Dimming device and method for manufacturing a dimming device

Abstract

To provide a light control device capable of suppressing the number of external connection wires to be connected to a terminal of a substrate, and a manufacturing method for the light control device.SOLUTION: A light control device includes a panel unit in which a plurality of light control panels are stacked, a conductive member provided at an end part of the panel unit in a Y direction, and a sealing member disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate in each light control panel in a manner of overlapping with a connection terminal when viewed from a Z direction. The conductive member includes a main body part extending continuously in the Z direction, and an insertion part protruding in the Y direction from the main body part, inserted between the first substrate and the second substrate in each light control panel, and electrically connected to the connection terminal. A tip end of the insertion part is in contact with the sealing member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dimming device and a method for manufacturing the dimming device.

Background Art

[0002] The dimming device of Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of laminated dimming panels. The dimming panel has, for example, a first substrate and a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer encapsulated between these substrates. When incident light enters the dimming panel, the light transmittance of the incident light is adjusted in the dimming panel, and the adjusted transmitted light exits the dimming device. In the dimming panel, the lower first substrate and the upper second substrate are laminated vertically. Further, terminals are provided on each of the first substrate and the second substrate. External connection wiring such as a flexible printed board is connected to the terminal of the first substrate and the terminal of the second substrate in one dimming panel, respectively. That is, the external connection wiring is connected to two terminals in one dimming panel.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is desirable to reduce the number of external connection wirings used in the dimming device.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a dimming device and a method for manufacturing the dimming device capable of suppressing the number of external connection wirings connected to the terminals of the substrate.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A dimming device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a panel unit in which a plurality of dimming panels are stacked in a first direction, each having a first substrate having a first terminal and a second substrate superimposed on the first substrate and having a second terminal; a conductive member provided at the end of the panel unit in a second direction intersecting the first direction and extending in the first direction; and a sealing member located between the first substrate and the second substrate in each of the dimming panels, and positioned superimposed on a connecting terminal including the first terminal and the second terminal when viewed from the first direction, wherein the conductive member has a main body portion extending in the first direction and an insertion portion protruding from the main body portion in the second direction, inserted between the first substrate and the second substrate in each of the dimming panels, and electrically connected to the connecting terminal, the tip of the insertion portion abutting against the sealing member.

[0007] A method for manufacturing a dimming device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a panel unit in which a plurality of dimming panels are stacked in a first direction, each having a first substrate having a first terminal and a second substrate superimposed on the first substrate and having a second terminal; a conductive member provided at the end of the panel unit in a second direction intersecting the first direction and extending in the first direction; and a sealing member located between the first substrate and the second substrate in each of the dimming panels, and positioned superimposed on a connecting terminal including the first terminal and the second terminal when viewed from the first direction, wherein the conductive member is... A method for manufacturing a dimming device, wherein the dimming device comprises an electrical component having a main body extending in the first direction and an insertion portion protruding from the main body in the second direction, inserted between the first substrate and the second substrate in each of the dimming panels, and electrically connected to the connection terminal, the tip of which of the insertion portions abuts against the sealing member, and is manufactured using an ultraviolet shielding member having an ultraviolet shielding rate of 1 or higher and an ultraviolet curing resin that hardens upon irradiation with ultraviolet light, wherein, of the ends in the second direction of the panel unit, as seen from the first direction In this case, if the portion overlapping with the connection terminal is designated as the first portion, the ultraviolet curing resin and the ultraviolet shielding member that overlaps the first substrate and the second substrate when viewed from the second direction are provided in the first portion along the first direction, and the insertion resin portion, which is a part of the ultraviolet curing resin, is inserted between the first substrate and the second substrate in each of the dimming panels; the second step, after the first step, is irradiated with ultraviolet light from the second direction to cure the ultraviolet curing resin; the third step, after the second step, is removed from the panel unit with the ultraviolet curing resin and the ultraviolet shielding member remaining with a part of the tip of the insertion resin portion remaining as the sealing member; and the fourth step, after the third step, is provided in the first portion of the panel unit along the first direction, and the tip of the insertion portion, which is a part of the conductive member, is brought into contact with the sealing member between the first substrate and the second substrate in each of the dimming panels, and the insertion portion is electrically connected to the connection terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a dimming device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view of the first substrate in the first and second dimming panels from the top, as shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view of the second substrate in the first and second dimming panels from the top, as shown in Figure 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view of the first substrate in the third and fourth dimming panels from the top, as shown in Figure 2. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a plan view of the second substrate in the third and fourth dimming panels from the top, as shown in Figure 2. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the panel unit. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a magnified portion of the top surface of the panel unit shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the panel unit with an ultraviolet shielding member and ultraviolet curing resin attached to its side surface. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the state when ultraviolet light is irradiated onto an ultraviolet-curing resin from the Y direction. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the UV-curing resin and UV-shielding member being removed from the panel unit. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a dimming device completed by the method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a diagram showing a modified example of the first embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the ultraviolet curing resin from the Y direction. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an ultraviolet curable resin and an ultraviolet shielding member are taken out from a panel unit. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a dimming device completed by a manufacturing method according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a state in which ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the Z direction to a panel unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a panel unit provided with an ultraviolet curable resin and an ultraviolet shielding member. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 18. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an ultraviolet curable resin is taken out from a panel unit. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a dimming device completed by a manufacturing method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a panel unit provided with an ultraviolet curable resin and an ultraviolet shielding member in the third embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an outer portion in the Y direction of an ultraviolet curable resin outside an ultraviolet shielding member is removed. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the Y direction to the side surface of the panel unit of FIG. 24. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a conductive member is provided on the side surface of a panel unit.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, the components described below include those that are easily conceivable to those skilled in the art, and those that are substantially the same. In addition, the components described below can be combined as appropriate.

[0010] Furthermore, the disclosure is merely an example, and any modifications that a person skilled in the art could easily conceive of while maintaining the intent of the disclosure are naturally included within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part in order to clarify the explanation, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of this disclosure. Moreover, in this specification and each drawing, elements similar to those described above in previously shown drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations may be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] [First Embodiment] (Configuration of the dimmer) First, the configuration of the dimming device according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the dimming device according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 2.

[0012] In the XYZ coordinate system shown in the diagram, the X direction is the front-to-back direction, with X1 being the opposite of X2. X1 is also referred to as the front side, and X2 as the rear side. The Y direction is the left-to-right direction, with Y1 being the opposite of Y2. Y1 is also referred to as the left side, and Y2 as the right side. The Z direction is the up-and-down direction (stack direction). Z1 is the opposite of Z2. Z1 is also referred to as the top side, and Z2 as the bottom side. The Z direction is also referred to as the first direction, and the Y direction as the second direction.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the dimming device 100 according to the first embodiment comprises a panel unit 110, a conductive member 500, a sealing member 650, and external connection wiring 43. The external connection wiring 400 is, for example, a conductor.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the panel unit 110 is formed by stacking a plurality (four in this embodiment) of dimming panels 1 in the Z direction (first direction). Adjacent dimming panels 1 in the vertical direction are joined together via a translucent adhesive 42. In this embodiment, the dimming panels 1 are square, but the present invention is not limited to this and includes polygons such as pentagons.

[0015] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the four dimming panels 1 are stacked in order from top to bottom as dimming panels 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. Each dimming panel 1 comprises a first substrate 2 located on the bottom (Z2 side), a second substrate 3 located on the top (Z1 side), a seal 41 provided between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3, a liquid crystal layer 4 filled inside the seal 41, and a first terminal 201 and a second terminal 202.

[0016] When viewed from the Z direction, the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 are the same size. The surface 2a of the first substrate 2 and the surface 3a of the second substrate 3 face each other with the liquid crystal layer 4 in between. That is, a space is formed between the surface 2a of the first substrate 2 and the surface 3a of the second substrate 3 in the Z direction, and the liquid crystal layer 4 is filled into this space. The liquid crystal layer 4 is located inside the annular seal 41. The inside of the seal 41 is the effective area. The back surface 2b of the first substrate 2 is the surface opposite to the surface 2a. The back surface 3b of the second substrate 3 is the surface opposite to the surface 3a. The first substrate 2 is provided with a first terminal 201. The second substrate 3 is provided with a second terminal 202. The second substrate 3 overlaps the first substrate 2. The first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202 together are referred to as the connection terminal 200.

[0017] Furthermore, a conductive member 500 extends vertically (Z-direction) from the side (Y-direction end) of the panel unit 110. The conductive member 500 is formed by applying a paste containing a conductive material such as silver (Ag) or carbon (C), and then curing it.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, a sealing member 650 is provided on the outside of the seal 41. The sealing member 650 has a first surface 650a, a second surface 650b, a third surface 650c, and a fourth surface 650d. The first surface 650a is positioned, for example, below the second terminal 202. Specifically, when viewed from the Z direction, for example, the first surface 650a overlaps with the second terminal 202. The second surface 650b is positioned, for example, above the first terminal 201. Specifically, when viewed from the Z direction, for example, the second surface 650b overlaps with the first terminal 201. The third surface 650c, for example, in the first embodiment, abuts against the outer surface of the seal 41, but may be spaced away from the outer surface of the seal 41. The fourth surface 650d has a concave surface 650e that is recessed toward the center of the panel unit 110 when viewed from the Z direction. In Figure 3, the concave surface 650e has an arc-shaped cross-section that is recessed towards the Y1 side.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3, the conductive member 500 comprises a main body portion 510 and an insertion portion 520. The main body portion 510 extends in a connected direction in the Z direction. The insertion portion 520 protrudes inward from the main body portion 510 in the Y direction. Specifically, the insertion portion 520 is inserted between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 in each dimming panel 1 and is electrically connected to the connection terminal 200. The insertion portion 520 comprises a first surface 520a, a second surface 520b, and a third surface 520c. The first surface 520a extends along the lower surface of the second terminal 202. The second surface 520b extends along the upper surface of the first terminal 201. The third surface 520c is a convex surface that abuts against the concave surface 650e. In other words, the third surface 520c is also the tip 520d in Figure 3, which has an arc-shaped cross-section that is convex towards the Y1 side. Therefore, the tip 520d of the insertion portion 520 comes into contact with the sealing member 650.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the Z1-side end and the Z2-side end of the conductive member 500 are bent portions 530. For example, a terminal 200A is provided on the lower surface of the first substrate 2 of the dimming panel 1D located at the lowest position, and an external connection wiring 43 is electrically connected to the terminal 200A.

[0021] Figure 4 is a plan view of the first substrate in the first and second dimming panels from the top shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a plan view of the second substrate in the first and second dimming panels from the top shown in Figure 2. Figure 6 is a plan view of the first substrate in the third and fourth dimming panels from the top shown in Figure 2. Figure 7 is a plan view of the second substrate in the third and fourth dimming panels from the top shown in Figure 2.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, the first substrate 2 of dimming panel 1A and dimming panel 1B includes first terminals 210, 220, 230, and 240, and liquid crystal driving electrodes 250. The first side 21 is located on the Y1 side. The second side 22 is located on the Y2 side. The third side 23 is located on the X1 side. The fourth side 24 is located on the X2 side.

[0023] The first terminal 210 is provided on the second side 22. The end 211 of the first terminal 210 is connected to the wiring 252. The first terminal 220 has straight sections 222, 223, 224, and 225. The straight section 222 extends from the second side 22 to the end 226. The straight section 223 extends from the end 226 to the end 227. The straight section 224 extends from the end 227 to the end 228. The straight section 225 extends from the end 228 to the end 229. The end 229 is connected to the wiring 251. The liquid crystal driving electrode 250 is connected to the wiring 251 and the wiring 252.

[0024] The first terminal 230 is provided on the second side 22. The first terminal 230 is located X2 side more than the first terminal 210. The first terminal 240 is provided on the second side 22. The first terminal 240 is located X1 side more than the straight section 222.

[0025] On the second side 22 of the first substrate 2, the first terminal 230, the first terminal 210, the straight portion 222 of the first terminal 220, and the first terminal 240 are arranged in order from the X2 side to the X1 side.

[0026] As shown in Figure 5, the second substrate 3 of dimming panel 1A and dimming panel 1B includes second terminals 310, 320, 330, and 340, and liquid crystal driving electrodes 350. The first side 31 of the second substrate 3 is located on the Y1 side. The second side 32 is located on the Y2 side. The third side 33 is located on the X1 side. The fourth side 34 is located on the X2 side.

[0027] The first side 31 is located on the Y1 side. The second side 32 is located on the Y2 side. The third side 33 is located on the X1 side. The fourth side 34 is located on the X2 side. The second terminals 310 and 320 are provided on the second side 32. The second terminal 310 is positioned closer to X2 than the second terminal 320.

[0028] The second terminal 330 has straight sections 332, 333, and 334. Straight section 332 extends along the second side 32. Straight section 333 extends along the fourth side 34. Straight section 334 has an end 331, which is connected to the wiring 352.

[0029] The second terminal 340 has straight sections 342, 343, and 344. Straight section 342 extends along the second side 32. Straight section 343 extends along the third side 33. Straight section 344 has an end 341, which is connected to wiring 351. The liquid crystal driving electrode 350 is connected to wiring 351 and wiring 352.

[0030] Next, dimming panels 1C and 1D will be described. In dimming panels 1C and 1D, the terminals, wiring, and liquid crystal drive electrodes of the first substrate coincide with the positions of the terminals, wiring, and liquid crystal drive electrodes of the second substrate in dimming panels 1A and 1B, respectively, when viewed from above. That is, the positions of the terminals, wiring, and liquid crystal drive electrodes are the same for the first substrate 2A shown in Figure 6 and the second substrate 3 shown in Figure 5. Similarly, the positions of the terminals, wiring, and liquid crystal drive electrodes are the same for the second substrate 3A shown in Figure 7 and the first substrate 2 shown in Figure 4. A more detailed explanation follows.

[0031] As shown in Figure 6, the first substrate 2A of dimming panel 1C and dimming panel 1D includes first terminals 210A, 220A, 230A, and 240A, and liquid crystal driving electrode 250A. The first side 21 is located on the Y1 side. The second side 22 is located on the Y2 side. The third side 23 is located on the X1 side. The fourth side 24 is located on the X2 side.

[0032] The first terminal 210A has straight sections 212A, 213A, and 214A. Straight section 212A extends along the second side 22. Straight section 213A extends along the fourth side 24. Straight section 214A has an end 211A, which is connected to wiring 251A.

[0033] The first terminal 220A has straight sections 222A, 223A, and 224A. Straight section 222A extends along the second side 22. Straight section 223A extends along the third side 23. Straight section 224A has an end 221A, which is connected to wiring 252A.

[0034] The first terminals 230A and 240A are located on the second side 22. The first terminal 230A is located closer to X2 than the first terminal 240A. Wires 251A and 252A are connected to the liquid crystal drive electrode 250A.

[0035] As shown in Figure 7, the second substrate 3A of dimming panel 1C and dimming panel 1D includes second terminals 310A, 320A, 330A, and 340A, and a liquid crystal driving electrode 350A. Second terminals 310A and 320A are provided on the second side 32. Second terminal 310A is located on the X2 side of second terminal 320A. Second terminal 330A is provided on the second side 32. Second terminal 330A is connected to wiring 352A.

[0036] The second terminal 340A has straight sections 342A, 343A, 344A, and 345A. Straight section 342A is provided on the second side 32. Straight section 343A extends from the tip of straight section 342A toward the X1 side. Straight section 344A extends along the third side 33. Straight section 345A extends in the X direction, and its end 341A is connected to wiring 351A. Wires 351A and 352A are connected to the liquid crystal drive electrode 350A.

[0037] (Manufacturing method for dimming devices) Next, a method for manufacturing a dimming device will be described. Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a panel unit. Figure 9 is a schematic enlarged view of a part of the top surface of the panel unit in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the panel unit with an ultraviolet shielding member and an ultraviolet curing resin provided on its side surface. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the ultraviolet curing resin being irradiated with ultraviolet light from the Y direction. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the ultraviolet curing resin and ultraviolet shielding member being removed from the panel unit. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a dimming device completed by the method according to the first embodiment.

[0038] First, let's describe the first portion 120 of the panel unit 110. As shown in Figure 8, the first portion 120 is the Y2-side end (Y-direction end) of the panel unit 110 that overlaps with the connection terminal 200 when viewed from the Z direction (top). The second substrate 3 of the dimming panel 1A (see Figure 5) is located at the uppermost part of the panel unit 110, and the first substrate 2 of the dimming panel 1A (see Figure 4) is located below the second substrate 3 of the dimming panel 1A. Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, the straight portion 222 of the first terminal 220 on the first substrate 2 in Figure 4 overlaps below the second terminal 320 on the second substrate 3 in Figure 5. Thus, in this specification, the first portion 120 is defined as the portion that overlaps with the first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202 when viewed from above. In other words, as shown in Figure 8, the first portion 120 has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped extending in the Z direction. In Figure 9, the first part 120 is shown with hatching. Specifically, the first part 120 has first parts 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D. As shown in Figure 8, the first parts 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D are arranged in this order from the X1 side to the X2 side.

[0039] A method for manufacturing a dimming device according to the first embodiment includes a first step, a second step, a third step, and a fourth step.

[0040] The first step is to provide the ultraviolet-curing resin 600 and the ultraviolet shielding member 700 to the first portion 120. Specifically, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the ultraviolet shielding member 700 is bonded to the Y2-side sides 2c and 3c of the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3. In other words, the ultraviolet shielding member 700 is bonded to the portion other than the area between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 in the Z direction. To put it another way, when the panel unit 110 is viewed from the Y direction, the ultraviolet shielding member 700 that overlaps the Y2-side sides 2c and 3c of the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 is bonded to the Y2-side side of the panel unit 110. The ultraviolet shielding member 700 is, for example, a sheet-like member whose ultraviolet UV shielding rate is equal to or greater than a first shielding rate. The first shielding rate is preferably, for example, 90% or more.

[0041] In the first step, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, a paste-like ultraviolet-curing resin 600 is applied to the first portion 120 along the Z direction, and an insertion resin portion 620, which is part of the ultraviolet-curing resin 600, is inserted between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 in each dimming panel 1. The ultraviolet-curing resin 600 has a main body portion 610 and an insertion resin portion 620. The main body portion 610 is applied on top of the ultraviolet shielding member 700. The insertion resin portion 620 protrudes toward the Y1 side and is inserted between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3, and the insertion resin portion 620 comes into contact with the first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202.

[0042] The second step, after the first step, involves irradiating the UV-curable resin 600 with ultraviolet light from the Y direction to cure the UV-curable resin 600. As shown in Figure 11, by irradiating the UV-curable resin 600 with ultraviolet light from the Y2 side, the entire UV-curable resin 600, including the inserted resin portion 620, is cured.

[0043] The third step is to remove the ultraviolet curing resin 600 and the ultraviolet shielding member 700 from the panel unit 110 after the second step, leaving a portion of the tip end of the insertion resin portion 620 as a sealing member 650. As shown by the dashed line in Figure 11, a separation boundary 621 is formed in the insertion resin portion 620. The separation boundary 621 is, for example, an arc shape that is convex towards Y1. After irradiation with ultraviolet UV, a difference in hardness occurs between the remaining portion 622 and the insertion resin body 623. Therefore, as shown in Figure 12, when the ultraviolet curing resin 600 and the ultraviolet shielding member 700 are removed from the panel unit 110 toward the Y2 side as indicated by the arrow, a crack forms in the insertion resin portion 620 between the remaining portion 622 and the insertion resin body 623 at the separation boundary 621, and the remaining portion 622 and the insertion resin body 623 separate. Therefore, the remaining portion 622 remains in the panel unit 110 and becomes the sealing member 650.

[0044] In the fourth step, after the third step, the conductive member 500 is provided on the first portion 120 of the panel unit 110 along the Z direction, and the tip 520d of the insertion portion 520, which is part of the conductive member 500, is brought into contact with the sealing member 650 between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 of each dimming panel 1, and the insertion portion 520 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 200. As shown in Figure 13, the conductive member 500 has a main body portion 510 and an insertion portion 520. Since the conductive member 500 is in paste form, the tip 520d of the insertion portion 520 is pressed against the concave surface 650e of the sealing member 650 and takes on a shape that conforms to the concave surface 650e. When the paste-like conductive member 500 hardens, it becomes the dimming device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0045] [Differentiation] Next, a modified version of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 14 is a diagram showing a modified version of the first embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the ultraviolet curing resin from the Y direction. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the ultraviolet curing resin and the ultraviolet shielding member are removed from the panel unit. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a dimming device completed by the manufacturing method according to the modified version of the first embodiment.

[0046] The manufacturing method of the modified dimming device differs from that of the first embodiment in the position of the ultraviolet shielding member 700 relative to the ultraviolet curing resin 600. The differences from the first embodiment will be briefly explained below.

[0047] In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the ultraviolet shielding member 700 is bonded to the Y2-side sides 2c and 3c of the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3, and the ultraviolet curing resin 600 is applied to the Y2 side of the ultraviolet shielding member 700. In contrast, in the modified embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, the ultraviolet curing resin 600 is applied to the Y2-side sides 2c and 3c of the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3, and the ultraviolet shielding member 700 is provided on the Y2 side of the ultraviolet curing resin 600. Thus, the positions of the ultraviolet shielding member 700 and the ultraviolet curing resin 600 are reversed between the first embodiment and the modified embodiment.

[0048] (Manufacturing method for dimming devices) The following briefly describes a method for manufacturing a modified dimming device. The method for manufacturing a modified dimming device includes a first step, a second step, a third step, and a fourth step, similar to the first embodiment.

[0049] In the first step, as shown in Figure 14, a paste-like ultraviolet-curing resin 600 is applied along the Z direction to the Y2 side surfaces 2c and 3c of the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3, and an insertion resin portion 620, which is part of the ultraviolet-curing resin 600, is inserted between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 in each dimming panel 1.

[0050] Furthermore, when the panel unit 110 is viewed from the Y direction, the ultraviolet shielding member 700 that superimposes on the Y2 side surfaces 2c and 3c of the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 is provided on the Y2 side of the ultraviolet curing resin 600.

[0051] In the second step, as shown in Figure 14, the entire UV-curable resin 600, including the inserted resin portion 620, is cured by irradiating the UV-curable resin 600 with ultraviolet light from the Y2 side.

[0052] In the third step, as shown in Figure 15, when the UV-curing resin 600 and UV-shielding member 700 are removed from the panel unit 110 toward the Y2 side as indicated by the arrow, the inserted resin portion 620 separates into the remaining portion 622 and the inserted resin body 623 at the separation boundary 621. Therefore, the remaining portion 622 remains in the panel unit 110 and becomes the sealing member 650.

[0053] In the fourth step, as shown in Figure 16, the conductive member 500 is provided along the Z direction on the first portion 120 of the panel unit 110, and the tip 520d of the insertion portion 520, which is part of the conductive member 500, is brought into contact with the sealing member 650 between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 of each dimming panel 1, and the insertion portion 520 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 200.

[0054] As described above, the dimming device 100 of the first embodiment comprises a panel unit 110 in which a plurality of dimming panels 1, each having a first substrate 2 having a first terminal 201 and a second substrate 3 superimposed on the first substrate 2 and having a second terminal 202, are stacked in the Z direction (first direction); a conductive member 500 provided at the end of the panel unit 110 in the Y direction (second direction) intersecting the Z direction and extending in the Z direction; and a sealing member 650 located between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 of each dimming panel 1, and arranged superimposed on a connecting terminal 200 including the first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202 when viewed from the Z direction. The conductive member 500 has a main body portion 510 that extends in the Z direction, and an insertion portion 520 that protrudes from the main body portion 510 in the Y direction, is inserted between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 in each dimming panel 1, and is electrically connected to the connection terminal 200, with the tip 520d of the insertion portion 520 in contact with the sealing member 650.

[0055] As mentioned above, in Patent Document 1, one external connection wire is connected to each of the terminals of the first substrate and the second substrate in a single dimming panel, resulting in a large number of external connection wires used for the entire dimming device. However, in this embodiment and its modified form, only one external connection wire needs to be connected to each conductive member 500, for a total of four wires, thus reducing the number of external connection wires.

[0056] Furthermore, if the sealing member 650 is not provided, the insertion portion 520 penetrates too far into the space between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 in each dimming panel 1, increasing the length of the insertion portion 520. In this case, there is a possibility that a portion of the insertion portion 520 may break.

[0057] In contrast, in this embodiment and its modified form, a sealing member 650 is provided between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 in each dimming panel 1, and the tip 520d of the insertion portion 520 of the conductive member 500 abuts against the sealing member 650. Therefore, the insertion portion 520 does not penetrate too far into the space between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3, preventing the insertion portion 520 from becoming too long. As a result, breakage of the middle portion of the insertion portion 520 is suppressed, and the electrical connectivity between the conductive member 500 and the terminal can be improved.

[0058] The manufacturing method of the dimming device is as follows: first step, an ultraviolet curing resin 600 and an ultraviolet shielding member 700 superimposed on the first substrate 2 and second substrate 3 when viewed from the Y direction are provided on the first part 120 along the Z direction, and an insertion resin part 620 which is a part of the ultraviolet curing resin 600 is inserted between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 in each dimming panel 1; second step, after the first step, ultraviolet UV is irradiated onto the ultraviolet curing resin 600 from the Y direction to cure the ultraviolet curing resin 600; and after the second step, the insertion resin part 620 The third step is to remove the ultraviolet curing resin 600 and the ultraviolet shielding member 700 from the panel unit 110 while leaving a portion of the tip side as a sealing member 650, and the fourth step is to, after the third step, to provide the conductive member 500 on the first portion 120 of the panel unit 110 along the Z direction, and to bring the tip 520d of the insertion portion 520, which is a part of the conductive member 500, into contact with the sealing member 650 between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 of each dimming panel 1, and to electrically connect the insertion portion 520 to the connection terminal 200.

[0059] In this way, by providing a sealing member 650 between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 in each dimming panel 1, the insertion portion 520 does not penetrate too far and the length of the insertion portion 520 does not become excessively long.

[0060] Furthermore, the sealing member 650 can be formed by inserting an insertion resin portion 620, which is part of the ultraviolet curing resin 600, between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3, and irradiating the ultraviolet curing resin 600 with ultraviolet UV light from the Y direction. The sealing member 650 can be formed by such a simple method.

[0061] [Second Embodiment] Next, a method for manufacturing a dimming device according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the state in which ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the panel unit from the Z direction in the second embodiment. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the panel unit provided with an ultraviolet curing resin and an ultraviolet shielding member. Figure 19 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 18. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the ultraviolet curing resin is removed from the panel unit. Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the dimming device completed by the manufacturing method according to the second embodiment.

[0062] In the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 17, the ultraviolet shielding member 700A is bonded to the upper surface (end face on the Z1 side) of the panel unit 110, and the ultraviolet curing resin 600 is applied to the first portion 120. Thus, the positions of the ultraviolet shielding member 700A and the ultraviolet curing resin 600 differ between the first and second embodiments. The ultraviolet shielding member 700A is a sheet-like member whose ultraviolet UV shielding rate is equal to or greater than a first shielding rate.

[0063] (Manufacturing method for dimming devices) The manufacturing method of the dimming device according to the second embodiment will be briefly described below. The manufacturing method of the dimming device according to the second embodiment includes a first step, a second step, a third step, and a fourth step, similar to the first embodiment.

[0064] In the first step, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, the ultraviolet shielding member 700A is bonded to the upper surface (Z1 side end face) of the panel unit 110. The ultraviolet shielding member 700A shields the portion other than the first portion 120. In this way, the ultraviolet shielding member 700A is provided at the Z-side end of the panel unit 110 in a state where it does not overlap with the first portion 120 when viewed from the Z direction. In addition, a paste-like ultraviolet curing resin 600 is applied along the Z direction to the Y2 side surfaces 2c and 3c of the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3, and as shown in Figure 19, an insertion resin portion 620, which is a part of the ultraviolet curing resin 600, is inserted between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 in each dimming panel 1.

[0065] In the second step, as shown in Figure 17, ultraviolet UV light is irradiated onto the ultraviolet curing resin 600 from the Z1 side to cure the ultraviolet curing resin 600. The ultraviolet shielding member 700A shields the portion other than the first portion 120, so ultraviolet UV light is irradiated onto the first portion 120 from the Z1 side. In other words, the direction in which ultraviolet UV light is irradiated onto the panel unit 110 is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0066] In the third step, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, the ultraviolet curing resin 600 is removed from the panel unit 110 while leaving a portion of the tip side of the insertion resin portion 620 as a sealing member 650.

[0067] In the fourth step, as shown in Figure 21, the conductive member 500 is provided on the first portion 120 of the panel unit 110 along the Z direction, and the tip 520d of the insertion portion 520, which is part of the conductive member 500, is brought into contact with the sealing member 650 between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 of each dimming panel 1, and the insertion portion 520 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 200.

[0068] As described above, the manufacturing method of the dimming device according to the second embodiment includes: providing an ultraviolet shielding member 700A at the Z-direction end of the panel unit 110 in a portion that does not overlap with the first portion 120 when viewed from the Z-direction; providing an ultraviolet curing resin 600 along the Z-direction with respect to the first portion 120 of the panel unit 110; inserting an insertion resin portion 620, which is a part of the ultraviolet curing resin 600, between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 of each dimming panel 1; and, after the first step, curing the ultraviolet curing resin 600 by irradiating it with ultraviolet UV from the Z-direction. The process includes a second step of performing the following steps: a third step of removing the ultraviolet curing resin 600 from the panel unit 110 after the second step, leaving a portion of the tip side of the insertion resin portion 620 as a sealing member 650; and a fourth step of providing the conductive member 500 along the Z direction on the first portion 120 of the panel unit 110 after the third step, bringing the tip 520d of the insertion portion 520, which is a part of the conductive member 500, into contact with the sealing member 650 between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 of each dimming panel 1, and electrically connecting the insertion portion 520 to the first terminal 201 and the second terminal 202.

[0069] In the first embodiment, ultraviolet UV light is irradiated onto the ultraviolet curing resin 600 from the Y direction. Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, ultraviolet UV light is irradiated onto the main body portion 610 of the ultraviolet curing resin 600 from the Y2 side. The insertion resin portion 620 is located on the Y1 side relative to the main body portion 610. That is, the insertion resin portion 620 is located on the opposite side of the main body portion 610 from the side to which ultraviolet UV light is irradiated.

[0070] In contrast, in the second embodiment, an ultraviolet shielding member 700A is provided at the Z-direction end of the panel unit 110, and ultraviolet UV light is irradiated onto the ultraviolet curing resin 600 from the Z-direction. That is, ultraviolet UV light is irradiated directly onto the insertion resin portion 620 from above. Therefore, the insertion resin portion 620 can be cured more hard, making it easier to form the sealing member 650.

[0071] [Third Embodiment] Next, a method for manufacturing a dimming device according to the third embodiment will be described. Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of a panel unit provided with an ultraviolet curing resin and an ultraviolet shielding member in the third embodiment. Figure 23 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 22. Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view showing the ultraviolet curing resin with the portion outside the ultraviolet shielding member in the Y direction removed. Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the side surface of the panel unit in Figure 24 being irradiated with ultraviolet light from the Y direction. Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view showing the side surface of the panel unit provided with a conductive member.

[0072] The manufacturing method of the dimming device according to the third embodiment includes a first step, a second step, a third step, a fourth step, and a fifth step. The differences from the first and second embodiments described above will be explained in detail.

[0073] (Manufacturing method for dimming devices) In the first step, as in the first embodiment, ultraviolet shielding members 700 are provided on the Y-direction end faces of the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3, as shown in Figures 22 and 23.

[0074] In the second step, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, an ultraviolet-curing resin 600 is provided on the ultraviolet-shielding member 700, and an insertion resin portion 620, which is part of the ultraviolet-curing resin 600, is inserted between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 in each dimming panel 1.

[0075] In the third step, as shown in Figure 24, the portion of the UV-curing resin 600 that is on the Y2 side (outer portion in the Y direction) of the UV-shielding member 700 is removed. As a result, the UV-curing resin 600 is inserted only in the portion of the dimming panel 1 between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3.

[0076] In the fourth step, as shown in Figure 25, ultraviolet UV light is irradiated onto the ultraviolet-curable resin 600 from the Y2 side to cure the surface layer 622Aa on the Y2 side of the inserted resin portion 620. In the third embodiment, the ultraviolet UV intensity is set lower than in the first embodiment. As a result, in the first embodiment, the entire inserted resin portion 620 is cured, but in the third embodiment, because the ultraviolet intensity is lower than in the first embodiment, only the surface layer 622Aa of the inserted resin portion 620 can be cured.

[0077] In the fifth step, as shown in Figure 26, the conductive member 500 is provided along the Z direction at the Y direction end of the panel unit 110. At this time, a portion of the conductive member 500 is inserted between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 of each dimming panel 1, and the tip 520d of the inserted portion, the insertion part 520, is pressed against the surface layer 622Aa of the insertion resin part 620. This causes the insertion resin part 620 to be recessed, and the insertion resin part 620 can be formed into the sealing member 650.

[0078] As described above, the manufacturing method of the dimming device according to the third embodiment is as follows: first step, an ultraviolet curing resin 600 and an ultraviolet shielding member 700 superimposed on the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 when viewed from the Y direction are provided on the first portion 120 along the Z direction, and an insertion resin portion 620 which is a part of the ultraviolet curing resin 600 is inserted between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 of each dimming panel 1; second step, after the first step, an ultraviolet curing resin 600 is provided on the ultraviolet shielding member 700, and an insertion resin portion 620 which is a part of the ultraviolet curing resin 600 is inserted between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 of each dimming panel 1; and after the second step, the ultraviolet shielding member 700 of the ultraviolet curing resin 600 The method includes a third step of removing the outer portion in the Y direction, a fourth step of irradiating the UV-curing resin 600 with ultraviolet light from the Y direction after the third step to cure the outer surface layer 622Aa in the Y direction of the insertion resin portion 620, and a fifth step of providing the conductive member 500 along the Z direction at the Y-direction end of the panel unit 110, inserting a part of the conductive member 500 between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 of each dimming panel 1, and pressing the tip 520d of the inserted portion, the insertion portion 520, against the surface layer 622Aa of the remaining portion 622A of the insertion resin portion 620 to indent the remaining portion 622A, thereby forming the remaining portion 622A into the sealing member 650.

[0079] Thus, in the manufacturing method of the dimming device according to the third embodiment, the outer surface layer 622Aa in the Y direction of the insertion resin part 620 is hardened, and the tip 520d of the insertion part 520 is pressed against the surface layer 622Aa of the remaining part 622A to indent the insertion resin part 620, thereby forming the remaining part 622A into a sealing member 650.

[0080] In the first and second embodiments, a portion of the tip end of the insertion resin portion 620 is broken to form the sealing member 650, which can lead to variations in the location of the break in the insertion resin portion 620 and thus variations in the size of the sealing member 650. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the tip 520d of the insertion portion 520 is pressed against the remaining portion 622A of the insertion resin portion 620 without breaking the insertion resin portion 620, thereby reducing the likelihood of variations in the size of the sealing member 650. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D Dimming Panel 2. First substrate 2a surface 2b Back side 2c side 3. Second board 3a surface 3b back side 3c side 4. Liquid crystal layer 41 stickers 42 Translucent adhesive 43 External connection wiring 100 dimmers 110 Panel Unit 120 Part 1 120A 1st part 120B Part 1 120C 1st part 120D 1st part 200 connection terminals 201 Terminal 1 (connection terminal) 202 Second terminal (connection terminal) 210, 210A, 220, 220A, 230, 230A, 240, 240A Terminal 1 250, 250A LCD driving electrodes 310, 310A, 320, 320A, 330, 330A, 340, 340A Second terminal 350, 350A LCD driving electrodes 500 Conductive material 510 Main Unit 520 Insertion section 520a Page 1 520b 2nd side 520c 3rd page 520d tip 530 Bending section 600 UV curing resin 610 Main Unit 620 Insertion resin part 621 Separation Boundary 622, 622A remaining part (sealing member) 622Aa Surface layer 623 Insertion resin body 650 Sealing member 650a Page 1 650b 2nd side 650c 3rd side 650d, Page 4 650e concave 700, 700A UV shielding material UV ultraviolet light

Claims

[Claim 1] A dimming panel comprising a panel unit in which a plurality of dimming panels are stacked in a first direction, each having a first substrate having a first terminal and a second substrate superimposed on the first substrate and having a second terminal; a conductive member provided at the end of the panel unit in a second direction intersecting the first direction and extending in the first direction; and a sealing member located between the first substrate and the second substrate in each of the dimming panels, and positioned superimposed on a connecting terminal including the first terminal and the second terminal when viewed from the first direction, wherein the conductive member has a main body portion extending in the first direction and an insertion portion protruding from the main body portion in the second direction, inserted between the first substrate and the second substrate in each of the dimming panels, and electrically connected to the connecting terminal, and the tip of the insertion portion abuts against the sealing member to form a dimming device. It is manufactured using an ultraviolet shielding material having an ultraviolet shielding rate of 1 or higher, and an ultraviolet curing resin that hardens upon irradiation with ultraviolet light. A method for manufacturing a dimming device, If, among the ends of the panel unit in the second direction, the portion that overlaps with the connecting terminal when viewed from the first direction is defined as the first portion, When viewed from the first direction, the ultraviolet shielding member is provided at the end of the panel unit in the first direction in a state where it does not overlap with the first portion. The first step involves providing an ultraviolet-curing resin to the first portion of the panel unit along the first direction, and inserting an insertion resin portion, which is a part of the ultraviolet-curing resin, between the first substrate and the second substrate in each of the dimming panels. A second step is performed after the first step, in which ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the ultraviolet curing resin from a first direction to cure the ultraviolet curing resin, A third step is to remove the ultraviolet-curing resin from the panel unit while leaving a portion of the tip end of the insertion resin portion as the sealing member, The third step is followed by a fourth step of providing the conductive member to the first portion of the panel unit, bringing the tip of the insertion portion, which is part of the conductive member, into contact with the sealing member between the first substrate and the second substrate of each dimming panel, and electrically connecting the insertion portion to the first terminal and the second terminal. A method for manufacturing a dimmer.

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