the first adhesive layer 41.

[0044] At the edge 1E, the width W1 of the first substrate surface 11A in the second direction D2 is preferably 0.1 mm or more, for example. The width W1 corresponds to the distance between the end surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40 and the end surface 10ES of the first electrode sheet 10 in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the first substrate surface 11A.

[0045] In a cross section perpendicular to the first adherend surface 11S and including the first substrate surface 11A and the second electrode surface 22A, the outer peripheral edge surface 1ES of the light-controlling sheet 1 is, for example, composed of the second electrode sheet 20 and the second adherend layer 50. In this cross section, the edge surface 10ES of the first electrode sheet 10 and the edge surface 30ES of the light-controlling layer 30 are located more inward in the light-controlling sheet 1 than the outer peripheral edge surface 1ES. In this cross section, the edge surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40 and the edge surface 41ES of the first adhesive layer 41 are located more inward in the light-controlling sheet 1 than the edge surface 10ES of the first electrode sheet 10.

[0046] A first sealing portion 71 is provided at the boundary between the driving portion 1EC and the second non-driving portion 20EA. The first sealing portion 71 is made of insulating resin. For example, the first sealing portion 71 is made of epoxy resin, acrylic resin, or the like. The first sealing portion 71 covers the second electrode surface 22A, the end surface 10ES of the first electrode sheet 10 in the driving portion 1EC, and the end surface 30ES of the light-controlling layer 30. The first sealing portion 71 also covers the end surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40 and the end surface 41ES of the first adhesive layer 41, lying on the first substrate surface 11A. Furthermore, the first sealing portion 71 covers a portion of the first outer surface 40S of the first adherend layer 40 opposite the surface that contacts the first adhesive layer 41. The first sealing portion 71 covers the end face 30ES of the dimming layer 30, thereby preventing the liquid crystal composition constituting the dimming layer 30 from leaking out from the end face 30ES to the outside, and suppressing deterioration of the dimming layer 30 due to external acids, moisture, ultraviolet rays, etc.

[0047] Comparative Examples 1 to 3 are shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 to illustrate the effects of this embodiment. Each comparative example differs from this embodiment in that the edge surface 10ES of the first electrode sheet 10, the edge surface 30ES of the light-controlling layer 30, the edge surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40, and the edge surface 41ES of the first adhesive layer 41 form a single edge surface at the boundary between the drive unit 1EC and the second non-drive unit 20EA. Therefore, in Comparative Examples 1 to 3 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the first substrate surface 11A is not formed at a position adjacent to the second non-drive unit 20EA. In this case, the edge surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40 and the edge surface 41ES of the first adhesive layer 41 are spaced apart from the edge surface 30ES of the light-controlling layer 30 by the thickness of the first electrode sheet 10.

[0048] 4, a first sealing portion 71 is arranged on a light-control sheet 1 that does not have a first substrate surface 11A, so as to cover a portion of the first outer surface 40S. The first sealing portion 71 makes it difficult for moisture and acid generated from the first adherend layer 40 and the first adhesive layer 41 to be released to the outside, so when the thickness of the first electrode sheet 10 is small, the light-control layer 30 is prone to deterioration.

[0049] In Comparative Example 2 shown in Fig. 5, a first sealing portion 71 is arranged on a light-control sheet 1 that does not have a first substrate surface 11A, so as to cover the end surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40 and the end surface 41ES of the first adhesive layer 41, but not to cover the first outer surface 40S. In this case, as in Comparative Example 1, the light-control layer 30 is prone to deterioration due to moisture and acid generated from the first adherend layer 40 and the first adhesive layer 41. Furthermore, because the first sealing portion 71 does not reach the first outer surface 40S, the first sealing portion 71 is more prone to peeling at the boundary between the driving unit 1EC and the second non-driving unit 20EA than in Comparative Example 1.

[0050] In Comparative Example 3 shown in Figure 6, the first sealing portion 71 is arranged on a light-controlling sheet 1 that does not have a first substrate surface 11A, so as not to cover the end surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40 and the end surface 41ES of the first adhesive layer 41. In this case, moisture and acid generated from the first adherend layer 40 and the first adhesive layer 41 are more likely to be released to the outside. On the other hand, because the contact area of ​​the first sealing portion 71 with the light-controlling sheet 1 is small, the first sealing portion 71 is more likely to peel off at the boundary between the driving unit 1EC and the second non-driving unit 20EA than in Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

[0051] In this regard, in this embodiment, the first adherend layer 40 is disposed within the first transparent substrate 11 so as to define the first substrate surface 11A. As a result, the distance between the end surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40 and the end surface 41ES of the first adhesive layer 41 and the end surface 30ES of the photochromic layer 30 is increased by the width W1 of the first substrate surface 11A. Therefore, even when the first sealing portion 71 is provided to cover the first substrate surface 11A, the end surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40, and the end surface 41ES of the first adhesive layer 41, deterioration of the photochromic layer 30 due to moisture and acid generated from the first adherend layer 40 and the first adhesive layer 41 can be suppressed. If the width W1 of the first substrate surface 11A is 0.1 mm or more, deterioration of the photochromic layer 30 due to moisture and acid generated from the first adherend layer 40 and the first adhesive layer 41 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0052] Furthermore, the first sealing portion 71 covers the first substrate surface 11A, the end surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40, and the end surface 41ES of the first adhesive layer 41, thereby increasing the contact area between the first sealing portion 71 and the light-controlling sheet 1. This increases the peel strength of the first sealing portion 71. And, the first sealing portion 71 covers the first outer surface 40S, thereby increasing the contact area between the first sealing portion 71 and the light-controlling sheet 1, thereby increasing the peel strength of the first sealing portion 71.

[0053] 7, the first non-driving section 10EA includes a first electrode sheet 10 and a first adherend layer 40. The first non-driving section 10EA includes a first electrode surface 12A, which is the portion of the surface of the first transparent electrode layer 12 that contacts the switchable layer 30, that is located outside the switchable sheet 1 relative to the second substrate surface 21A and is exposed from the switchable layer 30.

[0054] The second electrode sheet 20 has an end surface 20ES that defines the first non-driven portion 10EA. As an example, the end surface 20ES of the second electrode sheet 20 forms a single end surface together with the end surface 30ES of the light-controlling layer 30 at the boundary between the first non-driven portion 10EA and the driven portion 1EC. The second adherend layer 50 has an end surface 50ES that defines the second substrate surface 21A within the second adherend surface 21S. The end surface 50ES of the second adherend layer 50 is an example of an end surface for defining a second substrate surface. The end surface 50ES of the second adherend layer 50 forms a single end surface together with the end surface 51ES of the second adhesive layer 51.

[0055] At the edge 1E, the width W2 of the second substrate surface 21A in the second direction D2 is preferably 0.1 mm or more, for example. The width W2 corresponds to the distance between the end surface 50ES of the second adherend layer 50 and the end surface 20ES of the second electrode sheet 20 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the second substrate surface 21A extends.

[0056] In a cross section perpendicular to the second adherend surface 21S and including the second substrate surface 21A and the first electrode surface 12A, the outer peripheral edge surface 1ES of the light-controlling sheet 1 is, for example, formed by the first electrode sheet 10 and the first adherend layer 40. In this cross section, the edge surface 20ES of the second electrode sheet 20 and the edge surface 30ES of the light-controlling layer 30 are located more inward in the light-controlling sheet 1 than the outer peripheral edge surface 1ES. In this cross section, the edge surface 50ES of the second adherend layer 50 and the edge surface 51ES of the second adhesive layer 51 are located more inward in the light-controlling sheet 1 than the edge surface 20ES of the second electrode sheet 20.

[0057] A second sealing portion 72 is provided at the boundary between the driving unit 1EC and the first non-driving unit 10EA. The second sealing portion 72 is made of insulating resin. For example, the second sealing portion 72 is made of epoxy resin, acrylic resin, or the like. The second sealing portion 72 covers the first electrode surface 12A, the end surface 20ES of the second electrode sheet 20 in the driving unit 1EC, and the end surface 30ES of the light-switching layer 30. The second sealing portion 72 also covers the end surface 50ES of the second adherend layer 50 and the end surface 51ES of the second adhesive layer 51, lying on the second substrate surface 21A. The second sealing portion 72 also covers a portion of the second outer surface 50S of the second adherend layer 50 opposite the surface that contacts the second adhesive layer 51. The end surface 30ES of the light-switching layer 30 is covered over its entire periphery by either the first sealing portion 71 or the second sealing portion 72.

[0058] The second sealing portion 72 covers the second substrate surface 21A and the end surface 50ES of the second adherend layer 50, thereby increasing the contact area between the second sealing portion 72 and the light-controlling sheet 1 and thereby increasing the peel strength of the second sealing portion 72. Furthermore, the second sealing portion 72 covers the second outer surface 50S, thereby increasing the contact area between the second sealing portion 72 and the light-controlling sheet 1 and thereby increasing the peel strength of the second sealing portion 72.

[0059] The first sealing portion 71 and the second sealing portion 72 are located at the same position as the outer peripheral edge surface 1ES of the light controlling sheet 1 or inside the outer peripheral edge surface 1ES. If the first sealing portion 71 and the second sealing portion 72 were also located outside the outer peripheral edge surface 1ES of the light controlling sheet 1, the sealing portions located outside the outer peripheral edge surface 1ES would be prone to getting caught during installation of the light controlling sheet 1 and would therefore be prone to becoming the starting point for peeling. In this regard, by providing the first sealing portion 71 in the second non-driving portion 20EA provided around the driving portion 1EC, the contact area required for close contact between the first sealing portion 71 and the light controlling sheet 1 can be secured without providing the first sealing portion 71 outside the outer peripheral edge surface 1ES of the light controlling sheet 1. Similarly, by providing the second sealing portion 72 in the first non-driving portion 10EA, the contact area required for close contact between the second sealing portion 72 and the light controlling sheet 1 can be secured without providing the second sealing portion 72 outside the outer peripheral edge surface 1ES of the light controlling sheet 1.

[0060] By disposing the second adherend layer 50 so as to define the second substrate surface 21A within the second transparent substrate 21, the distance between the end surface 50ES of the second adherend layer 50 and the end surface 51ES of the second adhesive layer 51 and the end surface 30ES of the photochromic layer 30 increases by the width W2 of the second substrate surface 21A. Therefore, even when the second sealing portion 72 is provided so as to cover the second substrate surface 21A, the end surface 50ES of the second adherend layer 50, and the end surface 51ES of the second adhesive layer 51, deterioration of the photochromic layer 30 due to moisture and acid generated from the second adherend layer 50 and the second adhesive layer 51 can be suppressed. If the width W2 of the second substrate surface 21A is 0.1 mm or more, deterioration of the photochromic layer 30 due to moisture and acid generated from the second adherend layer 50 and the second adhesive layer 51 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0061] The first external wiring 61 is bonded to the first terminal 12P via a first conductive adhesive 61A. The first external wiring 61 is, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The first conductive adhesive 61A is, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of an anisotropic conductive film (ACF), an anisotropic conductive paste (ACP), an isotropic conductive film (ICF), and an isotropic conductive paste (ICP). The second sealing portion 72 is provided so as to cover the first external wiring 61 and the first conductive adhesive 61A.

[0062] 8, a second external wiring 62 is bonded to a second terminal 22P of the second non-driving unit 20EA via a second conductive adhesive 62A. The second external wiring 62 is, for example, a flexible printed circuit board. The second conductive adhesive 62A may be made of the same material as the first conductive adhesive 61A. The first sealing portion 71 is provided to cover the second external wiring 62 and the second conductive adhesive 62A.

[0063] [Light control sheet manufacturing method] In one example of a method for manufacturing the light-controlling sheet 1, first, a laminate is prepared that includes a light-controlling layer 30 between a first electrode sheet 10 and a second electrode sheet 20. For example, the first electrode sheet 10 is pulled out from a roll, and the second electrode sheet 20 is pulled out from another roll. The second electrode sheet 20 is then bonded to the first electrode sheet 10, which has been coated with a liquid crystal composition containing a UV-curable resin. Next, the liquid crystal composition is irradiated with UV light, thereby forming the light-controlling layer 30 between the first electrode sheet 10 and the second electrode sheet 20. Next, a first adhesive layer 40 is bonded to a first adhesive surface 11S of the first transparent substrate 11 of the first electrode sheet 10 via a first adhesive layer 41. Furthermore, a second adhesive layer 50 is bonded to a second adhesive surface 21S of the second transparent substrate 21 of the second electrode sheet 20 via a second adhesive layer 51. Then, the outer shape of the laminate is cut so that the outer shapes of the first electrode sheet 10, the second electrode sheet 20, the first adherend layer 40, and the second adherend layer 50 match, thereby preparing the light-controlling sheet 1.

[0064] Next, a portion of the first adherend layer 40 is removed using a cutter together with the first adhesive layer 41 overlapping that portion. Subsequently, a portion of the first electrode sheet 10 is removed using a cutter together with the light control layer 30 overlapping that portion. Similarly, a portion of the second adherend layer 50 is removed using a cutter together with the second adhesive layer 51 overlapping that portion. Subsequently, a portion of the second electrode sheet 20 is removed using a cutter together with the light control layer 30 overlapping that portion.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 9 , in the edge portion 1E, in a plan view from a viewpoint facing the light controlling sheet 1, the first adherend layer 40 is cut so that its end surface 40ES has, for example, a plurality of first sides 40E1, a plurality of second sides 40E2, and a plurality of third sides 40E3. Each first side 40E1 extends along a first direction D1. Each second side 40E2 extends along a second direction D2. Each third side 40E3 connects one end of one first side 40E1 to one end of one second side 40E2. The third side 40E3 has a curved shape. For example, the third side 40E3 has an arc shape with a radius of 0.1 mm or more.

[0066] In the edge portion 1E, the end surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40 has a third side 40E3 extending from each end of the first side 40E1 located closest to the inside of the light controlling sheet 1 toward the outer peripheral end surface 1ES. Furthermore, a second side 40E2 extends from an end of each of the third sides 40E3 toward the outer peripheral end surface 1ES. Then, a third side 40E3 extends from an end of each of the second sides 40E2 toward the outer peripheral end surface 1ES, and the distance between them increases. Then, a first side 40E1 extends from an end of each of the third sides 40E3.

[0067] In the edge portion 1E, the first sides 40E1, the second sides 40E2, and the third sides 40E3 form a single continuous curved shape. In the edge portion 1E, the first sides 40E1, the second sides 40E2, and the third sides 40E3 are cut continuously at once. After the first adherend layer 40 is cut with the cutter, the portion defined by the sides constituting the end surface 40ES and the outer peripheral end surface 1ES is peeled off from the first transparent substrate 11 together with the first adhesive layer 41.

[0068] 10 , if the first side 40E1 and the second side 40E2 are connected without the third side 40E3, depending on the processing accuracy, the first adherend layer 40 may be cut so that the first side 40E1 and the second side 40E2 extend beyond the intersection point P. In this case, corners of the first adherend layer 40 located around the intersection point P are likely to peel off starting from the intersection point P. Therefore, there is a risk that even parts of the first adherend layer 40 that would not normally peel off may peel off from the first transparent substrate 11.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 11 , if the first side 40E1 and the second side 40E2 are connected without the third side 40E3, depending on the processing accuracy, the first adherend layer 40 may be cut in a state where the first side 40E1 and the second side 40E2 are separated and do not intersect. For example, FIG. 11 illustrates a case where the first adherend layer 40 is cut in a state where the first side 40E1 does not reach the second side 40E2. In this case, the portion of the first adherend layer 40 that needs to be peeled and the portion of the first adherend layer 40 that should not be peeled are connected between the first side 40E1 and the second side 40E2 without being cut. Therefore, when the portion of the first adherend layer 40 that needs to be peeled is peeled, there is a risk that the portion of the first adherend layer 40 that should not be peeled will also be peeled from the first transparent substrate 11. The peeling mode shown in Figures 10 and 11 is likely to occur when the adhesive strength between the first adherend surface 11S and the first adherend layer 40 due to the first adhesive layer 41 is higher than the tear strength of the first adherend layer 40.

[0070] In this regard, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9 , the first side 40E1 and the second side 40E2, which extend in directions intersecting each other, are connected by the curved third side 40E3. This allows the first side 40E1 and the second side 40E2 to be connected without creating a shape in the end surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40 that could easily become a peeling starting point, such as where the first side 40E1 and the second side 40E2 intersect. Therefore, peeling of portions of the first adherend layer 40 that would not normally peel can be suppressed. Furthermore, if the radius of the third side 40E3 is 0.1 mm or more, the first side 40E1, the second side 40E2, and the third side 40E3 can be easily cut continuously at one time.

[0071] Returning to Figure 9, at the edge 1E, the first electrode sheet 10 is cut separately into, for example, a portion that exposes the second terminal 22P in the second non-driving portion 20EA and a portion that exposes portions other than the second terminal 22P in the second non-driving portion 20EA.

[0072] For example, first, the first electrode sheet 10 is cut to define the second terminals 22P, starting from the intersection of one of a pair of cutting lines 10L shown by dashed lines in FIG. 9 with the outer peripheral end surface 1ES and ending from the intersection of the other of the pair of cutting lines 10L with the outer peripheral end surface 1ES. In this case, in a plan view from a viewpoint facing the light controlling sheet 1, the first electrode sheet 10 is cut so that its end surface 10ES has a first side 10E1, two second sides 10E2, and two third sides 10E3. The first side 10E1 extends along the first direction D1. Each second side 10E2 extends along the second direction D2. Each third side 10E3 connects one end of the first side 10E1 to one end of one of the second sides 10E2. The third sides 10E3 have a curved shape. The third side 10E3 has an arc shape with a radius of 0.1 mm or more, for example. A part of the second side 10E2 overlaps with the cutting line 10L.

[0073] At the edge 1E, the first side 10E1, the two second sides 10E2, and the two third sides 10E3 form a single continuous curved shape. At the edge 1E, the first side 10E1, the two second sides 10E2, and the two third sides 10E3 are cut continuously at once. When defining the second terminal 22P during the cutting process of the first electrode sheet 10, each layer of the light-controlling sheet 1 is cut in the thickness direction of the light-controlling sheet 1 to a depth that cuts the first electrode sheet 10 but does not cut the second transparent electrode layer 22. This prevents disconnection between the second terminal 22P and the driver 1EC.

[0074] Next, the first electrode sheet 10 is cut to separate the second non-driven portions 20EA other than the second terminals 22P. At this time, in a plan view from a viewpoint facing the light controlling sheet 1, the first electrode sheet 10 is cut so that its end surface 10ES has a fourth side 10E4 and a fifth side 10E5, and so that the cutting path includes the cutting line 10L. The fourth side 10E4 extends along the first direction D1. The fifth side 10E5 has a curved shape. For example, the fifth side 10E5 has an arc shape with a radius of 0.1 mm or more. The fifth side 10E5 connects the fourth side 10E4 and the cutting line 10L.

[0075] At the edge 1E, the fourth side 10E4 and the fifth side 10E5 form one continuous curved line. In the cutting step of the first electrode sheet 10, when dividing the second non-driving portion 20EA other than the second terminal 22P, the second transparent electrode layer 22 may or may not be cut as long as the first electrode sheet 10 is cut.

[0076] After the first electrode sheet 10 is cut with a cutter, the portions located between each side constituting the end surface 10ES and the outer peripheral end surface 1ES are peeled off from the second transparent electrode layer 22 together with the light-control layer 30. This exposes the second electrode surface 22A of the second non-driving portion 20EA. At this time, the first electrode sheet 10 is removed at the position of the cutting line 10L. As a result, the end of the second side 10E2 and the end of the fifth side 10E5 are connected.

[0077] By connecting first side 10E1 and second side 10E2, which extend in directions intersecting each other, with curved third side 10E3, it is possible to prevent peeling of portions of first electrode sheet 10 that would not normally peel off, even when peeling off first electrode sheet 10. Furthermore, if the radius of third side 10E3 is 0.1 mm or more, first side 10E1, second side 10E2, and third side 10E3 can be easily cut continuously at one time.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 12, in a plan view from a viewpoint opposite the light controlling sheet 1, the second adherend layer 50 is cut so that its end surface 50ES has, for example, a first side 50E1, two second sides 50E2, and two third sides 50E3. The first side 50E1 extends along the first direction D1. Each second side 50E2 extends along the second direction D2. Each third side 50E3 connects one end of the first side 50E1 to one end of one of the second sides 50E2. The third sides 50E3 have a curved shape. For example, the third sides 50E3 have an arc shape with a radius of 0.1 mm or more.

[0079] The end surface 50ES of the second adherend layer 50 has a pair of second sides 50E2 extending in the second direction D2 from the outer peripheral end surface 1ES toward the inside of the light controlling sheet 1. Furthermore, third sides 50E3 extend from the ends of each second side 50E2 toward the inside of the light controlling sheet 1 so that the distance between them becomes smaller. Then, the first side 50E1 extends in the first direction D1 so as to connect the ends of each of the third sides 50E3.

[0080] The first side 50E1, the two second sides 50E2, and the two third sides 50E3 form a single continuous curved shape. The first side 50E1, the two second sides 50E2, and the two third sides 50E3 are cut continuously at once. After the second adherend layer 50 is cut with the cutter, the portion defined by the sides constituting the end surface 50ES and the outer peripheral end surface 1ES is peeled off from the second transparent substrate 21 together with the second adhesive layer 51.

[0081] As with the first adherend layer 40, the first side 50E1 and the second side 50E2, which extend in directions intersecting each other, are connected by the curved third side 50E3, thereby suppressing peeling of a portion of the second adherend layer 50 that would not normally peel off. Furthermore, if the radius of the third side 50E3 is 0.1 mm or more, the first side 50E1, the second side 50E2, and the third side 50E3 can be easily cut continuously at one time.

[0082] The second electrode sheet 20 is cut so that its end surface 20ES has a first side 20E1, two second sides 20E2, and two third sides 20E3 in a plan view from a viewpoint opposite the light controlling sheet 1, for example. The first side 20E1 extends along a first direction D1. Each second side 20E2 extends along a second direction D2. Each third side 20E3 connects one end of the first side 20E1 to one end of one of the second sides 20E2. The third sides 20E3 have a curved shape. For example, the third sides 20E3 have an arc shape with a radius of 0.1 mm or more.

[0083] The end surface 20ES of the second electrode sheet 20 has a pair of second sides 20E2 extending in the second direction D2 from the outer peripheral end surface 1ES toward the inside of the light controlling sheet 1. In a plan view seen from a viewpoint facing the light controlling sheet 1, the second side 20E2 of the end surface 20ES of the second electrode sheet 20 overlaps with one second side 50E2 of the end surface 50ES of the second adherend layer 50. The second side 20E2 is shorter than the second side 50E2. Furthermore, third sides 20E3 extend from the ends of each second side 20E2 toward the inside of the light controlling sheet 1 so that the distance between them becomes smaller. The first side 20E1 extends in the first direction D1 to connect the ends of each of the third sides 20E3.

[0084] The first side 20E1, the two second sides 20E2, and the two third sides 20E3 form a single continuous curved shape. The first side 20E1, the two second sides 20E2, and the two third sides 20E3 are cut continuously at once. After the second electrode sheet 20 is cut with a cutter, the portion defined by the sides constituting the end surface 20ES and the outer peripheral end surface 1ES is peeled off from the first transparent electrode layer 12 together with the light-control layer 30.

[0085] As with the first adherend layer 40, the first side 20E1 and the second side 20E2, which extend in directions intersecting each other, are connected by the curved third side 20E3, thereby making it possible to prevent peeling of a portion of the second electrode sheet 20 that would not normally peel off. Furthermore, if the radius of the third side 20E3 is 0.1 mm or more, the first side 20E1, the second side 20E2, and the third side 20E3 can be easily cut continuously at one time.

[0086] The first external wiring 61 and the second external wiring 62 are attached to the light-controlling sheet 1 configured as described above. After that, the first sealing portion 71 and the second sealing portion 72 cover the entire end surface 30ES of the light-controlling layer 30.

[0087] [Effects of the embodiment] According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) By arranging the first adherend layer 40 on the first adherend surface 11S so as to define the first substrate surface 11A, the distance between the end surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40, the end surface 41ES of the first adhesive layer 41, and the end surface 30ES of the photochromic layer 30 is increased by the width W1 of the first substrate surface 11A. Therefore, even when the first sealing portion 71 is provided so as to cover the first substrate surface 11A, the end surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40, and the end surface 41ES of the first adhesive layer 41, deterioration of the photochromic layer 30 due to moisture and acid generated from the first adherend layer 40 and the first adhesive layer 41 can be suppressed. Similarly, by arranging the second adherend layer 50 on the second adherend surface 21S so as to define the second substrate surface 21A, deterioration of the photochromic layer 30 due to moisture and acid generated from the second adherend layer 50 and the second adhesive layer 51 can be suppressed.

[0088] (2) By setting the width W1 of the first substrate surface 11A to 0.1 mm or more, it is possible to suitably suppress deterioration of the photochromic layer 30 due to moisture and acid generated from the first adherend layer 40 and the first adhesive layer 41. Similarly, by setting the width W2 of the second substrate surface 21A to 0.1 mm or more, it is possible to suitably suppress deterioration of the photochromic layer 30 due to moisture and acid generated from the second adherend layer 50 and the second adhesive layer 51.

[0089] (3) In a plan view seen from a viewpoint opposite the light-controlling sheet 1, connecting the first edge 40E1 and the second edge 40E2 with the curved third edge 40E3 can prevent peeling of portions of the first adherend layer 40 that would not normally peel off. Note that similar effects can be obtained by employing a similar configuration for the edge surface 10ES of the first electrode sheet 10, the edge surface 20ES of the second electrode sheet 20, and the edge surface 50ES of the second adherend layer 50.

[0090] (4) By setting the radius of the third side 40E3 to 0.1 mm or more, the first side 40E1, the second side 40E2, and the third side 40E3 can be easily cut continuously at one time. Note that the same effect can be obtained by adopting a similar configuration for the end surface 10ES of the first electrode sheet 10, the end surface 20ES of the second electrode sheet 20, and the end surface 50ES of the second adherend layer 50.

[0091] [Example of change] The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The following modifications can be combined as long as they are not technically inconsistent.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 13 , for example, when the thickness of the light-controlling sheet 1, including the first sealing portion 71, needs to be thin or uniform, the first sealing portion 71 does not need to be located on the first outer surface 40S. In this case, the first sealing portion 71 preferably covers the first substrate surface 11A and the edge surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40 to increase peel strength. Similarly, when the thickness of the light-controlling sheet 1, including the second sealing portion 72, needs to be thin or uniform, the second sealing portion 72 does not need to be located on the second outer surface 50S. In this case, the second sealing portion 72 preferably covers the second substrate surface 21A and the edge surface 50ES of the second adherend layer 50 to increase peel strength.

[0093] 14, for example, when the width W1 of the first substrate surface 11A is sufficiently large, and a sufficient contact area between the first sealing portion 71 and the light-controlling sheet 1 can be ensured, the first sealing portion 71 does not need to cover the end surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40. In this case, moisture and acid generated from the first adherend layer 40 and the first adhesive layer 41 are more likely to be released to the outside, making the light-controlling layer 30 less likely to deteriorate. Similarly, the second sealing portion 72 does not need to cover the end surface 50ES of the second adherend layer 50.

[0094] 15, the first substrate surface 11A may have a recess 11A1 where a part of the first substrate surface 11A is recessed in the thickness direction. In this case, the contact area between the first sealing portion 71 and the light controlling sheet 1 increases, and the first sealing portion 71 filled in the recess 11A1 functions as an anchor, thereby increasing the peel strength of the first sealing portion 71. Note that the second substrate surface 21A may also have a structure similar to the recess 11A1.

[0095] 16 , the end surface 30ES of the light-switching layer 30 may protrude beyond the end surface 10ES of the first electrode sheet 10 toward the second non-driving portion 20EA, as long as it is covered by the first sealing portion 71. Similarly, the end surface 30ES of the light-switching layer 30 may protrude beyond the end surface 20ES of the second electrode sheet 20 toward the first non-driving portion 10EA, as long as it is covered by the second sealing portion 72.

[0096] 17, the end surface 10ES of the first electrode sheet 10 may extend beyond the end surface 30ES of the light-switching layer 30 toward the second non-driven portion 20EA. In this case, the distance between the end surface 30ES of the light-switching layer 30 and the end surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40 and the end surface 41ES of the first adhesive layer 41 is increased, making the light-switching layer 30 less susceptible to deterioration by moisture or acid generated from the first adherend layer 40 and the first adhesive layer 41. Similarly, the end surface 20ES of the second electrode sheet 20 may extend beyond the end surface 30ES of the light-switching layer 30 toward the first non-driven portion 10EA.

[0097] 18, the drive unit 1EC may be located on the outer peripheral edge surface 1ES in a portion other than the first terminal 12P and the second terminal 22P. For example, in the edge portion 1E, the end surfaces of the layers constituting the drive unit 1EC may form the outer peripheral edge surface 1ES in a portion other than the first terminal 12P and the second terminal 22P. In this case, in a plan view seen from a viewpoint facing the light controlling sheet 1, the first substrate surface 11A is located between the outer peripheral edge surface 1ES and the first adherend layer 40 in a portion of the edge portion 1E other than the first terminal 12P and the second terminal 22P. Furthermore, the second substrate surface 21A is located between the outer peripheral edge surface 1ES and the second adherend layer 50.

[0098] A sealing portion 73 is provided on the outer peripheral end surface 1ES of the drive unit 1EC. The sealing portion 73 covers the outer peripheral end surface 1ES of the drive unit 1EC, the first substrate surface 11A, and the second substrate surface 21A. That is, the sealing portion 73 is arranged to sandwich the drive unit 1EC in the thickness direction. This ensures the peel strength of the sealing portion 73, thereby suppressing a peel mode in which the sealing portion 73 located outside the outer peripheral end surface 1ES of the light controlling sheet 1 peels off from the outer peripheral end surface 1ES. Furthermore, if the sealing portion 73 has a sufficiently high peel strength, it does not need to cover the end surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40 and the end surface 41ES of the first adhesive layer 41, and it does not need to cover the end surface 50ES of the second adherend layer 50 and the end surface 51ES of the second adhesive layer 51.

[0099] The sealing portion 73 may cover the end face 40ES of the first adherend layer 40 and the end face 41ES of the first adhesive layer 41. The sealing portion 73 may cover the end face 50ES of the second adherend layer 50 and the end face 41ES of the second adhesive layer 51. Even in this case, the same effect as in (1) above can be obtained.

[0100] The shape of the third edge 40E3 is not limited as long as it connects the first edge 40E1 and the second edge 40E2, which extend in directions intersecting each other, and allows the first edge 40E1, the second edge 40E2, and the third edge 40E3 to be cut continuously at one time. For example, the third edge 40E3 may have an arc shape with a radius of less than 0.1 mm. For example, the third edge 40E3 may have any curved shape other than an arc. Note that similar modifications are also possible for the edge surface 10ES of the first electrode sheet 10, the edge surface 20ES of the second electrode sheet 20, and the edge surface 50ES of the second adherend layer 50.

[0101] The first side 40E1 may extend in a direction other than the first direction D1, as long as the direction intersects with the direction in which the second side 40E2 extends. The second side 40E2 may extend in a direction other than the second direction D2, as long as the direction intersects with the direction in which the first side 40E1 extends. Similar modifications are also possible for the end surface 10ES of the first electrode sheet 10, the end surface 20ES of the second electrode sheet 20, and the end surface 50ES of the second adherend layer 50.

[0102] For example, if the first side 40E1 and the second side 40E2 can be continuously cut at one time by laser processing or the like without the third side 40E3, the first side 40E1 and the second side 40E2 may be directly connected without the third side 40E3. For example, in a configuration in which peeling is performed on multiple corners of the first adherend layer 40 defined by the intersection P of the first side 40E1 and the second side 40E2, the third side 40E3 may not be provided. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the peeling mode shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is unlikely to occur, such as when the adhesive strength between the first adhesive layer 41 and the first adherend surface 11S and the first adherend layer 40 is lower than the tear strength of the first adherend layer 40, the third side 40E3 may not be provided.

[0103] For example, when the distance between the end surface 40ES of the first adherend layer 40 and the end surface 41ES of the first adhesive layer 41 and the end surface 30ES of the switchable layer 30 is sufficiently large, such as when the thickness of the first electrode sheet 10 is large, the width W1 of the first substrate surface 11A may be less than 0.1 mm. Similarly, the width W2 of the second substrate surface 21A may be less than 0.1 mm.

[0104] The first sealing portion 71 and the second sealing portion 72 do not have to be provided for the light controlling sheet 1. For example, when caulking is used to attach the light controlling sheet 1 to an attachment object such as a window glass, the end surface 30ES of the light controlling layer 30 may be covered with a caulking agent without providing the first sealing portion 71 and the second sealing portion 72. Even in this case, the same effect as in (1) above can be obtained.

[0105] The light-controlling sheet 1 may be configured to include only one of the first adherend layer 40 and the second adherend layer 50. The first adherend layer 40 and the second adherend layer 50 may be different types of functional layers. For example, the first adherend layer 40 may be a hard coat layer, and the second adherend layer 50 may be an ultraviolet-shielding layer.

[0106] The first adherend layer 40 and the first adherend surface 11S may be bonded by means other than the first adhesive layer 41. For example, the first adherend layer 40 may be bonded to the first adherend surface 11S by thermal welding. In this case, the light controlling sheet 1 does not need to include the first adhesive layer 41. Similarly, the second adherend layer 50 and the second adherend surface 21S may be bonded by means other than the second adhesive layer 51, and the light controlling sheet 1 does not need to include the second adhesive layer 51.

[0107] The light controlling sheet 1 is not limited to a rectangular shape, but may be a geometric shape such as a polygonal shape, a circle, or an ellipse, or may be an irregular shape other than a geometric shape. The light controlling sheet 1 is not limited to a two-dimensional planar shape, but may be a curved shape such as a cylindrical shape, a spherical shape, or a wavy shape. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1. Light-adjusting sheet 1E…Edge 10...First electrode sheet 11...First transparent base material 11A…First base material side 11S…1st adhered surface 12...First transparent electrode layer 12A…1st electrode surface 20...Second electrode sheet 21...Second transparent base material 21A…Second base material surface 21S…Second adhered surface 22...Second transparent electrode layer 22A…Second electrode surface 30...Photochromic layer 40...First adhered layer 41...First adhesive layer 50…Second adhesive layer 51...Second adhesive layer 71...First sealing portion 72...Second sealing portion

Claims

1. A light control sheet having one edge, a first electrode sheet including a first transparent substrate and a first transparent electrode layer; a second electrode sheet including a second transparent substrate and a second transparent electrode layer; a light-controlling layer located between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer; an adhesion layer that is adhered to an adhesion surface of the first transparent base material opposite to a surface that contacts the first transparent electrode layer, In a plan view seen from a viewpoint opposite the light controlling sheet, a substrate surface where the adherend surface is exposed from the adherend layer; an electrode surface of the second transparent electrode layer that is in contact with the light-controlling layer and is located outside the light-controlling sheet relative to the substrate surface and is exposed from the light-controlling layer; a sealing portion is provided at the edge portion so as to cover the electrode surface, the end surface of the light-controlling layer, the substrate surface, and the end surface of the adhesion layer; In a plan view seen from a viewpoint opposite the light controlling sheet, The end surface of the adherend layer that defines the substrate surface within the first transparent substrate is The first side, a second side extending in a direction intersecting the first side; a third side connecting the first side and the second side, The third side has a curved shape. Dimming sheet.

2. In a plan view seen from a viewpoint opposite the light controlling sheet, the substrate surface and the electrode surface each extend along a first direction, The width of the substrate surface in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is 0.1 mm or more. The light-controlling sheet according to claim 1 .

3. In a plan view seen from a viewpoint opposite the light controlling sheet, The third side has an arc shape with a radius of 0.1 mm or more. The light-controlling sheet according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A light control sheet having one edge, a first electrode sheet including a first transparent substrate and a first transparent electrode layer; a second electrode sheet including a second transparent substrate and a second transparent electrode layer; a light-controlling layer located between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer; an adhesion layer that is adhered to an adhesion surface of the first transparent base material opposite to a surface that contacts the first transparent electrode layer, In a plan view seen from a viewpoint opposite the light controlling sheet, a substrate surface where the adherend surface is exposed from the adherend layer; an electrode surface of the second transparent electrode layer that is in contact with the light-controlling layer and is located outside the light-controlling sheet relative to the substrate surface and is exposed from the light-controlling layer; the substrate surface and the electrode surface each extend along a first direction at the edge portion; The width of the substrate surface in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is 0.1 mm or more, In a plan view seen from a viewpoint opposite the light controlling sheet, The end surface of the adherend layer that defines the substrate surface within the first transparent substrate is The first side, a second side extending in a direction intersecting the first side; a third side connecting the first side and the second side, The third side has a curved shape. Dimming sheet.

5. a first electrode sheet including a first transparent substrate and a first transparent electrode layer; a second electrode sheet including a second transparent substrate and a second transparent electrode layer; a light-controlling layer located between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer; a first adherend layer adhered to a first adherend surface of the first transparent substrate opposite to a surface in contact with the first transparent electrode layer; A light-controlling sheet comprising: a second adhesive layer that is adhered to a second adhesive surface of the second transparent substrate opposite to the surface that contacts the second transparent electrode layer; In a plan view seen from a viewpoint opposite the light controlling sheet, a driving section that is an overlap of the first electrode sheet, the second electrode sheet, and the light control layer; a first substrate surface where the first adherend surface is exposed from the first adherend layer; The second adherend surface is a second substrate surface exposed from the second adherend layer, At one edge of the light controlling sheet, the end surface of the drive unit constitutes an outer peripheral end surface of the light controlling sheet, a sealing portion is provided at the edge portion so as to cover the outer peripheral end surface, the first substrate surface, and the second substrate surface; In a plan view seen from a viewpoint opposite the light controlling sheet, The end surface of the first adherend layer that defines the first substrate surface within the first transparent substrate is The first side, a second side extending in a direction intersecting the first side; a third side connecting the first side and the second side, The third side has a curved shape. Dimming sheet.

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