JP6839515B2 - Plate-like structure with dimming function - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a plate-like structure with a dimming function.

A technology has been proposed in which a light control plate using a liquid crystal film is built in to instantly switch the glass plate between transparent and opaque when the power is turned on and off. The dimmer has a structure in which a liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between films in which transparent electrodes are vapor-deposited or sputtered.

A transparent electrode is exposed on the side surface of such a light control plate in the manufacturing process. Therefore, for example, in Patent Document 1, after the light control plate is sandwiched between glass plates, a protector is attached to the outer peripheral portion (side surface) of the plate-like structure.

Japanese Patent No. 2622009

An object of the present invention is to provide a plate-shaped structure with a dimming function capable of protecting the electrodes of the dimming plate without providing an external member on the side surface of the plate-shaped structure having a built-in dimming plate. ..

According to one aspect of the present invention, an adhesive member provided between a pair of transparent plates and extending along the edge of the transparent plates, and a region inside the adhesive member between the pair of transparent plates. A plate-like structure with a dimming function provided with a dimming plate provided in the above, wherein the dimming plate is a pair of transparent films and a pair of transparent films provided between the pair of transparent films. A laminated sheet having an electrode and a liquid crystal layer provided between the pair of transparent electrodes, and an end of the transparent film, an end of the transparent electrode, and an end of the liquid crystal layer provided on the side surface of the laminated sheet. An insulating protective film covering the above, a first electric cable connected to one of the pair of transparent electrodes, and a second electric cable connected to the other transparent electrode of the pair of transparent electrodes. The laminated sheet includes a cable, and the laminated sheet is covered with a dimming region in which the pair of transparent films, the pair of transparent electrodes, and the liquid crystal layer are overlapped, and the liquid crystal layer in the one transparent electrode. A first connection portion provided in a non-existent portion to which the first electric cable is connected and a portion of the other transparent electrode not covered with the liquid crystal layer and to which the second electric cable is connected. It has two connecting portions, and the end of the dimming region, the first connecting portion, and the second connecting portion are located inside the ends of the pair of transparent plates, and the first electric cable has two connecting portions. A part of the second electric cable is housed between the outer peripheral portions of the pair of transparent plates on the outside of the first connection portion, and a part of the second electric cable is on the outside of the second connection portion of the pair of transparent plates. With a dimming function, which is housed between the outer peripheral portions, a part of the end side of the dimmer plate other than the end where the first connection portion and the second connection portion are arranged is sandwiched between the adhesive members. A plate-like structure is provided.
Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, the sealing resin is the first connection portion, the second connection portion, the part of the first electric cable, and the part of the second electric cable. Is airtightly sealed. This makes it possible to provide a plate-like structure with a dimming function having excellent environmental resistance such as water resistance and moisture resistance.

According to the plate-shaped structure with a dimming function of the present invention, high reliability can be provided for use around water or in a high humidity environment. In addition, there are no protrusions other than the electric cable, and it can be installed and installed in the same way as existing laminated glass.

The plan view of the plate-like structure with a dimming function of an embodiment. (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA'in FIG. 1, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB'in FIG. Schematic cross-sectional view of the light control plate of the embodiment. The plan view of the laminated sheet excluding the electric cable in the dimmer of the embodiment. (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC'in FIG. 4, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD' in FIG. The plan view of the dimmer of the embodiment. The flowchart of the manufacturing method of the plate-like structure with a dimming function of an embodiment. The schematic plan view which shows the electric connection method of an electric cable and a transparent electrode in an embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

As used herein, "transparent" means having at least transparency to visible light. Further, "opaque" means that the light transmittance is relatively low with respect to "transparent". For example, in the case of "transparent", the transmittance for parallel rays having a wavelength of 650 nm is 70% or more, and in the case of "opaque", the transmittance for parallel rays having a wavelength of 650 nm is 1% or less.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the plate-shaped structure 10 with a dimming function of the embodiment.
FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA'in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B'in FIG.

The plate-like structure 10 of the embodiment has glass plates 11 and 12 as a pair of transparent plates and a dimming plate 20 provided between the glass plates 11 and 12. FIG. 1 is a plan view of one glass plate 11 side. The transparent plate may be a plastic plate.

As shown in FIG. 2A, a double-sided tape 61 having adhesive surfaces on both sides is provided as an adhesive member between the glass plates 11 and 12. The double-sided tape 61 attached to the back surface of one glass plate 11 and the double-sided tape 61 attached to the back surface of the other glass plate 12 are adhered to each other in the region outside the end of the dimmer plate 20. A pair of glass plates 11 and 12 are attached by the double-sided tape 61.

As shown in FIG. 1, the glass plate 11 is a quadrangular plate having four ends (edges, edges, or sides) 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d. The other glass plate 12 is also a quadrangular plate having four ends (edges, edges, or sides) 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d. Double-sided tape 61 extends along the three ends (three sides) 11a to 11c (12a to 12c) of the glass plate 11 (12) in the region immediately inside the end of the glass plate 11 (12). There is.

The dimmer plate 20 is provided in the inner region of the double-sided tape 61. A part of the end side of the dimmer plate 20 may be sandwiched between the double-sided tape 61 as shown in FIG. 2A. Alternatively, the dimmer plate 20 does not have to overlap the double-sided tape 61. In any case, the end of the light control plate 20 is located inside the ends 11a to 11d (12a to 12d) of the glass plate 11 (12) and is shielded from the external environment by the double-sided tape 61.

As shown in FIG. 1, one end (one side) 11d (12d) side of the glass plate 11 (12) is provided with accommodating portions for electric cables 81 and 82, which will be described later. The accommodating portions of the electric cables 81 and 82 are provided in the gap between the glass plates 11 and 12 secured by the spacer 62 shown in FIG. 2 (b).

The spacer 62 is, for example, a double-sided tape having the same thickness as the double-sided tape 61, and extends along the end 11d (12d) of the glass plate 11 (12) as shown in FIG.

Next, the dimmer plate 20 will be described.

FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the light control plate 20.

The light control plate 20 has a laminated sheet 21 in which a pair of transparent films 22 and 23, a pair of transparent electrodes 24 and 25, and a liquid crystal layer 26 are laminated. A pair of transparent electrodes 24 and 25 are provided between the pair of transparent films 22 and 23, and a liquid crystal layer 26 is provided between the pair of transparent electrodes 24 and 25.

The transparent films 22 and 23 are, for example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) resin films. For example, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) is formed on the transparent films 22 and 23 as transparent electrodes 24 and 25 by vapor deposition or sputtering.

The liquid crystal layer 26 has a PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) structure. The nematic liquid crystal droplets 27 are dispersed in a transparent polymer matrix 28. Rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules with electrical and optical properties are oriented along the interface in the droplet 27.

The pair of transparent electrodes 24, 25 are connected to the AC power supply 30 through an electric cable described later. When no electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer 26, as shown in FIG. 3A, the incident light is refracted on the surface or inside of the droplet 27 due to the difference in refractive index between the polymer and the liquid crystal and the birefringence of the liquid crystal. And scatter. As a result, the liquid crystal layer 26 becomes opaque such as milky white, light gray, or dark gray.

When an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer 26 through the transparent electrodes 24 and 25, as shown in FIG. 3B, the liquid crystals are arranged in parallel with the electric field in the long axis direction, so that the difference in refractive index between the liquid crystal and the polymer is large. The incident light goes straight and the liquid crystal layer 26 becomes transparent.

An insulating protective film 29 is formed on the side surface of the laminated sheet 21. The protective film 29 covers the edges of the transparent films 22 and 23, the edges of the transparent electrodes 24 and 25, and the edges of the liquid crystal layer 26. The protective film 29 contains, for example, fluorine or a fluorine compound, and is made of a material having excellent moisture resistance.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the laminated sheet 21 in the light control plate 20 excluding the electric cables 81 and 82.
5 (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC'in FIG. 4, and FIG. 5 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD' in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the dimmer plate 20 in a state where the electric cables 81 and 82 are connected to the laminated sheet 21 shown in FIG.

The laminated sheet 21 has a dimming region 40 in which the pair of transparent films 22 and 23, the pair of transparent electrodes 24 and 25, and the liquid crystal layer 26 are laminated as described above. The laminated sheet 21 further has a first connecting portion 51 and a second connecting portion 52.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the first connecting portion 51 is provided in a portion of one of the transparent electrodes 25 that is not covered with the liquid crystal layer 26. As shown in FIG. 5B, the second connecting portion 52 is provided in a portion of the other transparent electrode 24 that is not covered with the liquid crystal layer 26.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first connecting portion 51 and the second connecting portion 52 are provided on one end (one side) side of the square laminated sheet 21 having four ends (edges, edges, or sides). There is. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the liquid crystal layer 26 is not provided on the one end side of the laminated sheet 21.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the first connecting portion 51 is provided on one of the transparent films 23 and the transparent electrodes 25 formed on the transparent film 23. The liquid crystal layer 26, the other transparent film 22, and the other transparent electrode 24 are not provided on the first connecting portion 51.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the second connecting portion 52 is provided on the other transparent film 22 and the transparent electrode 24 formed on the transparent film 22. The liquid crystal layer 26, one transparent film 23, and one transparent electrode 25 are not provided above the second connection portion 52 (lower in FIG. 5B).

A metal film (for example, a copper film) 53 is formed on the first connecting portion 51 and the second connecting portion 52. A metal foil (for example, copper foil) is attached to the surfaces of the transparent electrodes 24 and 25 to form a metal film 53. Alternatively, the metal film 53 may be formed on the surfaces of the transparent electrodes 24 and 25 by a vapor deposition method, a sputtering method, a plating method, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 4, a metal mesh (for example, a copper mesh) 54 is connected to the metal film 53. As shown in FIG. 6, the electric wires 83 of the electric cables 81 and 82 are soldered to the metal mesh 54, for example, and then the metal mesh 54 is folded inward or the electric wires 83 are wrapped with the metal mesh 54. As a result, the electric wires 83 of the electric cables 81 and 82 are electrically connected to the transparent electrodes 24 and 25 via the metal mesh 54 and the metal film 53.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electric cables 81 and 82 are pulled out from the vicinity of the center of one end 11d (12d) of the glass plate 11 (12). The electric cables 81 and 82 are connected to the AC power supply 30 shown in FIG. The electric cables 81 and 82 may be pulled out from the long side of the glass plates 11 and 12 depending on the intended use.

One transparent electrode 25 is connected to the AC power supply 30 through a metal film 53, a metal mesh 54, and an electric cable 81. The other transparent electrode 24 is connected to the AC power supply 30 through the metal film 53, the metal mesh 54, and the electric cable 82.

As shown in FIG. 4, the dimming region 40 including the liquid crystal layer 26 occupies most of the region other than the first connection portion 51 and the second connection portion 52 in the laminated sheet 21. The end of the dimming region 40, the first connection portion 51, and the second connection portion 52 are located inside the ends of the pair of glass plates 11 and 12 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

A part of the electric cable 81 is housed in a gap between the outer peripheral portions of the glass plates 11 and 12 secured by the spacer 62 shown in FIG. 2B on the outside of the first connecting portion 51. A part of the other electric cable 82 is also housed in the gap between the outer peripheral portions of the glass plates 11 and 12 secured by the spacer 62 on the outside of the second connecting portion 52.

As shown in FIG. 2A, a transparent resin 71 is filled between the pair of glass plates 11 and 12 and the dimming plate 20. The transparent resin 71 is filled in a region surrounded by the adhesive member (double-sided tape) 61 shown by the broken line in FIG. 1 and the spacer (double-sided tape) 62. Alternatively, a space may be formed between the glass plates 11 and 12 and the dimming plate 20.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the sealing resin 72 is filled between the outer peripheral portions of the glass plates 11 and 12 outside the spacer 62. The sealing resin 72 is, for example, an ultraviolet curable resin or a transparent acrylic resin. The sealing resin 72 includes a first connection portion 51 in which the transparent electrode 25 and the metal film 53 shown in FIG. 5A are exposed, and a second connection portion in which the transparent electrode 24 and the metal film 53 shown in FIG. 5B are exposed. 52, a part of the electric cable 81 housed between the outer peripheral portions of the glass plates 11 and 12, and a part of the electric cable 82 are covered. Further, the sealing resin 72 closes the outlets of the electric cables 81 and 82. Since the sealing resin 72 can airtightly seal the entire connecting portions of the transparent electrodes 24 and 25 and the electric cables 81 and 82 connected to the transparent electrodes 24 and 25, the environment resistance is excellent in water resistance, moisture resistance, and the like. It is possible to provide a plate-like structure 10 having a property and having a dimming function.
The spacer 62 may have a width up to the end of the laminated sheet 21.

The plate-shaped structure 10 with a dimming function of the embodiment described above can be used for windows and walls of a building. Further, the plate-shaped structure 10 with a dimming function can be used as a partition for an indoor space or an outdoor space.

Here, as a comparative example, a structure in which a glass plate and a dimmer plate are cut to the same size, and a protector that protects a transparent electrode is attached as an external member to the outer peripheral portion of a plate-like structure obtained by combining them. Can be considered. The protector is required to be designed and strong in consideration of the outer dimensions and weight of the plate-like structure. In particular, as the glass size increases, the outer dimensions and weight of the protector also increase, which may lead to a decrease in handling and installation workability of the entire plate-like structure.

On the other hand, according to the embodiment, the outer dimension of the dimmer plate 20 is smaller than the outer dimension of the glass plates 11 and 12. Then, the dimmer plate 20 is provided between the glass plates 11 and 12 so that the end of the dimmer plate 20 is located inside the ends of the glass plates 11 and 12, and the region outside the end of the dimmer plate 20 is provided. The glass plates 11 and 12 are bonded together with the double-sided tape 61. Therefore, the side surface of the dimmer plate 20 is not exposed to the outside.
At this time, the outer peripheral portion of the double-sided tape 61 is reinforced with resin, or a little space (for example, several mm) is provided between the ends of the glass plates 11 and 12 and the dimming plate 20 and resin is filled and reinforced between the glass plates 11 and 12. It may be a structure that does.

Further, the side surfaces (edges of the transparent electrodes 24 and 25) of the light control plate 20 are covered with a protective film 29 having excellent insulation and moisture resistance, and are shielded from the outside by a double-sided tape 61. Further, the metal film 53, the first connecting portion 51, and the second connecting portion 52 may be similarly covered with a protective film. Such a structure enhances the moisture resistance of the light control plate 20 and prevents a short circuit between the pair of transparent electrodes 24 and 25. Therefore, the plate-shaped structure 10 of the embodiment can be used with high reliability in a bathroom, a kitchen, a poolside, or the like around water or in a high humidity environment.

According to the plate-shaped structure 10 with a dimming function of the embodiment, the dimming plate 20 can be provided with high moisture resistance without attaching an external member such as a protector to the outer peripheral portions of the glass plates 11 and 12. it can. Further, the spacer 62 secures a connecting portion and an accommodating portion of the electric cables 81 and 82 inside the ends 11d and 12d on one side of the glass plates 11 and 12, and the connecting portion and the accommodating portion are the glass plate 11. , It fits in the size of 12.

As described above, the plate-shaped structure 10 of the embodiment is a glass-sized plate-shaped structure having no protrusions (projections) exceeding the outer dimensions of the glass plates 11 and 12 on the outer periphery of the glass plates 11 and 12. Construction can be performed in consideration of the original load capacity and outer dimensions of the glass plates 11 and 12. This enhances the workability of transportation and construction. Furthermore, the storage space can be saved.

Further, by appropriately selecting the material of the transparent resin 71 filled between the glass plates 11 and 12 and the light control plate 20, the plate-like structure 10 has a security property that is hard to break even if it is hit, and even if it breaks. It can provide disaster prevention and soundproofing that are hard to scatter. Further, by including the ultraviolet ray or infrared ray blocking component in the transparent resin 71, it is possible to reduce the corrosion resistance and deterioration of furniture in the room, improve the cooling and heating efficiency, and save energy.
For example, in the glass plates 11 and 12, by applying an infrared ray prevention coating between the inner surface of the incident side glass plate such as sunlight and the transparent resin 71, the surface temperature of the plate-like structure 10 is prevented from rising, and an energy saving effect can be achieved. Obtainable.

Next, a method of manufacturing the plate-shaped structure 10 of the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7.

First, the pair of transparent films 22 and 23 shown in FIG. 3A, the pair of transparent electrodes 24 and 25, and the liquid crystal layer 26 are laminated to manufacture the laminated sheet 21 of the light control plate 20.

A protective film 29 is formed on the side surface of the laminated sheet 21. For example, a liquid protective film material (fluorine or a resin containing a fluorine compound) is impregnated in felt, sponge, or brush, and pressed against the side surface of the laminated sheet 21 for coating. Alternatively, the protective film material may be applied to the side surface of the laminated sheet 21 with a roller shape. Alternatively, the protective film material may be applied by spraying on the side surface of the laminated sheet 21.

When applying the protective film material to the side surface of the laminated sheet 21, the protective sheet attached to the two surfaces other than the side surface of the laminated sheet 21 is used as a masking sheet, so that the laminated sheet does not need to be newly attached. It is possible to prevent the protective film material from adhering to the surface of 21.

Further, a plurality of laminated sheets 21 are laminated with a spacer interposed therebetween, and for example, a quick-drying protective film material is applied to the side surface of the plurality of laminated sheets 21 by appropriately controlling the coating amount, so that the plurality of laminated sheets 21 are laminated. The protective film 29 can be easily formed on the side surface of the sheet 21. Since the protective film 29 can be applied to a plurality of laminated sheets 21 collectively on the same workbench, the efficiency is high.

After forming the protective film 29, the electric cables 81 and 82 are connected to the laminated sheet 21. Alternatively, after connecting the electric cables 81 and 82, the protective film 29 may be formed on the side surface of the laminated sheet 21.

8 (a) to 8 (c) are schematic plan views showing a connection method to one transparent electrode 25 of one electric cable 81. The other electric cable 82 is also connected to the other transparent electrode 24 in the same manner as the electric cable 81.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the exposed electric wire 83 from which the coating 84 at one end of the electric cable 81 is peeled off is soldered to a metal mesh (copper mesh) 54, for example.

Then, the metal mesh 54 is wound or folded so as to wrap the electric wire 83, and the electric cable 81 is arranged at the end of the transparent electrode 25 as shown in FIG. 8 (b).

Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, for example, a tape 91 bent in a U shape wraps the electric cable 81 and the metal mesh 54 and is adhesively fixed to the transparent electrode 25. At this time, after the electric wire 83 is electrically connected to the transparent electrodes 24 and 25 using solder or the like, a protective film is provided on the first connection portion 51, the second connection portion 52, and the metal film 53 or the like where the electrodes around the wires are exposed. The material may be applied.
Not limited to fixing the electric wire 83 and the coating 84 integrally to the transparent electrode 25 with one tape 91, fixing the electric wire 83 and the coating 84 to the transparent electrode 25 using different tapes ensures work strength. Will be done.

The light control plate 20 thus obtained is inserted between the pair of glass plates 11 and 12, and the glass plates 11 and 12 are attached with double-sided tapes 61 and 62. At this time, the transparent resin 71 is filled between the dimmer plate 20 and the glass plate 11 and between the dimmer plate 20 and the glass plate 12.

Further, the adhesive member for bonding the glass plates 11 and 12 is not limited to the double-sided tape, and a fluid adhesive may be formed by a coating method or a printing method.

Then, the sealing resin 72 is filled between the outer peripheral portions of the glass plates 11 and 12 on the one end (one side) 11d and 12c side of the glass plates 11 and 12 to which the electric cables 81 and 82 are connected and accommodated. The glass. For example, after closing the opening between the outer peripheral portions of the glass plates 11 and 12 on the one end (one side) 11d and 12c side with tape except for the resin supply port, a liquid resin is supplied from the resin supply port. Then the resin is photocured. After the resin is cured, the tape is peeled off. In this way, the cable (connection) accommodating portion between the outer peripheral portions on the side 11d and 12c of the glass plates 11 and 12 is hermetically sealed.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made based on the technical idea of the present invention.

By using a colored double-sided tape as the adhesive member 61 and the spacer 62, the design can be improved.

10 ... Plate-like structure, 11, 12 ... Glass plate, 20 ... Dimmer plate, 21 ... Laminated sheet, 22, 23 ... Transparent film, 24, 25 ... Transparent electrode, 26 ... Liquid crystal layer, 29 ... Protective film, 40 ... Dimming region, 51 ... 1st connection part, 52 ... 2nd connection part, 61 ... Adhesive member (double-sided tape), 62 ... Spacer (double-sided tape)

Claims (9)

A pair of transparent plates and
An adhesive member provided between the pair of transparent plates and extending along the edge of the transparent plates.
A dimming plate provided in the inner region of the adhesive member between the pair of transparent plates,
With
The dimmer is
A laminated sheet having a pair of transparent films, a pair of transparent electrodes provided between the pair of transparent films, and a liquid crystal layer provided between the pair of transparent electrodes.
An insulating protective film provided on the side surface of the laminated sheet and covering the edge of the transparent film, the edge of the transparent electrode, and the edge of the liquid crystal layer.
A first electric cable connected to one of the pair of transparent electrodes,
A second electric cable connected to the other transparent electrode of the pair of transparent electrodes,
Have,
The laminated sheet is
A dimming region in which the pair of transparent films, the pair of transparent electrodes, and the liquid crystal layer are overlapped,
A first connection portion provided in a portion of the one transparent electrode that is not covered with the liquid crystal layer and to which the first electric cable is connected.
A second connection portion provided in a portion of the other transparent electrode that is not covered with the liquid crystal layer and to which the second electric cable is connected.
Have,
The edge of the dimming region, the first connecting portion, and the second connecting portion are located inside the edges of the pair of transparent plates.
A part of the first electric cable is housed outside the first connection portion and between the outer peripheral portions of the pair of transparent plates.
A part of the second electric cable is housed outside the second connection portion between the outer peripheral portions of the pair of transparent plates .
A plate-like structure with a dimming function in which a part of the dimming plate on the end side other than the end where the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are arranged is sandwiched between the adhesive members. The plate-like structure with a dimming function according to claim 1, further comprising a transparent resin provided between the pair of transparent plates and the dimming plate. The part of the first electric cable and the part of the second electric cable are provided between the outer periphery of the pair of transparent plates on the outside of the first connection portion and the outside of the second connection portion. The plate-like structure with a dimming function according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a sealing resin covering the above. The third aspect of the present invention, wherein the sealing resin airtightly seals the first connection portion, the second connection portion, the part of the first electric cable, and the part of the second electric cable. Plate-like structure with dimming function. The plate-shaped structure with a dimming function according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the adhesive member is a double-sided tape. The plate-like structure with a dimming function according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transparent plate is a glass plate. The plate-like structure with a dimming function according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the protective film contains fluorine or a fluorine compound. A first spacer provided between the one transparent plate and the dimming plate in the vicinity of the first connecting portion, and
A second spacer provided between the other transparent plate and the dimming plate in the vicinity of the second connecting portion, and
The plate-like structure with a dimming function according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising. The plate-like structure with a dimming function according to claim 8, wherein the first spacer and the second spacer are double-sided tapes.

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