Dimming sheet and dimming device

Abstract

To provide a light control sheet and a light controller in which the edge of a liquid crystal layer can be easily covered by a sealing material.SOLUTION: A light control sheet 10 includes: a first film 11; a second film 12; a liquid crystal layer 13 located between the first film 11 and the second film 12; and a sealing material 21 covering the edge part of the liquid crystal layer 13. The first film 11 includes a first film edge surface 11E as an edge surface of the first film 11. The range of the first film edge surface 11E which is shaped to face the position opposed to the surface 10F is a part of the first film edge surface 11E and the sealing material 21 covers the first film edge surface 11E.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dimming sheet and a dimming device including the dimming sheet.

Background Art

[0002] The dimming sheet includes two transparent films and a liquid crystal layer positioned between the transparent films. Each transparent film includes a transparent electrode layer. The dimming sheet changes the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules when a voltage is applied between the transparent electrode layers. The alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules is, for example, a state in which light incident on the dimming sheet is scattered and a state in which light incident on the dimming sheet is transmitted (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-described dimming sheet is attached to a support having light transmittance. The support is, for example, window glass provided in a building or a moving body. The edges of the dimming sheet attached to the support are separately covered with a sealing material so that the liquid crystal layer is not exposed to the outside air. Thereby, deterioration of the characteristics of the liquid crystal layer due to contact between the liquid crystal layer and moisture is suppressed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the degradation of the liquid crystal layer characteristics described above does not begin during the installation process for attaching the dimming sheet to window glass, etc., but rather immediately after the dimming sheet is processed. Therefore, it is necessary to cover the edges of the dimming sheet with a sealing material prior to the installation process for attaching the dimming sheet.

[0006] On the other hand, in order to adapt to the diversification of the shapes of the support and the various application scenarios for dimmable sheets, the thinning of dimmable sheets is steadily progressing, and the liquid crystal layer and transparent film have a thickness of less than 1 mm. As a result, the area of ​​the edges of the liquid crystal layer and the area of ​​the edges of the transparent film are large enough that they are not easily covered when placing sealing material on the edges and edges. The object of the present invention is to provide a dimming sheet and a dimming device that can easily cover the edges of a liquid crystal layer with a sealing material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A dimmable sheet for solving the above problems comprises a first film having a surface for the dimmable sheet and a transparent electrode layer, a second film having a back surface for the dimmable sheet and a transparent electrode layer, a liquid crystal layer located between the first film and the second film, and a sealing material covering the edge of the liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal layer comprises a liquid crystal composition and a polymer layer having voids in which the liquid crystal composition is held. The second film has a second film contact surface on the side opposite to the back surface, which includes a portion in contact with the liquid crystal layer. Viewed from a position facing the surface, the second film contact surface has a second film outer periphery that faces the position facing the surface, along the edge of the liquid crystal layer, without overlapping with the first film and the liquid crystal layer, and the sealing material is supported by the second film outer periphery. The first film has a first film end face, which is the end face of the first film. Within the first film end face, there is a range having a shape that faces the position facing the surface. In a cross-section perpendicular to the aforementioned surface This is a part of the end face of the first film, and the sealing material covers the end face of the first film.

[0008] A dimming sheet for solving the above problems comprises a first film having a surface for the dimming sheet and a transparent electrode layer, a second film having a back surface for the dimming sheet and a transparent electrode layer, a liquid crystal layer located between the first film and the second film, and a sealing material covering the edge of the liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal layer comprises a liquid crystal composition and a polymer layer having voids in which the liquid crystal composition is held. The second film has a second film contact surface on the side opposite to the back surface, which includes a portion in contact with the liquid crystal layer. Viewed from a position facing the surface, the second film contact surface has an outer peripheral portion of the second film that faces the position facing the surface, along the edge of the liquid crystal layer, without overlapping with the first film and the liquid crystal layer. The sealing material is supported on the outer peripheral portion of the second film, and the first film comprises a first film end surface, which is the end face of the first film, and a first film contact surface, which is the surface in contact with the liquid crystal layer. Within the first film end surface, there is a range having a shape that faces the position facing the surface. In a cross-section perpendicular to the aforementioned surface In a cross-section perpendicular to the surface, the angle formed between a virtual line connecting any two points on the first film end face and the first film contact surface is 90° or less. The sealing material covers the first film end face.

[0009] A dimming sheet for solving the above problems comprises a first film having a surface for the dimming sheet and a transparent electrode layer, a second film having a back surface for the dimming sheet and a transparent electrode layer, a liquid crystal layer located between the first film and the second film, and a sealing material covering the edge of the liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal layer comprises a liquid crystal composition and a polymer layer having voids in which the liquid crystal composition is held. The second film has a second film contact surface on the side opposite to the back surface, which includes a portion in contact with the liquid crystal layer. Viewed from a position facing the surface, the second film contact surface has a second film outer periphery that faces the position facing the surface, without overlapping with the first film and the liquid crystal layer, along the edge of the liquid crystal layer. The sealing material is supported by the second film outer periphery, and the second film has a second film end face, which is the end face of the second film. Within the second film end face, there is a range having a shape that faces the position facing the surface. In a cross-section perpendicular to the aforementioned surface This is a part of the end face of the second film. The sealing material covers the end face of the second film.

[0010] A dimmable sheet for solving the above problems comprises a first film having a surface for the dimmable sheet and a transparent electrode layer, a second film having a back surface for the dimmable sheet and a transparent electrode layer, a liquid crystal layer located between the first film and the second film, and a sealing material covering the edge of the liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal layer comprises a liquid crystal composition and a polymer layer having voids in which the liquid crystal composition is held. The second film has a second film contact surface on the side opposite to the back surface, which includes a portion in contact with the liquid crystal layer. Viewed from a position facing the surface, the second film contact surface has a second film outer periphery that faces the position facing the surface, along the edge of the liquid crystal layer, without overlapping with the first film and the liquid crystal layer. The sealing material is supported on the second film outer periphery. The second film has a second film end face, which is the end face of the second film. Within the second film end face, there is a range having a shape that faces the position facing the surface. In a cross-section perpendicular to the aforementioned surfaceThis is a part of the end face of the second film. In a cross-section perpendicular to the surface, the angle formed by a virtual line connecting any two points on the end face of the second film and the contact surface of the second film is 90° or less. The sealing material covers the end face of the second film.

[0011] In the dimming sheet described above, the width of the outer periphery of the second film in a cross-section perpendicular to the surface may be greater than or equal to the sum of the thickness of the first film and the thickness of the liquid crystal layer.

[0012] In the dimming sheet described above, the second film has a second film end face, which is the end face of the second film, and the entirety of the second film end face is shaped to face a position opposite to the surface, and the sealing material may cover the second film end face.

[0013] In the above-described dimming sheet, in a cross section perpendicular to the surface, the angle formed between a virtual line connecting any two points on the end face of the second film and the back surface is less than 90°, and the sealing material may cover the end face of the second film.

[0014] A dimming device for solving the above problems comprises a dimming sheet, a transparent support for the dimming sheet, and an adhesive layer interposed between the dimming sheet and the transparent support.

[0015] A dimming device for solving the above problems comprises a dimming sheet, a pair of transparent supports that sandwich the dimming sheet in the thickness direction of the dimming sheet, and an adhesive layer interposed between each transparent support and the dimming sheet. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] A plan view showing an enlarged portion of one embodiment of a dimming device. [Figure 2] A cross-sectional view along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a magnified partial plan view of the connection between the dimming sheet and the drive unit. [Figure 4]Cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] (a), (b), and (c) are plan views showing an example of the connection method between the dimming sheet and the drive unit. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view of the dimming device in the first modification example. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of the dimming device in the second modification example. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view showing an enlarged part of the dimming device in the third modification example. [Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0017] Hereinafter, a dimming device and a dimming sheet in an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 1, for the convenience of explaining the end faces of each layer of the dimming sheet, a part of the sealing material is shown cut out by a broken line in the enlarged part included in FIG. 1.

[0018] [Dimming Device] As shown in FIG. 1, the dimming device includes a dimming sheet 10, a sealing material 21, a transparent adhesive layer 22, a transparent support 23, and a drive unit 24. When viewed from a position facing the dimming sheet 10, the dimming sheet 10 has, for example, a rectangular shape. The dimming sheet 10 is attached to the transparent support 23 by a transparent adhesive layer 22 interposed between the dimming sheet 10 and the transparent support 23.

[0019] Note that the shape of the dimming sheet 10 can be changed to a geometric shape such as a circular shape or an irregular shape, in addition to a rectangular shape. Also, the shape of the dimming sheet 10 may be a curved surface shape or a flat surface shape.

[0020] The transparent adhesive layer 22 has light transmittance that transmits visible light and adhesive properties that bond the light-adjusting sheet 10 and the transparent support 23. The material forming the transparent adhesive layer 22 is not particularly limited as long as it is transparent and adhesive. Examples of the transparent adhesive layer 22 include acrylic adhesives, silicone adhesives, and epoxy adhesives. An example of the transparent adhesive layer 22 is an OCA film (Optical Clear Adhesive film).

[0021] The transparent support 23 is, for example, a window pane in a moving object such as a vehicle or an aircraft. The transparent support 23 is also, for example, a window pane and screen in a building such as a house, a train station, or an airport; a partition installed in an office; or a display window installed in a shop.

[0022] The transparent support 23 has various shapes, such as planar, curved, and irregular shapes. The material forming the transparent support 23 is not particularly limited as long as it is transparent and capable of supporting the dimming sheet 10. Examples of materials forming the transparent support 23 include glass, acrylic resin, and polycarbonate resin.

[0023] The drive unit 24 is connected to the transparent electrode layers 11A and 12A (see Figure 2) provided on the dimming sheet 10. The drive unit 24 converts the output voltage of a DC constant voltage power supply or the output voltage of an AC power supply into a drive voltage for the dimming sheet 10 and applies the drive voltage to the dimming sheet 10.

[0024] The dimmable sheet 10 is configured to change the transmittance of visible light. The dimmable sheet 10 is classified into normal type and reverse type. The normal type dimmable sheet 10 has a relatively high transmittance when a drive voltage is applied. The normal type dimmable sheet 10 has a relatively low transmittance when no drive voltage is applied. The reverse type dimmable sheet 10 has a relatively low transmittance when a drive voltage is applied. The reverse type dimmable sheet 10 has a relatively high transmittance when no drive voltage is applied.

[0025] [Dimmable sheet] As shown in Figure 1, the dimming sheet 10 comprises a first film 11, a second film 12, and a liquid crystal layer 13. The liquid crystal layer 13 is sandwiched between the first film 11 and the second film 12. As shown in the enlarged portion included in Figure 1, the first film 11 comprises the surface 10F of the dimming sheet 10 and the first film end surface 11E, which is the end face of the first film 11. The second film 12 comprises the second film end surface 12E, which is the end face of the second film 12, and the second film outer peripheral portion 12CD, which is located at the outer edge of the second film 12. The outer edge of the second film 12 is a frame-shaped portion that includes the end of the second film 12, i.e., the outermost periphery, when viewed from a position facing the surface 10F of the dimming sheet 10. The liquid crystal layer 13 comprises a liquid crystal edge surface 13E, which is the surface of the edge of the liquid crystal layer 13. The edge of the liquid crystal layer 13 is a portion that is located between a pair of opposing surfaces in the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer 13 and has a frame-shaped portion along the outer periphery of the liquid crystal layer 13.

[0026] When the dimming sheet 10 is viewed from a position opposite the surface 10F of the dimming sheet 10, the entire liquid crystal edge surface 13E extends beyond the end surface 11E of the first film. When the dimming sheet 10 is viewed from a position opposite the surface 10F, the liquid crystal edge surface 13E does not overlap with the first film 11 and has a shape that faces the position opposite the surface 10F around the entire circumference of the first film 11. In other words, no matter which viewpoint opposite to the outermost position of the first film 11 is viewed from, the liquid crystal edge surface 13E has no portion hidden by the first film 11. To put it another way, when viewed from a direction approximately perpendicular to the surface 10F, the liquid crystal edge surface 13E does not overlap with the first film 11, that is, it is located outside the first film 11.

[0027] By the extent to which the liquid crystal edge surface 13E faces the surface 10F, that is, by the extent to which the liquid crystal edge surface 13E extends outward beyond the first film 11, it becomes possible to suppress the electrical connection between the two transparent electrode layers 11A and 12A.

[0028] When the dimming sheet 10 is viewed from a position opposite the surface 10F of the dimming sheet 10, the outer periphery 12CD of the second film extends beyond the liquid crystal layer 13. When the dimming sheet 10 is viewed from a position opposite the surface 10F, the outer periphery 12CD of the second film does not overlap with the first film 11 and the liquid crystal layer 13, and has a shape that faces toward the position opposite the surface 10F around the entire circumference of the liquid crystal edge surface 13E. In other words, no matter which viewpoint is viewed from which opposite the position on the outermost edge of the liquid crystal edge surface 13E that is in contact with the second film 12, the outer periphery 12CD of the second film does not have any portion hidden by the liquid crystal edge surface 13E.

[0029] The sheet edge 10E is formed by the first film edge 11E, the liquid crystal edge 13E, and the second film outer periphery 12CD. The sheet edge 10E is the edge of the dimming sheet 10. The sheet edge 10E is covered with a sealing material 21. The sealing material 21 covers the entire edge of the surface 10F of the dimming sheet 10 and the sheet edge 10E, and is in close contact with them. The edge of the surface 10F of the dimming sheet 10 is a frame-shaped portion that includes the outermost periphery of the surface 10F as viewed from a position facing the surface 10F. The sealing material 21 has high gas barrier properties against the atmosphere containing moisture and oxygen, and low water absorption against moisture in the atmosphere and rainwater.

[0030] The material used to form the encapsulant 21 is either a thermosetting resin or a photocurable resin. The material used to form the encapsulant 21 is, for example, one selected from the group consisting of acrylic resins, polystyrene resins, silicone resins, and epoxy resins. Examples of acrylic resins include polypropylene, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate, and methacrylic styrene copolymers. Examples of polystyrene resins include polystyrene, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, and styrene-butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer. From the viewpoint of achieving high adhesion to the first film 11, the second film 12, and the liquid crystal layer 13, and achieving a low molding temperature, the material used to form the encapsulant 21 is preferably an acrylic resin. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of achieving high bending strength and high tensile strength when forming the edge of the dimming sheet 10, the material used to form the encapsulant 21 is preferably an acrylic resin. In other words, the material used to form the encapsulant 21 is preferably an acrylic resin. With acrylic resin, the sealing material 21 covers the sheet edge 10E of the dimming sheet 10, making it possible to obtain an edge of the dimming sheet 10 that has high bending strength and high tensile strength. The edge of the dimming sheet 10 is a frame-shaped portion that includes the outermost periphery of the dimming sheet 10 when viewed from a position facing the surface 10F.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the first film 11 is a multilayer body comprising a transparent electrode layer 11A and a transparent support film 11B. The transparent electrode layer 12A is connected to the drive unit 24.

[0032] The first film 11 comprises a surface 10F of the dimming sheet 10, a first film end face 11E, and a first film contact surface 11C. The first film end face 11E is the surface that connects the surface 10F to the first film contact surface 11C. The angle θ11 formed by the first film end face 11E and the first film contact surface 11C is approximately 90°.

[0033] The first film contact surface 11C is located on the first film 11 opposite to the surface 10F. The first film contact surface 11C is in contact with the first liquid crystal contact surface 13C1 of the liquid crystal layer 13. The thickness T1 of the first film 11 is 50 μm or more and 500 μm or less, for example, 100 μm.

[0034] The liquid crystal layer 13 comprises a first liquid crystal contact surface 13C1, a second liquid crystal contact surface 13C2, and a liquid crystal edge surface 13E. The liquid crystal edge surface 13E is the surface that connects the first liquid crystal contact surface 13C1 and the second liquid crystal contact surface 13C2. That is, the liquid crystal edge surface 13E is the surface that connects the first liquid crystal contact surface 13C1 to the second liquid crystal contact surface 13C2. In a cross section perpendicular to the surface 10F, the angle θ13 formed by the liquid crystal edge surface 13E and the second liquid crystal contact surface 13C2 is less than 90°. The thickness T3 of the liquid crystal layer 13 is 10 μm or more and 100 μm or less, for example, 20 μm or less.

[0035] The liquid crystal layer 13 contains liquid crystal molecules. The liquid crystal molecules are selected from the group consisting of, for example, Schiff bases, azos, azoxys, biphenyls, terphenyls, benzoic acid esters, transanes, pyrimidines, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid esters, phenylcyclohexanes, and dioxanes. The liquid crystal layer 13 may contain a dye that has a predetermined color and does not hinder the movement of the liquid crystal molecules depending on whether or not a driving voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 13.

[0036] The type of holding the liquid crystal composition is selected from the group consisting of polymer network type, polymer dispersion type, and capsule type. The polymer network type comprises a polymer network having a three-dimensional mesh structure within a continuous liquid crystal composition. In the polymer network type, the liquid crystal composition comprising the liquid crystal layer 13 is held in the voids of the polymer network. The polymer dispersion type comprises a number of isolated voids within the polymer network, and holds the liquid crystal composition in the voids dispersed in the polymer network. The capsule type holds a liquid crystal composition having a capsule shape within the polymer network.

[0037] The second film 12 is a multilayer body comprising a transparent electrode layer 12A and a transparent support film 12B. The transparent electrode layer 12A is connected to the drive unit 24. The second film 12 comprises a back surface 10B of the dimming sheet 10, a second film end surface 12E, and a second film contact surface 12C. The second film end surface 12E is the surface that connects the back surface 10B to the second film contact surface 12C. The angle θ12 formed by the second film end surface 12E and the back surface 10B is 90°. The second film contact surface 12C is located on the opposite side of the back surface 10B in the second film 12. The second film contact surface 12C includes a surface that contacts the second liquid crystal contact surface 13C2. That is, a part of the second film contact surface 12C is in contact with the second liquid crystal contact surface 13C2. When viewed from a position opposite the surface 10F, the portion of the second film contact surface 12C that extends beyond the liquid crystal layer 13 is the outer peripheral portion 12CD of the second film.

[0038] The outer periphery portion 12CD of the second film is positioned along the edge of the liquid crystal layer 13 when viewed from a position facing the surface 10F, and does not overlap with the first film 11 or the liquid crystal layer 13, and has a shape that faces toward the position facing the surface 10F. The width L of the outer periphery portion 12CD of the second film, when viewed from a position facing the surface 10F, is greater than or equal to the sum of the thickness T1 of the first film 11 and the thickness T3 of the liquid crystal layer 13. The width L of the outer periphery portion 12CD of the second film is the distance between the edge of the second liquid crystal contact surface 13C2 and the edge of the second film 12 when viewed from a position facing the surface 10F. By making the width of the outer peripheral portion 12CD of the second film greater than or equal to the sum of the thickness T1 of the first film 11 and the thickness T3 of the liquid crystal layer 13, it is possible to improve the ease of coating as described above, and when the sealing material 21 is placed from a position facing the surface 10F of the dimming sheet 10, it also becomes easier to place the sealing material 21. As described above, the first film end face 11E, the liquid crystal edge face 13E, and the second film outer peripheral portion 12CD form the sheet end 10E of the dimming sheet 10.

[0039] For example, multiple dimming sheets 10 are cut from a single large sheet comprising a large first film 11, a large second film 12, and a large liquid crystal layer 13 sandwiched between them. The sheet edges 10E are formed in each cut dimming sheet 10 by removing, for example, the edges of the first film 11 and the edges of the liquid crystal layer 13. The edges of the first film 11 are a frame-shaped portion that includes the outermost periphery of the first film 11 when viewed from a position facing the surface 10F. The edges of the liquid crystal layer 13 are a frame-shaped portion that includes the outermost periphery of the liquid crystal layer 13 when viewed from a position facing the surface 10F.

[0040] When removing each end, first, at the end of the first film 11, the cutting blade enters the dimming sheet 10 from the direction opposite to the surface 10F, and the first film 11 and the liquid crystal layer 13 are cut. Next, in the dimming sheet 10, the cutting blade enters toward the interface between the liquid crystal layer 13 and the second film 12, and the cut portion of the first film 11 and the portion of the liquid crystal layer 13 are separated from the second film 12. At this time, the sheet end 10E is formed from the cut surface. The cut surface has a cut mark that occurs during cutting. That is, the sheet end 10E has a cut mark. The cut mark is, for example, deformation on the surface 10F or the second film end surface 12E, and abrasion on the sheet end 10E. The deformation on the surface 10F or the second film end surface 12E is caused by the pressure of the cutting blade. The abrasion on the sheet end 10E is caused by the passage of the cutting blade.

[0041] It is possible to replace the cutting blade with a laser. When the cutting blade is replaced with a laser, the cutting marks will be caused by the irradiation or passage of the laser. For example, deformation on the surface 10F or the second film edge 12E will be caused by the irradiation of the laser. Melting marks on the sheet edge 10E will be caused by the passage of the laser.

[0042] The liquid crystal layer 13 is sandwiched between the transparent electrode layer 11A of the first film 11 and the transparent electrode layer 12A of the second film 12. The transparent electrode layers 11A and 12A are inorganic or organic layers that possess light transmittance and conductivity. The material forming the transparent electrode layers 11A and 12A is selected from the group consisting of, for example, tin-doped indium oxide, tin oxide, fluorine-doped tin oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, carbon nanotubes, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), and silver alloy thin films.

[0043] The transparent support films 11B and 12B are made of transparent resin or glass. The transparent support films 11B and 12B are colorless transparent films that transmit visible light, or colored transparent films that transmit a portion of visible light. The material used to form the transparent support films 11B and 12B is selected from the group consisting of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylic resin, nylon resin, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polyimide, polysulfone, cycloolefin polymer, and triacetylcellulose.

[0044] The first film 11 and the second film 12 may also have functional layers other than the transparent electrode layers 11A and 12A and the transparent support films 11B and 12B. An example of a functional layer is one that protects the liquid crystal layer 13 and the transparent electrode layers 11A and 12A. The functional layers that protect the liquid crystal layer 13 and the transparent electrode layers 11A and 12A are a gas barrier layer and an ultraviolet barrier layer. The gas barrier layer is located between the transparent support films 11B and 12B and the transparent electrode layers 11A and 12A. Another example of a functional layer is one that contributes to the control of light transmittance. The functional layers that contribute to the control of light transmittance are an alignment layer and a polarizing layer. The alignment layer is located between the transparent electrode layers 11A and 12A and the liquid crystal layer 13. The polarizing layer is located between the transparent support films 11B and 12B and the transparent electrode layers 11A and 12A. Another example of a functional layer is one that enhances the strength and heat resistance of the dimming sheet 10. This functional layer is a hard coat layer, etc. The hard coat layer is located on the surface of the transparent support films 11B and 12B. Furthermore, an example of a functional layer may be a layer that enhances the adhesion between layers within the first film 11 and the second film 12.

[0045] [Connection structure to the drive unit] As shown in Figure 3, the dimming sheet 10 has a first opening 11AH that opens to the surface 10F and a second opening 12AH that opens to the back surface 10B. The dimming sheet 10 is connected to the drive unit 24 through the first opening 11AH and the second opening 12AH. The first opening 11AH and the second opening 12AH are located inside the first film end face 11E. When viewed from a position facing the surface 10F, the outermost periphery of the first film 11 has a frame shape. When viewed from a position facing the surface 10F, the first opening 11AH and the second opening 12AH are not in contact with the outermost periphery of the first film 11 and are located within the region surrounded by the first film 11.

[0046] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first opening 11AH is a closed hole that opens to the back surface 10B and reaches the transparent electrode layer 11A of the first film 11. That is, the first opening 11AH is a closed hole that extends from the back surface 10B to the first film contact surface 11C. The first opening 11AH is formed by removing a portion of the second film 12 and a portion of the liquid crystal layer 13 from the direction facing the back surface 10B of the dimming sheet 10.

[0047] The second opening 12AH is a closed hole that opens into the surface 10F and reaches the transparent electrode layer 12A of the second film 12. In other words, the second opening 12AH is a closed hole that extends from the surface 10F to the second film contact surface 12C. The second opening 12AH is formed by removing a portion of the first film 11 and a portion of the liquid crystal layer 13 from the direction opposite to the surface 10F of the dimming sheet 10.

[0048] The sealing material 21 covers the entire circumference of the liquid crystal edge surface 13E, yet it allows each transparent electrode layer 11A, 12A and the external wiring to be connected through the openings 11AH, 12AH without physical interference with the sealing material 21.

[0049] The transparent electrode layers 11A and 12A are connected to the drive unit 24 via the conductor portion 24A and the adhesive portion 24B. The conductor portion 24A is connected to the drive unit 24. The adhesive portion 24B adheres the conductor portion 24A to the transparent electrode layers 11A and 12A. The first opening 11AH and the second opening 12AH are filled with a sealing material 21. The conductor portion 24A is, for example, a flexible printed circuit board, and the adhesive portion 24B is, for example, an anisotropic conductive film. Alternatively, the conductor portion 24A is, for example, a lead wire, and the adhesive portion 24B is, for example, solder.

[0050] In the dimming sheet 10 described above, the sealing material 21 covering the liquid crystal edge surface 13E is supported by the liquid crystal edge surface 13E and the outer peripheral portion 12CD of the second film which is continuous with the liquid crystal edge surface 13E. The liquid crystal edge surface 13E and the outer peripheral portion 12CD of the second film are mutually continuous surfaces, but they extend in different directions. Therefore, for example, even if the area of ​​the liquid crystal edge surface 13E is too large to be easily covered by arranging the sealing material 21 facing the liquid crystal edge surface 13E, the arrangement of the sealing material 21 becomes easier by the amount of area of ​​the outer peripheral portion 12CD of the second film, and by the amount of difference in the direction in which the liquid crystal edge surface 13E and the outer peripheral portion 12CD extend.

[0051] In other words, the sealing material 21 covering the edge of the liquid crystal layer 13 is supported not only by the edge of the liquid crystal layer 13 but also by the outer peripheral portion 12CD of the second film which is continuous with the edge. The edge of the liquid crystal layer 13 and the outer peripheral portion 12CD of the second film are surfaces that are continuous with each other but extend in different directions. Therefore, even if the area of ​​the edge of the liquid crystal layer 13 is small enough that it is not easily covered by the sealing material 21, the contact area between the dimming sheet 10 and the sealing material 21 can be increased by the amount of the area of ​​the outer peripheral portion 12CD of the second film. In this case, the contact area between the dimming sheet 10 and the sealing material 21 can be increased without increasing the thickness of the dimming sheet 10 by the amount by which the direction of expansion of the edge of the liquid crystal layer 13 and the outer peripheral portion 12CD of the second film differs. As a result, it becomes easier to cover the edge of the dimming sheet 10 with the sealing material 21.

[0052] Furthermore, since the liquid crystal edge surface 13E and the outer peripheral portion 12CD of the second film have a shape that faces the position opposite the surface 10F, the sealing work of the liquid crystal edge surface 13E with the sealing material 21 can be performed from only the position opposite the surface 10F, over the entire circumference of the dimming sheet 10.

[0053] As described above, the following effects can be obtained according to the above embodiment. (1) The sealing material 21 covering the liquid crystal edge surface 13E is supported by the liquid crystal edge surface 13E and the second film outer periphery 12CD which is continuous with the liquid crystal edge surface 13E. The liquid crystal edge surface 13E and the second film outer periphery 12CD are surfaces that are continuous with each other, but they extend in different directions. Therefore, the area in contact between the dimming sheet 10 and the sealing material 21 can be increased by the area of ​​the second film outer periphery 12CD. Also, because the directions in which the liquid crystal edge surface 13E and the second film outer periphery 12CD extend are different, the area in contact between the dimming sheet 10 and the sealing material 21 can be increased without increasing the thickness of the dimming sheet 10. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the characteristics of the liquid crystal layer 13 from the state immediately after processing with the second film outer periphery 12CD.

[0054] (2) The width of the outer peripheral portion 12CD of the second film is greater than or equal to the sum of the thickness of the first film 11 and the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 13, making it easy to cover the liquid crystal edge surface 13E with the sealing material 21.

[0055] (3) Since the sealing material 21 can be placed around the entire circumference of the dimming sheet 10 only from the position facing the surface 10F, the workload of the work of covering with the sealing material 21 is reduced. Furthermore, the accuracy of the work of covering with the sealing material 21 can be improved, which will have a more beneficial effect when the dimming sheet 10 is widely adopted.

[0056] (4) When viewed from a position opposite the surface 10F, the liquid crystal edge surface 13E does not overlap with the first film 11 and faces the position opposite the surface 10F from the periphery of the first film 11. Furthermore, the angle θ11 formed by the imaginary line connecting the endpoint of the first liquid crystal contact surface 13C1 and any point on the first film edge surface 11E and the first liquid crystal contact surface 13C1 is 90° or less, and the angle θ13 formed by the liquid crystal edge surface 13E and the second liquid crystal contact surface 13C2 is less than 90°. This makes it possible to extend the distance between the first film edge surface 11E and the outer periphery 12CD of the second film, and makes it possible to suppress unintended short circuits between the transparent electrode layer 11A and the transparent electrode layer 12A.

[0057] (5) When viewed from a position opposite the surface 10F, the liquid crystal edge 13E and the outer peripheral portion 12CD of the second film have a shape that faces the position opposite the surface 10F, so it is possible to place the sealing material 21 around the entire circumference of the dimming sheet 10 from only the direction opposite the surface 10F.

[0058] (6) The dimming sheet 10 has an opening on the inside of the outer edge of the first film 11, and the transparent electrode layers 11A and 12A are connected to the drive unit 24 through the opening. This makes it possible to connect the dimming sheet 10 and the drive unit 24 while maintaining the sealing of the sheet end 10E.

[0059] (7) A first opening 11AH leading to the transparent electrode layer 11A opens on the back surface 10B of the dimming sheet 10, and a second opening 12AH leading to the transparent electrode layer 11A opens on the front surface 10F of the dimming sheet 10. Therefore, when the transparent electrode layer 11A is connected to the drive unit 24, the transparent electrode layer 11A is supported by the transparent support film 11B. Similarly, when the transparent electrode layer 12A is connected to the drive unit 24, the transparent electrode layer 12A is supported by the transparent support film 12B. In other words, the pressing force applied to each transparent electrode layer 11A, 12A for connection does not crush other layers such as the liquid crystal layer 13. Therefore, it is possible to apply sufficient pressing force to connect each transparent electrode layer 11A, 12A to the drive unit 24.

[0060] The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The width L of the outer peripheral portion 12CD of the second film may be less than the sum of the thickness T1 of the first film 11 and the thickness T3 of the liquid crystal layer 13. In short, as long as the contact surface 12C of the second film is provided with the outer peripheral portion 12CD of the second film, it is possible to obtain the effects similar to those described in (1) above.

[0061] The angle θ13 formed by the liquid crystal edge surface 13E and the second liquid crystal contact surface 13C2 is not limited to being equal at every point on the liquid crystal edge surface 13E. If the angle θ13 formed by a virtual line connecting any two points on the liquid crystal edge surface 13E and the second liquid crystal contact surface 13C2 is less than 90°, it is possible to obtain the same effect as in (4) above. In other words, by the extent that the angle θ13 formed by a virtual line connecting any two points on the liquid crystal edge surface 13E and the second liquid crystal contact surface 13C2 is less than 90°, it is possible to suppress the electrical connection between the two transparent electrode layers 11A and 12A.

[0062] For example, the first condition is that the angle formed by a virtual line connecting any two points on the liquid crystal edge surface 13E and the second liquid crystal contact surface 13C2 is less than 90°. The liquid crystal edge surface 13E may have an arc shape that gently protrudes outward from the dimming sheet 10, or an arc shape that gently recesses inward from the dimming sheet 10, within the range that this first condition is satisfied, in a cross section perpendicular to the surface 10F.

[0063] The sealing material 21 does not need to cover the entire sheet edge 10E, and a part of the outer peripheral portion 12CD of the second film may be exposed from the sealing material 21 around the area of ​​the sheet edge 10E covered by the sealing material 21. In other words, if the sealing material 21 covers the liquid crystal edge surface 13E and the area adjacent to the liquid crystal edge surface 13E, it is possible to obtain the effects similar to (1) to (7) above. However, from the viewpoint of making it possible to easily cover the sheet edge 10E with the sealing material 21 by increasing the contact area between the sheet edge 10E and the sealing material 21, it is preferable that the sealing material 21 covers the entire sheet edge 10E.

[0064] The connection between the dimming sheet 10 and the drive unit 24 may be performed as shown in Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c). Specifically, first, as shown in Figure 6(a), a portion of the second film 12 and a portion of the liquid crystal layer 13 are removed in the region demarcated by processing line A from the direction facing the back surface 10B. Also, a portion of the first film 11 and a portion of the liquid crystal layer 13 are removed in the region demarcated by processing line B from the direction facing the front surface 10F. As a result, a portion of the transparent electrode layers 11A and 12A is exposed, as shown in Figure 6(b). Then, as shown in Figure 6(c), the drive unit 24 is connected to the dimming sheet 10. Finally, the sheet edge 10E and the exposed portion of the transparent electrode layers 11A and 12A are covered with sealing material 21. Note that in Figure 6(c), dots are marked on the sealing material 21 that covers the transparent electrode layer 11A exposed toward the position facing the back surface 10B.

[0065] With the method described above, the following effect can be obtained instead of the effect described in (5) above. That is, compared to the method of forming the openings 11AH and 12AH in the dimming sheet 10 described above, it becomes possible to expose a portion of the transparent electrode layers 11A and 12A even more easily.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6(c), in the above configuration, the covering by the sealing material 21 is discontinuous at the cut surface C and cut surface C' of the sheet end 10E. Therefore, from the viewpoint of improving sealing performance at the sheet end 10E, it is preferable that the dimming sheet 10 has the above-mentioned openings 11AH and 12AH.

[0067] The first opening 11AH may be formed by removing only the transparent support film 11B when viewed from a position opposite the surface 10F of the dimming sheet 10, thereby embodying the first opening 11AH as a bottomed hole reaching from the surface 10F to the transparent electrode layer 11A. Similarly, the second opening 12AH may be formed by removing only the transparent support film 12B when viewed from a position opposite the back surface 10B of the dimming sheet 10, thereby embodying the second opening 12AH as a bottomed hole reaching from the back surface 10B to the transparent electrode layer 12A. Even with this modified example, it is possible to obtain the same effects as described in (5) above.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7, in a cross-section perpendicular to the surface 10F, the angle θ11 formed by the first film end face 11E and the first film contact surface 11C may be 90°, and the angle θ13 formed by the liquid crystal edge surface 13E and the second liquid crystal contact surface 13C2 may also be 90°. That is, in a cross-section perpendicular to the surface 10F, the first film end face 11E and the liquid crystal edge surface 13E may be located on a single straight line perpendicular to the surface 10F.

[0069] This modification also makes it easier to form the sheet edge 10E. Furthermore, it becomes even easier to virtually widen the liquid crystal edge 13E by the area of ​​the first film edge 11E, and by the amount that the first film edge 11E and the liquid crystal edge 13E can be considered as a single plane, and consequently, to cover the edge of the dimming sheet 10 with the sealing material 21.

[0070] As shown in Figure 8, the entire first film end face 11E may have a shape that faces the surface 10F. In other words, the entire first film end face 11E may extend outward from the surface 10F, regardless of the position on the outermost periphery of the surface 10F. That is, in a cross section perpendicular to the surface 10F, the angle θ11 formed by the first film end face 11E and the first film contact surface 11C may be less than 90°. In this case, in a cross section perpendicular to the surface 10F, the first film end face 11E and the liquid crystal edge surface 13E may be located on a single straight line inclined with respect to the surface 10F.

[0071] Furthermore, the entire second film end face 12E may have a shape that faces toward a position opposite the surface 10F. In other words, the entire second film end face 12E may protrude outward from any position on the outermost periphery of the second film contact surface 12C. That is, in a cross section perpendicular to the surface 10F, the angle θ12 formed by the second film end face 12E and the back surface 10B may be less than 90°.

[0072] These modifications, compared to a configuration where the angle θ11 formed by the imaginary line on the first film end face 11E and the first film contact surface 11C is 90°, increase the contact area between the dimming sheet 10 and the sealing material 21, thereby further improving the adhesion between the dimming sheet 10 and the sealing material 21. Similar effects can be obtained with respect to the liquid crystal edge 13E and the second film end face 12E. Furthermore, according to each modification example, it is possible to further increase the contact area between the dimming sheet 10 and the sealing material 21, thereby further improving the adhesion between the dimming sheet 10 and the sealing material 21.

[0073] In a cross-section perpendicular to the surface 10F, the first film end face 11E and the liquid crystal edge face 13E do not necessarily form a continuous straight line with respect to each other. That is, even if the angle θ11 formed between the first film end face 11E and the first film contact surface 11C and the angle θ13 formed between the liquid crystal edge face 13E and the second liquid crystal contact surface 13C2 are different, it is still possible to obtain effects similar to those described above.

[0074] - The dimming sheet 10 may include portions where the angle θ11 formed by the first film end face 11E and the first liquid crystal contact surface 13C1 is not equal at each point on the first film end face 11E, i.e., 90°, but rather includes portions where the angle formed by a virtual line connecting any two points on the first film end face 11E and the first film contact surface 11C is less than 90°. In this case, within the range where the angle formed by a virtual line connecting any two points on the first film end face 11E and the first film contact surface 11C is less than 90°, the first film end face 11E may have an arc shape that gently protrudes outward in a cross section perpendicular to the surface 10F, or an arc shape that gently recesses inward. Even in this case, it is possible to obtain effects similar to those described above. In this case, the contact area between the dimming sheet 10 and the sealing material 21 can be further increased, and as a result, the adhesion between the dimming sheet 10 and the sealing material 21 can be further improved.

[0075] - The dimming sheet 10 may include portions where the angle θ12 formed by the second film end face 12E and the back surface 10B is not equal at every point on the second film end face 12E, i.e., 90°, but rather includes portions where the angle formed by a virtual line connecting any two points on the second film end face 12E and the second film contact surface 12C is less than 90°. In this case, within the range where the angle formed by the virtual line connecting any two points on the second film end face 12E and the second film contact surface 12C is less than 90°, the second film end face 12E may have an arc shape that gently protrudes outward in a cross section perpendicular to the surface 10F, or an arc shape that gently recesses inward. Even in this case, it is possible to obtain effects similar to those described above. In this case, the contact area between the dimming sheet 10 and the sealing material 21 can be further increased, and as a result, the adhesion between the dimming sheet 10 and the sealing material 21 can be further improved.

[0076] In a cross-section perpendicular to the surface 10F, the inner side surfaces of each opening 11AH, 12AH, i.e., the side surfaces that demarcate each opening 11AH, 12AH, may have a shape inclined with respect to each transparent electrode layer 11A, 12A, similar to the sheet edge 10E shown in Figure 2 or Figure 8, where the end face of the liquid crystal layer 13 and the end faces of the films 11, 12 are inclined. That is, when viewed from a position opposite the first opening 11AH, at least a portion of the side surface of the first opening 11AH may face that position. That is, at least a portion of the side surface of the first opening 11AH may protrude inward beyond the opening of the first opening 11AH located on the back surface 10B. Also, when viewed from a position opposite the second opening 12AH, at least a portion of the side surface of the second opening 12AH may face that position. That is, at least a portion of the side surface of the second opening 12AH may protrude inward beyond the opening of the second opening 12AH located on the surface 10F.

[0077] At this time, the side surface of the first opening 11AH is the cut surface of the liquid crystal layer 13 and the second film 12. The cut surface is a surface formed by removing a portion of the liquid crystal layer 13 and a portion of the second film 12. Similarly, the side surface of the second opening 12AH is the cut surface of the first film 11 and the liquid crystal layer 13. The cut surface is a surface formed by removing a portion of the first film 11 and a portion of the liquid crystal layer 13.

[0078] According to the above configuration, the contact area between the sealing material 21 filled in the openings 11AH and 12AH and the sides of each opening 11AH and 12AH is increased by the amount by which the sides of each opening 11AH and 12AH are tilted relative to each transparent electrode layer 11A and 12A. As a result, the adhesion between the sealing material 21 and the dimming sheet 10 can be improved even at each opening 11AH and 12AH.

[0079] In this case, it is also possible to improve the adhesion between the sides of each opening 11AH, 12AH and the sealing material 21 covering each opening 11AH, 12AH. Consequently, it is also possible to improve the sealing performance of the liquid crystal layer 13 at the openings 11AH, 12AH required for connecting each transparent electrode layer 11A, 12A to the external wiring.

[0080] As shown in Figure 9, the dimming sheet 10 may be enclosed in a transparent adhesive layer 22 located between a pair of transparent supports 23 by being sandwiched between them. The transparent adhesive layer 22 is formed from a material that possesses adhesive strength and light transmittance. The material forming the transparent adhesive layer 22 is, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The transparent adhesive layer 22 contains a plasticizer. When the light-adjusting sheet 10 is sandwiched between a pair of transparent supports 23, the light-adjusting sheet 10 is sandwiched between the transparent adhesive layer 22 formed on one transparent support 23 and the transparent adhesive layer 22 formed on the other transparent support 23, and then heated and pressed together. The heated pair of transparent adhesive layers 22 melt together, enclosing the light-adjusting sheet 10. Even in this modified example, it is possible to obtain effects similar to those described above.

Claims

1. A first film having a light-adjusting sheet surface and a transparent electrode layer, A second film having the back surface of the aforementioned dimming sheet and equipped with a transparent electrode layer, A liquid crystal layer located between the first film and the second film, The liquid crystal layer comprises a sealing material that covers the edge portion of the liquid crystal layer, The liquid crystal layer comprises a liquid crystal composition and a polymer layer having voids in which the liquid crystal composition is held. The second film has a second film contact surface, which is the surface opposite to the back surface and includes a portion that is in contact with the liquid crystal layer. Viewed from a position opposite the aforementioned surface, The second film contact surface includes a second film outer periphery that faces the position opposite the surface, along the edge of the liquid crystal layer, without overlapping with the first film and the liquid crystal layer. The sealing material is supported on the outer periphery of the second film, The first film includes a first film end face, which is the end face of the first film. Within the first film end face, the area having a shape that faces toward a position opposite to the surface is a part of the first film end face in a cross section perpendicular to the surface. The sealing material covers the end surface of the first film. Dimming sheet.

2. A first film having a light-adjusting sheet surface and a transparent electrode layer, A second film having the back surface of the aforementioned dimming sheet and equipped with a transparent electrode layer, A liquid crystal layer located between the first film and the second film, The liquid crystal layer comprises a sealing material that covers the edge portion of the liquid crystal layer, The liquid crystal layer comprises a liquid crystal composition and a polymer layer having voids in which the liquid crystal composition is held. The second film has a second film contact surface, which is the surface opposite to the back surface and includes a portion that is in contact with the liquid crystal layer. Viewed from a position opposite the aforementioned surface, The second film contact surface includes a second film outer periphery that faces the position opposite the surface, along the edge of the liquid crystal layer, without overlapping with the first film and the liquid crystal layer. The sealing material is supported on the outer periphery of the second film, The first film comprises a first film end surface, which is the end surface of the first film, and a first film contact surface, which is the surface that contacts the liquid crystal layer. Within the first film end face, the area having a shape that faces toward a position opposite to the surface is a part of the first film end face in a cross section perpendicular to the surface. In a cross-section perpendicular to the aforementioned surface, the angle formed by a virtual line connecting any two points on the first film end face and the first film contact surface is 90° or less. The sealing material covers the end surface of the first film. Dimming sheet.

3. A first film having a light-adjusting sheet surface and a transparent electrode layer, A second film having the back surface of the aforementioned dimming sheet and equipped with a transparent electrode layer, A liquid crystal layer located between the first film and the second film, The liquid crystal layer comprises a sealing material that covers the edge portion of the liquid crystal layer, The liquid crystal layer comprises a liquid crystal composition and a polymer layer having voids in which the liquid crystal composition is held. The second film has a second film contact surface, which is the surface opposite to the back surface and includes a portion that is in contact with the liquid crystal layer. Viewed from a position opposite the aforementioned surface, The second film contact surface includes a second film outer periphery that faces the position opposite the surface, along the edge of the liquid crystal layer, without overlapping with the first film and the liquid crystal layer. The sealing material is supported on the outer periphery of the second film, The second film includes a second film end face, which is the end face of the second film. Within the second film end face, the area having a shape that faces toward a position opposite to the surface is a part of the second film end face in a cross section perpendicular to the surface. The sealing material covers the end surface of the second film. Dimming sheet.

4. A first film having a light-adjusting sheet surface and a transparent electrode layer, A second film having the back surface of the aforementioned dimming sheet and equipped with a transparent electrode layer, A liquid crystal layer located between the first film and the second film, The liquid crystal layer comprises a sealing material that covers the edge portion of the liquid crystal layer, The liquid crystal layer comprises a liquid crystal composition and a polymer layer having voids in which the liquid crystal composition is held. The second film has a second film contact surface, which is the surface opposite to the back surface and includes a portion that is in contact with the liquid crystal layer. Viewed from a position opposite the aforementioned surface, The second film contact surface includes a second film outer periphery that faces the position opposite the surface, along the edge of the liquid crystal layer, without overlapping with the first film and the liquid crystal layer. The sealing material is supported on the outer periphery of the second film, The second film includes a second film end face, which is the end face of the second film. Within the second film end face, the area having a shape that faces toward a position opposite to the surface is a part of the second film end face in a cross section perpendicular to the surface. In a cross-section perpendicular to the aforementioned surface, the angle formed by a virtual line connecting any two points on the second film end face and the second film contact surface is 90° or less. The sealing material covers the end surface of the second film. Dimming sheet.

5. The width of the outer periphery of the second film in a cross-section perpendicular to the surface is greater than or equal to the sum of the thickness of the first film and the thickness of the liquid crystal layer. A dimming sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The second film includes a second film end face, which is the end face of the second film. The entire end face of the second film has a shape that faces toward a position opposite to the surface, and the sealing material covers the end face of the second film. The dimming sheet according to claim 1 or 2.

7. In a cross-section perpendicular to the surface, the angle formed by a virtual line connecting any two points on the second film end face and the back surface is less than 90°, and the sealing material covers the second film end face. The dimming sheet according to claim 6.

8. A dimming sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A transparent support that supports the light-adjusting sheet, The system comprises an adhesive layer interposed between the light-adjusting sheet and the transparent support. Dimming device.

9. A dimming sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, In the thickness direction of the dimming sheet, a pair of transparent supports sandwiching the dimming sheet, Each transparent support and the light-adjusting sheet are interposed by an adhesive layer. Dimming device.

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