JP7380741B2 - Light control cell, light control panel, vehicle, and manufacturing method of light control panel - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a light control cell whose transmittance is variable depending on voltage application, a light control panel including the light control cell, a vehicle including the light control panel, and a method for manufacturing a light control panel.

As a light control panel that can adaptively change light transmittance, a light control panel equipped with a light control cell that can freely control light transmittance according to an applied voltage is attracting attention. A light control panel that utilizes the photo-orientation of liquid crystal molecules not only has excellent response performance, but also has a high degree of freedom in installation, and can be installed on a flat or curved surface in a desired space. Furthermore, since the light control cell can transmit light without changing the color, it also has excellent color harmony with other members installed around it.

Light control panels using such highly versatile light control cells are expected to be used in a variety of fields. For example, like the light control film disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to configure a light control panel that can be used even in an external environment by attaching a light control cell to a light-transmitting member such as a plate glass. A light control panel equipped with a light control cell and a light transmitting member can be used even in an external environment because the light control cell can be protected by the light transmitting member, and its application range is wide, for example, the amount of transmitted light can be freely controlled. It can also be suitably used as a light control window.

Patent No. 6024844

In the light control panel including the light control cell and light transmitting member described above, the light control cell needs to be joined to the light transmitting member in order to fix the light control cell to the light transmitting member. However, it is not easy to properly bond the light control cell, which requires the thickness of the liquid crystal layer to be uniform, to the light-transmitting member. In particular, when bonding a light control cell to a light-transmitting member, if uneven force is applied over the entire liquid crystal layer, or if large force is applied locally to the liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal layer may The thickness may become non-uniform, and a "liquid crystal pool" that is extremely thicker than other parts may occur locally.

In a liquid crystal reservoir portion that is several times thicker than a normal portion of the liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal does not function normally and desired dimming performance cannot be obtained. Therefore, if a liquid crystal pool occurs in the active area of the light control panel used to adjust the transmittance, the light control panel can no longer effectively perform its light control function.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and provides a liquid crystal cell that can effectively prevent the formation of a liquid crystal pool in an active area and stably exhibit a dimming function, and such a dimming cell. An object of the present invention is to provide a light control panel including a light control panel, a vehicle including such a light control cell or light control panel, and a method for manufacturing the light control panel.

The first dimming cell according to the invention comprises:
A dimming cell whose transmittance is variable according to voltage application,
a first substrate including a first resin base material;
a second substrate including a second resin base material;
a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate;
a sealing material located between the first substrate and the second substrate and circumferentially surrounding the liquid crystal layer;
A partial covering layer is provided so as to overlap an area of the liquid crystal layer other than at least a part of the area adjacent to the sealing material.

The second dimming cell according to the invention comprises:
A dimming cell that includes an active area used for adjusting transmittance and an inactive area surrounding the active area, and whose transmittance is variable according to voltage application,
a first substrate including a first resin base material;
a second substrate including a second resin base material;
a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate,
A partial covering layer is provided so as to overlap an area of the liquid crystal layer other than at least a part of the area located within the inactive area.

In the first or second light control cell according to the present invention, the partial covering layer may include a polarizing plate, an ultraviolet absorbing film, or an infrared absorbing film.

In the first or second light control cell according to the present invention, the thickness of the partial covering layer may be 10 μm or more and 2000 μm or less.

The light control panel according to the present invention includes:
A light control panel including an active area used for adjusting transmittance and an inactive area surrounding the active area,
a pair of transparent members;
a light control cell located between the pair of light-transmitting members, including a liquid crystal layer, and having a variable transmittance according to voltage application;
a bonding layer bonding the pair of light-transmitting members and the light control cell;
The liquid crystal layer includes a first area within the active area and a second area within the inactive area,
The second zone includes a transmittance-invariable portion in which the transmittance change width is less than 20% of the transmittance change width in the first zone.

In the light control panel according to the present invention, the second area may include a transmittance variable portion whose transmittance change width is 20% or more of the transmittance change width in the first area. good.

In the light control panel according to the present invention, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the non-variable transmittance portion in the second area may be twice or more the thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the first area.

The vehicle according to the present invention includes either the light control cell according to the present invention described above or the light control panel according to the present invention described above.

The first method of manufacturing a light control panel according to the present invention includes:
A method for manufacturing a light control panel comprising a pair of light-transmitting members and one of the above-described light control cells according to the present invention,
arranging the light control cell and thermoplastic resin between the pair of light-transmitting members;
The method includes the step of pressurizing the pair of light transmitting members toward the light control cell with the light control cell and thermoplastic resin disposed between the pair of light transmitting members.

In the disposing step of the first light control panel manufacturing method according to the present invention, the partial covering layer is attached to the pair of light-transmitting members while being joined to other members of the first substrate or the second substrate. Alternatively, the partial covering layer may be arranged between the pair of light-transmitting members as a separate member from the first substrate or the second substrate.

The second method for manufacturing a light control panel according to the present invention includes:
A method for manufacturing a light control panel comprising a pair of light-transmitting members and one of the above-described light control cells according to the present invention,
arranging the light control cell and thermoplastic resin between the pair of light-transmitting members;
a step of pressurizing the pair of light transmitting members toward the light control cell with the light control cell and thermoplastic resin disposed between the pair of light transmitting members;
The thermoplastic resin includes an outer peripheral portion located outside the light control cell along a cell surface of the light control cell, and a notch is formed in a portion of the outer peripheral portion.

According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent the formation of liquid crystal pools within the active area, and thereby the light control panel can stably perform the light control function within the active area.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining one embodiment of the present invention, and is a plan view showing a light control device. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the light control device of FIG. 1 taken along line II-II. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the overall configuration of an example of a light control cell, and is a diagram mainly for explaining the layer configuration. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a light control cell included in the light control device of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an example of a method of manufacturing the light control panel of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an example of a method of manufacturing the light control panel of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6, and is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the partial covering layer. FIG. 9 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4, and is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the light control cell. FIG. 10 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5, and is a diagram for explaining another modification of the light control cell. FIG. 11 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6, and is a diagram for explaining another example of a method for manufacturing a light control panel. FIG. 12 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7, and is a diagram for explaining another example of the method for manufacturing a light control panel. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a moving object to which a light control device is applied. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a light control panel, and is a diagram for explaining an example of a mechanism for generating a liquid crystal pool. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a light control panel, and is a diagram for explaining an example of a mechanism for generating a liquid crystal pool. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a light control panel, and is a diagram for explaining another example of a mechanism for generating a liquid crystal pool. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a light control panel, and is a diagram for explaining another example of a mechanism for generating a liquid crystal pool.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In order to facilitate illustration and understanding, the size of each element shown in the drawings and the size ratio between the elements do not necessarily match between the drawings, but those skilled in the art will be able to understand the size of the elements shown in each drawing. and size ratios, etc. can be easily understood. Furthermore, in the following explanation, when simply written as "light", light in the visible light range is primarily intended, but the following embodiment also applies to light with wavelengths outside the visible light range. Is possible. Moreover, "transparent" means the property of being able to transmit light, and although the specific light transmittance for each wavelength is not a concern, it can be said that the higher the transmittance, the higher the transparency. Therefore, so-called translucency can also be included in the concept of transparency in a broad sense.

Further, in this specification, the terms "board," "sheet," "film," and "panel" are not distinguished from each other based only on the difference in name. For example, a "board" is a concept that includes members that can be called sheets or films, and therefore a "light control panel" can be referred to as a "light control board," "light control sheet," or "light control film." They cannot be distinguished only by differences in parts and names.

Furthermore, "plate surface (sheet surface, film surface, panel surface)" refers to the target plate-shaped (sheet-shaped, film-shaped, panel-shaped) member as a whole and from a broad perspective. Refers to the surface that coincides with the plane of a plate-like member (sheet-like member, film-like member, panel-like member). In addition, the normal direction to a plate-shaped (sheet-shaped, film-shaped, panel-shaped) member refers to the direction toward the plate surface (sheet surface, film surface, panel surface) of the plate-shaped (sheet-shaped, film-shaped, panel-shaped) member. refers to the normal direction of

Furthermore, terms such as "parallel", "orthogonal", "identical", etc., and values of lengths and angles used in this specification that specify shapes, geometric conditions, and their degrees are not strict. The term shall be interpreted to include the extent to which similar functions can be expected, without being bound by meaning.

In one embodiment described below, the light control panel 20 and the light control cell 30 are designed to effectively prevent the formation of a liquid crystal pool in the active area Aa. As a result, the light control panel 20 and the light control cell 30 can stably exhibit the expected light control function. Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light control device 10 includes a control device 15, a frame member 18, and a light control panel 20. The frame member 18 is arranged on the periphery of the light control panel 20. The frame member 18 has a function of protecting the light control panel 20. Furthermore, the frame member 18 has a function of attaching the light control panel 20 to any location. The frame material 18 functions, for example, as a window frame.

The light control panel 20 includes a light control cell 30 whose transmittance is variable according to voltage application. Although not shown, the light control panel 20 includes FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) as an electrode substrate. The FPC is connected to an electrode of the light control cell 30 (see symbols "43" and "53" in FIG. 3, which will be described later). The light control cell 30 is electrically connected to the control device 15 via an FPC. The control device 15 adjusts the voltage applied to the dimming cell 30.

The light control panel 20 has an active area Aa used for adjusting transmittance, and an inactive area UAa surrounding the active area Aa. The inactive area UAa is usually an area that is not used for transmittance adjustment. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a region overlapping with the frame member 18 along the normal direction to the panel surface of the light control panel 20 forms an inactive area UAa. On the other hand, along the normal direction to the panel surface of the light control panel 20, a region that does not overlap with the frame material 18 forms an active area Aa. In the illustrated example, the active area Aa forms the central area of the light control panel 20.
The inactive area UAa forms a region circumferentially surrounding the active area Aa. The inactive area UAa forms a peripheral area of the light control panel 20.

The light control panel 20 includes a first light transmitting member 21, a second light transmitting member 22, and a light control cell 30 arranged between the pair of light transmitting members 21 and 22. A light control cell 30 is arranged in the region between the light-transmitting members 21 and 22, and a bonding layer 23, also called an intermediate support material, is filled. The light control cell 30 is arranged within the bonding layer 23. In other words, the light control cell 30 is surrounded by the bonding layer 23 between the pair of light-transmitting members 21 and 22.
The light control cell 30 is bonded to each of the light-transmitting members 21 and 22 via a bonding layer 23. The light control cell 30 is fixed to each of the light-transmitting members 21 and 22 by the bonding layer 23.

The light control cell 30 includes a liquid crystal layer (see reference numeral "60" in FIG. 3, etc., which will be described later), and its light transmittance changes depending on the applied voltage. The voltage applied to the dimming cell 30 is adjusted by the control device 15. A specific example of the configuration of the light control cell 30 will be described later.

The light-transmitting members 21 and 22 protect the light control cell 30 from external force while transmitting light. Therefore, the light-transmitting members 21 and 22 have sufficient strength, rigidity, and elasticity to protect the light control cell 30 disposed inside from external forces. The light-transmitting members 21 and 22 may typically be made of glass or thermoplastic plastic (for example, reinforced plastic).
The light-transmitting members 21 and 22 may contain various materials (for example, transparent glass fiber, ultraviolet absorbing material, etc.) that can exhibit desired functions. Further, the light-transmitting members 21 and 22 are typically transparent, but may be made of a material that can transmit only light in a specific wavelength range. Moreover, the light-transmitting members 21 and 22 may have the same composition, or may have different compositions from each other. Note that a printed layer, such as a printed layer made of black ceramic, may be provided at a position covered by the frame material 18 of the transparent members 21 and 22 made of, for example, glass.

The bonding layer 23 adheres each of the light-transmitting members 21 and 22 to the light control cell 30 while allowing light to pass therethrough. The bonding layer 23 holds the light control cell 30 between the light transmitting members 21 and 22 and determines the relative position of the light control cell 30 with respect to each light transmitting member 21 and 22. Furthermore, the bonding layer 23 protects the light control cell 30 from external forces. Furthermore, the bonding layer 23 hermetically seals the light control cell 30 and isolates the light control cell 30 from external influences (such as moisture). Therefore, it is preferable that the bonding layer 23 is made of a material suitable for fulfilling these roles (particularly a resin adhesive). For example, polyurethane resin (PU), ionomer resin (IO), polyvinyl butyral resin (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), and cycloolefin polymer ( COP: Cycloolefin The bonding layer 23 can be made of one or more of the following materials.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the overall configuration of an example of the light control cell 30, and is a diagram mainly for explaining the layer configuration.

The light control cell 30 shown in FIG. 3 includes a first substrate 40 and a second substrate 50, and a liquid crystal layer 60 and a sealing material 65 disposed between the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50. .

In the illustrated example, the first substrate 40 includes a first alignment film 42, a first electrode layer 43, and a first resin base material 41 in this order from the side adjacent to the liquid crystal layer 60. Similarly, the second substrate 50 includes a second alignment film 52, a second electrode layer 53, and a second resin base material 51 in this order from the side adjacent to the liquid crystal layer 60. Note that the illustrated first substrate 40 further includes a partial covering layer 35, and details of this partial covering layer 35 will be described separately later. These resin base materials 41, 51, electrode layers 43, 53, and alignment layers 42, 52 are made of transparent materials and have desired translucency. On the other hand, the liquid crystal layer 60 is a layer containing a liquid crystal material 61. The light transmittance of the second substrate 50 is variable depending on the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal material 61.

The resin base materials 41 and 51 contain a resin material, and can be configured to be thinner and lighter than a glass base material. The resin base materials 41 and 51 may contain a single type of resin or may contain multiple types of resin. Further, the resin base materials 41 and 51 may be provided with a plurality of functions using a plurality of types of resin. For example, the resin base materials 41 and 51 may include a pair of hard coat layers and a main resin layer disposed between the pair of hard coat layers. The pair of hard coat layers can be made of, for example, TAC (triacetylcellulose) or acrylic, and may be attached to the main resin layer via a transparent adhesive layer. Alternatively, a hardened film (for example, a silicone-based ultraviolet curable resin film containing fine particles such as titanium dioxide) may be formed on the surface of the main resin layer, and the cured film may be used as a hard coat layer. Note that the resin base materials 41 and 51 may be made of the same material or may be made of different materials.

The electrode layers 43 and 53 are made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), and are connected to a dimming controller via an FPC (not shown). The arrangement of the electrode layers 43, 53 is not particularly limited, and the electrode layers 43, 53 may be formed only at predetermined locations by patterning, or may be formed in a solid pattern. Furthermore, the manner in which the electrode layers 43 and 53 are connected to the FPC is not particularly limited. The electric field formed between the first electrode layer 43 and the second electrode layer 53 changes depending on the voltage applied to the electrode layers 43 and 53, and the liquid crystal material included in the liquid crystal layer 60 changes depending on the electric field. The orientation of liquid crystal molecules in 61 changes. Note that the voltages applied to the electrode layers 43 and 53 are controlled by the control device 15.

The alignment layers 42 and 52 are each provided adjacent to the liquid crystal layer 60, have a liquid crystal alignment ability, and determine the alignment of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 60 when no electric field is applied. The alignment layers 42 and 52 are typically formed by applying a rubbing treatment to a resin layer such as polyimide, or by irradiating a polymer film with linearly polarized ultraviolet rays to selectively react polymer chains in the polarization direction. Although the alignment layers 42, 52 may be made by any other method.

Next, the sealing material 65 will be explained. As shown in FIG. 4, which will be described later, the sealing material 65 circumferentially surrounds the liquid crystal layer 60. That is, this sealing material 65 partitions the liquid crystal layer 60 filled with the liquid crystal material 61. The sealing material 65 plays a role of preventing leakage of the liquid crystal material 61 constituting the liquid crystal layer 60 from between the pair of substrates 40 and 50, and also adheres to the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50 to fix them to each other. play a role.

The sealing material 65 can generally be formed using a thermosetting epoxy resin. In particular, when the method of filling the liquid crystal material 61 between the pair of substrates 40 and 50 is a vacuum injection method, the sealing material 65 made of epoxy resin can be suitably used. Note that when an ODF (One Drop Fill) method is used as the filling method for the liquid crystal material 61, a hybrid type material having both thermosetting and UV curing properties (ultraviolet curing properties) can be suitably used as the sealing material 65. can. This is because if the liquid crystal material 61 comes into contact with the sealing material 65 before it hardens, it will cause problems in appearance. Therefore, it is preferable that the sealing material constituting the sealing material 65 contains, for example, an ultraviolet curing acrylic resin and an epoxy resin.

Next, the liquid crystal layer 60 will be explained. The liquid crystal layer 60 is formed in a region defined by the light-transmitting members 21 and 22 and the bonding layer 23. The liquid crystal layer 60 includes a liquid crystal material 61. The liquid crystal layer 60 transmits or blocks light depending on the orientation of liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal material 61. The orientation of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal material 61 changes according to the voltage applied to the first electrode layer 43 and the second electrode layer 53, and the transmittance of light in the liquid crystal layer 60 changes according to the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules. . Therefore, by controlling the voltage applied to the first electrode layer 43 and the second electrode layer 53 by the control device 15 to adjust the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, the light transmittance of the entire liquid crystal layer 60 can be changed to a desired value.

FIG. 3 shows, as an example, a guest-host type light control cell 30 without a polarizing plate, and the liquid crystal material 61 of the liquid crystal layer 60 includes a dichroic dye and liquid crystal molecules. For example, when the voltage between the pair of electrode layers 43 and 53 is OFF, the dichroic dye and liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 60 are aligned in a direction parallel to the sheet surface of the light control cell 30. In particular, in the guest-host type light control cell 30 that does not have a polarizing plate, the orientation of the dichroic dye and liquid crystal molecules is two-color in the direction parallel to the sheet surface of the light control cell 30 when no electric field is applied. Sex pigments are directed. On the other hand, when the voltage between the pair of electrode layers 43 and 53 is ON, the dichroic dye and liquid crystal molecules are aligned in the stacking direction (thickness direction, normal direction of the dimming cell) D1. According to the light control cell 30 exhibiting such behavior, while the voltage between the pair of electrode layers 43 and 53 is OFF, light is blocked by the light control cell 30 (particularly the dichroic dye), and the light is blocked by the light control cell 30 (especially the dichroic dye). While the voltage between 43 and 53 is ON, light can pass through the dimming cell 30.

Note that the guest-host type liquid crystal layer 60 is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. A polarizing plate (not shown) may be provided on the second resin base material 51). In this case, when the voltage between the pair of electrode layers 43 and 53 is turned off, the dichroic dye and liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 60 move in the direction parallel to the sheet surface of the light control cell 30, especially when the polarizing plate absorbs It is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. On the other hand, when the voltage between the pair of electrode layers 43 and 53 is ON, the dichroic dye and liquid crystal molecules are aligned in the stacking direction D1. Even in the light control cell 30 exhibiting such behavior, while the voltage between the pair of electrode layers 43 and 53 is OFF, light is blocked by the light control cell 30 (particularly the dichroic dye and the polarizing plate), Light can pass through the dimming cell 30 while the voltage between the electrode layers 43 and 53 is ON. The behavior of the dichroic dye and liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 60 can be changed by adjusting the orientation that the alignment layers 42 and 52 give to the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer 60.

Further, the driving method of the liquid crystal layer 60 is not limited to the guest-host type, and any method can be adopted. Typically, a VA (Vertical Alignment) type, TN (Twisted Nematic) type, IPS (In-Place-Switching) type, or FFS (Fringe Field Switching) type liquid crystal layer 60 is used in the dimming cell 30. thing is can. Therefore, the structure of the light control cell 30 is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 3, and the light control cell 30 has an appropriate structure depending on the driving method of the liquid crystal layer 60. For example, when the light control cell 30 employs a general VA type or TN type liquid crystal layer 60, the light control cell 30 includes a pair of polarizing plates, a pair of electrode layers arranged between the polarizing plates, It may include a pair of alignment layers disposed between electrode layers and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the alignment layers. Further, when the light control cell 30 employs the IPS type liquid crystal layer 60, the electrode layer may be arranged only on one side of the liquid crystal layer without disposing the electrode layer at the positions sandwiching the liquid crystal layer.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 5, which will be described later, a spacer 62 may be arranged within the liquid crystal layer 60. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the liquid crystal layer 60 includes a liquid crystal material 61 and spacers 62 distributed within the liquid crystal material 61. The spacer 62 is arranged between the first alignment film 42 of the first substrate 40 and the second alignment film 52 of the second substrate 50. The spacer 62 secures a space between the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50. A liquid crystal layer 60 is formed by filling this space with a liquid crystal material 61. The plurality of spacers 62 are discretely arranged in a region between the pair of substrates 40 and 50. Each spacer 62 can be made of various resin materials, and may have a shape such as a truncated cone (for example, a truncated cone or a truncated pyramid), or a spherical bead shape. The columnar spacers 62 can be formed at desired locations using photolithography, and the bead-shaped spacers are made in advance and distributed.

Note that the spacer 62 is not limited to the illustrated bead-like shape, but may have a columnar shape such as a cylinder, or a truncated cone shape such as a truncated cone. Alternatively, it may have a conical shape such as a cone. Moreover, the columnar, frustum-shaped, or conical spacers 62 and the bead-shaped spacers may be mixed, and in this case, the bead-shaped spacers are held by the columnar, frustum-shaped, or conical spacers. It is also possible to do so. Furthermore, the columnar spacer 62 may be formed of the same material as the sealing material 65, and such a columnar spacer 62 can be easily formed at the same timing as the sealing material 65.

Further, in the illustrated example, the spacer 62 is arranged between the first alignment film 42 of the first substrate 40 and the second alignment film 52 of the second substrate 50, but in this example, Not limited.
The spacer 62 is located between the first resin base material 41 of the first substrate 40 and the second resin base material 51 of the second substrate 50, and is located between the first resin base material 41 and the second resin base material 51. It is sufficient if a space can be created between them. For example, the spacer 62 may be located between the resin base material 41, 51 of one of the substrates 40, 50 and the alignment film 42, 52.

By the way, as already explained, in the light control panel 20 and the light control cell 30, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 60 may become non-uniform. Then, a liquid crystal pool portion LCp, which is extremely thicker than other portions, may be locally generated in the liquid crystal layer 60. In the liquid crystal reservoir portion LCp, which is several times thicker than the normal portion of the liquid crystal layer, transmittance control based on the orientation of liquid crystal molecules does not function normally, and the desired dimming function cannot be achieved. Therefore, when the liquid crystal accumulation portion LCp occurs within the active area Aa of the light control panel 20 and the light control cell 30, the light control panel 20 and the light control cell 30 can no longer effectively perform the light control function.

Here, the occurrence of the liquid crystal accumulation portion LCp will be explained. Although there are various possible mechanisms for the generation of the liquid crystal pool portion LCp, a typical generation mechanism will be described below.

14 and 15 are cross-sectional views schematically showing the light control panel 20, and are diagrams for explaining an example of the mechanism of occurrence of the liquid crystal pool portion LCp.

In the light control panel 20 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, with respect to the direction D1 in which the light control cell 30 and the light transmitting members 21, 22 are stacked (that is, the stacking direction), the light transmitting members 21, 22 approach each other in a heated environment. A force is applied to each of the transparent members 21 and 22. By this heating and pressurization, the light control cell 30 is thermocompression bonded to the first light-transmitting member 21 and the second light-transmitting member 22 via the bonding layer 23 made of the thermoplastic resin 70. Thereby, the light-transmitting members 21 and 22 and the light control cell 30 are fixed to each other via the bonding layer 23. In this thermocompression bonding process, if the pressing force F in the stacking direction D1 acts unevenly on the light control cell 30 in the direction along the sheet surface of the light control cell 30 that is perpendicular to the stacking direction D1, A liquid crystal accumulation portion LCp may occur in the optical cell 30. That is, since the liquid crystal material 61 has fluidity, the liquid crystal material 61 at a portion of the dimming cell 30 that receives a relatively large pressing force F is pushed out toward other portions, and receives a relatively small pressing force F. Liquid crystal material 61 accumulates at the receiving location. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15, a liquid crystal pool portion LCp having a relatively large thickness in the stacking direction D1 is generated.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are diagrams for explaining other examples of the mechanism by which the liquid crystal pool portion LCp occurs. In the light control panel 20 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, before the pair of light-transmitting members 21 and 22 are pressed in the lamination direction D1, the thermoplastic resin 70 that forms the bonding layer 23 is The thickness is increased at the outer peripheral portion 70a which is located outside the light control cell 30 along the sheet surface of the light control cell 30. In this example, during pressurization, the thermoplastic resin 70 is preferentially pressed onto the light-transmitting members 21 and 22 at the outer peripheral portion 70a surrounding the light control cell 30. Thermocompression bonding using the thermoplastic resin 70 is normally performed under a vacuum atmosphere. In this case, in the illustrated example, an airtight space is formed between the thermoplastic resin 70 and the dimming cell 30 surrounded by the outer peripheral part 70a of the thermoplastic resin 70, and air remains in this space. In some cases, the water contained in the resin may evaporate. As a result, bubbles AB may be generated in the bonding layer 23.

By further placing this light control panel 20 in a heated and pressurized environment using an autoclave or the like, the bonding layer 23 is thermocompression bonded to each light-transmitting member 21, 22 and the light control cell 30, and the light control cell 30 is bonded. It is firmly fixed to each of the transparent members 21 and 22 via the layer 23. In this thermocompression bonding process, the air bubbles AB are heated and expand in the bonding layer 23, and the expansion of the air bubbles AB causes the light control cell 30 to receive a large force locally, causing the liquid crystal reservoir portion LCp to expand as shown in FIG. This may occur.

Note that the specific method for producing the light control panel 20 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is not particularly limited. For example, the thermoplastic resin 70 is composed of a plurality of pieces, and these pieces are formed so as to surround the light control cell 30. A plurality of pieces may be arranged and then the plurality of pieces may be thermocompression bonded. As an example, as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 11 described later, the thermoplastic resin 70 is divided into three parts: a first thermoplastic resin material 71, a second thermoplastic resin material 72, and a third thermoplastic resin material 73. You can leave it there. The first thermoplastic resin material 71 is formed into a frame shape and has an internal space in which the light control cell 30 can be accommodated. The second thermoplastic resin material 72 and the third thermoplastic resin material 73 are formed into plate shapes. The second thermoplastic resin material 72 is arranged between the first thermoplastic resin material 71 and the light control cell 30, and the first light-transmitting member 21. The third thermoplastic resin material 73 is arranged between the first thermoplastic resin material 71 and the light control cell 30, and the second light-transmitting member 22. In this example, the outer peripheral portion 70a of the thermoplastic resin 70 is constituted by a first thermoplastic resin material 71 and a portion of each of the second thermoplastic resin material 72 and the third thermoplastic resin material 73. By making the thickness of the first thermoplastic resin material 71 in the stacking direction D1 slightly thinner than the thickness of the light control cell 30 in the stacking direction D1, the inner space of the first thermoplastic resin material 71 is can be made airtight relatively easily.

As described above, when an uneven force is applied to the entire light control cell 30 or a large force is locally applied to the light control cell 30, a liquid crystal pool portion LCp is generated (see FIGS. 15 and 15). (See Figure 17). This liquid crystal reservoir LCp may have a thickness several times the original thickness in the stacking direction D1, and the light transmittance cannot be appropriately changed according to the applied voltage, impairing the original dimming function. It is.

Note that the mechanism for generating the liquid crystal accumulation portion LCp is not limited to the above-mentioned example, and for example, the liquid crystal accumulation portion LCp may be generated by a combination of the above-mentioned mechanisms. For example, by applying force to each of the light-transmitting members 21, 22 so that the light-transmitting members 21, 22 approach each other, and thermocompression bonding mainly the outer peripheral portion 70a of the thermoplastic resin 70 to each of the light-transmitting members 21, 22, First, a temporary pressure bonding process is performed to make the area surrounded by the light-transmitting members 21 and 22 and the outer circumferential portion 70a of the thermoplastic resin 70 airtight. After that, a main pressure bonding process may be performed in which the light control cell 30 is firmly bonded to each of the light-transmitting members 21 and 22 via the bonding layer 23 by autoclave process. By performing the bonding process in multiple stages (two stages in this example) in this way, the compression process can be performed with high precision and reliability, and the generation of the liquid crystal pool portion LCp can be effectively prevented. However, even in this case, for example, if the pressing force F acts unevenly over the entire light control cell 30 during the temporary pressure bonding process, a liquid crystal pool portion LCp may occur (see FIGS. 14 and 15). Further, even if air bubbles AB are included in the bonding layer 23 in the main pressure bonding process, a liquid crystal pool portion LCp may be generated (see FIGS. 16 and 17).

In order to deal with the problem of the occurrence of the liquid crystal accumulation part LCp, in the present embodiment, a contrivance is made to generate the liquid crystal accumulation part LCp outside the active area Aa, that is, in order to generate it in the inactive area UAa. This is applied to the light control panel 20 and the light control cell 30.

As shown in FIG. 4, the illustrated light control cell 30 has a partial covering layer 35 that overlaps only a portion of the liquid crystal layer 60 when projected in the stacking direction D1 (when viewed from the stacking direction D1). . The partial covering layer 35 overlaps a region of the liquid crystal layer 60 other than at least a part of the peripheral edge adjacent to the sealing material 65 in the stacking direction D1. That is, the partial covering layer 35 overlaps an area other than at least a portion of the peripheral area of the liquid crystal layer 60 in the lamination direction D1. In other words, the partial covering layer 35 does not overlap at least a portion of the peripheral area of the liquid crystal layer 60 in the lamination direction D1. In the illustrated example, the partial covering layer 35 overlaps a region of the liquid crystal layer 60 other than a portion of the peripheral edge adjacent to the sealing material 65 in the stacking direction D1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the liquid crystal layer 60 includes a first area Z1 located within the active area Aa and a second area Z2 adjacent to the first area Z1. The second area Z2 is located within the inactive area UAa. The partial covering layer 35 overlaps, in the stacking direction D1, an area of the liquid crystal layer 60 that is other than at least a part of the second area Z2 that is the inactive area UAa. In other words, the liquid crystal layer 60 includes at least a region within the second area Z2 that does not overlap with the light control cell 30 in the stacking direction D1. In the illustrated example, the partial covering layer 35 is formed in the stacking direction D1 over the entire first area Z1 that is the active area Aa of the liquid crystal layer 60 and a part of the second area Z2 that is the inactive area UAa. overlaps with

The partial covering layer 35 can be any layer sandwiched between the first light-transmitting member 21 and the second light-transmitting member 22. For example, one or more of the above-mentioned layers included in the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50, specifically, the first resin base material 41, the first One or more of the alignment film 42 , the first electrode layer 43 , the second resin base material 51 , the second alignment film 52 , and the second electrode layer 53 can be used as the partial covering layer 35 . In addition, when the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50 include a polarizing plate, or when a polarizing plate is provided between the first light-transmitting member 21 and the second light-transmitting member 22, this polarizing plate is It can be used as the partial covering layer 35. Similarly, the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50 may include an ultraviolet absorbing film, an infrared absorbing film, a hard coat layer, etc., or an ultraviolet absorbing film may be placed between the first transparent member 21 and the second transparent member 22. , an infrared absorbing film, a hard coat layer, etc., one or more of these can be used as the partial covering layer 35. Further, the partial covering layer 35 does not need to be a layer forming a part of the first substrate 40 or the second substrate 50, and is provided separately from a part of the thermoplastic resin 70 or the first substrate 40 or the second substrate 50. It may also be a layer with

As will be described in detail later, the partial covering layer 35 provides an intensity distribution, in other words, a deformability distribution, in the region where the liquid crystal layer 60 is provided along the sheet surface of the light control cell 30.
That is, it is preferable that an intensity distribution occurs in the light control cell 30 between the region where the partial covering layer 35 exists and the region where the partial covering layer 35 does not exist. From this point of view, the thickness of the partial coating layer 35 is preferably 10 μm or more and 2000 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or more and 1000 μm or less, and 300 μm or more and 500 μm or less. More preferred.

In addition, in the specific example shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the light control cell 30 has a rectangular shape in plan view. The partial covering layer 35 is formed with a defective portion 36 along one short side of the rectangular shape forming the light control cell 30 . This defective portion 36 has a trapezoidal shape in plan view. A portion of the second area Z2 of the liquid crystal layer 60 adjacent to the sealing material 65 extending along one short side of the rectangular shape does not overlap with the partial covering layer 35 in the stacking direction D1.

Next, a method of manufacturing the light control panel 20 using such a light control cell 30 will be explained.

First, as shown in FIG. 6, a light control cell 30 and a thermoplastic resin 70 are placed between a pair of light-transmitting members 21 and 22. The thermoplastic resin 70 comes to form the bonding layer 23 of the light control panel 20. Therefore, as the thermoplastic resin 70, the resin material forming the bonding layer 23 described above can be used. The thermoplastic resin 70 disposed between the pair of light-transmitting members 21 and 22 may have a plate-like shape. Further, as described above, the thermoplastic resin 70 divided into a plurality of pieces can be placed between the pair of light-transmitting members 21 and 22.

Note that the partial covering layer 35 is formed between the pair of light-transmitting members 21 and 22 as a part of the first substrate 40 or the second substrate 50 while being joined to other members of the first substrate 40 or the second substrate 50. It may be arranged. Further, the partial covering layer 35 may be placed between the pair of light-transmitting members 21 and 22 as a separate member from the first substrate 40 or the second substrate 50.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, with the light control cell 30 and the thermoplastic resin 70 arranged between the pair of light transmission members 21 and 22, the pair of light transmission members 21 and 22 are placed in the light control cell 30. Aim and pressurize. The thermoplastic resin 70 may be heated in parallel with this pressurization, or the thermoplastic resin 70 may be heated prior to this pressurization step. Thereby, the thermoplastic resin 70 is pressure-bonded to the light control cell 30 and the light transmitting members 21 and 22, and the light control cell 30 and the light transmitting members 21 and 22 are fixed to each other.

By the way, as described above, within the liquid crystal layer 60, the liquid crystal material 61 may flow in the direction along the sheet surface of the light control cell 30. For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, such flow of the liquid crystal material 61 causes a uniform pressing force F in the stacking direction D1 at each position along the sheet surface of the light control cell 30. It arises because it is not. When the liquid crystal material 61 flows, the liquid crystal material 61 may gather at a specific portion along the sheet surface of the light control cell 30. At this time, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 60 at the specific portion becomes more than twice the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 60 at other portions. This specific portion constitutes a so-called liquid crystal reservoir LCp, and it is no longer possible to control the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal material 61 to adjust the transmittance.

In contrast, in this embodiment, a partial covering layer 35 is provided between the pair of light-transmitting members 21 and 22. The partial covering layer 35 overlaps only a portion of the liquid crystal layer 60 included in the light control cell 30 in the stacking direction D1. That is, the first substrate 40 or the second substrate 50 is easily deformed in parts other than the parts reinforced by overlapping the partial covering layers 35. In particular, since the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50 include base materials 41 and 51 made of resin that are relatively easily deformed, such a tendency becomes remarkable. Therefore, the liquid crystal material 61 gathers in the easily deformable portion of the first substrate 40 or the second substrate 50 that is not covered by the partial covering layer 35, and a liquid crystal reservoir portion LCp is formed in the portion.

Note that, as described above, the flow of the liquid crystal material 61 within the liquid crystal layer 60, which causes the liquid crystal pool portion LCp, may also occur during autoclaving. For example, as described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, the inside of the liquid crystal layer 60 is caused by the fact that the light control cell 30 is locally pressed by the air bubbles AB generated near the light control cell 30. The liquid crystal material 61 flows. In this case as well, the liquid crystal material 61 gathers in the deformable portion of the first substrate 40 or the second substrate 50 that is not covered by the partial covering layer 35, and a liquid crystal reservoir portion LCp is formed in the portion.

The partial covering layer 35 covers the entire first area Z1 within the active area Aa of the liquid crystal layer 60. Therefore, the liquid crystal accumulation portion LCp is unlikely to occur within the active area Aa. On the other hand, the partial covering layer 35 does not cover at least a portion of the second area Z2 within the inactive area UAa of the liquid crystal layer 60. Therefore, the liquid crystal accumulation portion LCp is likely to occur within the inactive area UAa.

In this way, as shown in FIG. 7, the light control cell 30 comes to include the liquid crystal reservoir portion LCp in the second area Z2 which is within the inactive area UAa. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 60 in this liquid crystal reservoir portion LCp is more than twice the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 60 in the first area Z1 within the active area Aa. Even if the liquid crystal reservoir portion LCp that occupies a part of the second zone Z2 is measured by excluding the influence of the frame material 18, the transmittance in the first zone Z1 when the applied voltage is changed under the same conditions. It is possible to change the transmittance by less than 20% of the range of change. Since the transmittance unvariable portion UWp due to the liquid crystal reservoir portion LCp is located within the inactive area UAa rather than the active area Aa, it does not affect the dimming function of the dimming device 10.

Note that when the light control cell 30 shown in FIG. 4 is used, the transmittance unvariable portion UWp formed by the liquid crystal reservoir portion LCp is one rectangular short portion as shown in FIG. 1 in plan view. The area extends along the sides and is located within the inactive area UAa.

In the embodiment described above, the light control cell 30 includes the first substrate 40 including the first resin base material 41, the second substrate 50 including the second resin base material 51, and the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50 including the second resin base material 51. The liquid crystal layer 60 is provided between the two substrates 50, and a sealing material 65 is provided between the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50 and circumferentially surrounds the liquid crystal layer 60. Then, the partial covering layer 35 is provided so as to overlap in the stacking direction D1 with a region other than at least a part of the peripheral edge adjacent to the sealing material 65 of the liquid crystal layer 60. According to such an embodiment, the position where the liquid crystal pool portion LCp is generated can be stably guided to a part of the peripheral area of the liquid crystal layer 60 adjacent to the sealing material 65. As a result, it is possible to effectively avoid the occurrence of a liquid crystal pool LCp within the active area Aa, and it is possible to stably provide excellent dimming function to the dimming panel 20 and the dimming cell 30. becomes.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the light control cell 30 includes a first substrate 40 including a first resin base material 41, a second substrate 50 including a second resin base material 51, and a first substrate 40 and a second substrate 50 including a second resin base material 51. The liquid crystal layer 60 is provided between the two substrates 50, and a sealing material 65 is provided between the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50 and circumferentially surrounds the liquid crystal layer 60. Then, the partial covering layer 35 is provided so as to overlap in the stacking direction D1 with an area other than at least a part of the liquid crystal layer 60 located within the inactive area UAa. According to such an embodiment, the position where the liquid crystal pool portion LCp is generated can be stably guided within the inactive area UAa where the partial covering layer 35 is not provided. As a result, it is possible to effectively avoid the occurrence of a liquid crystal pool LCp within the active area Aa, and it is possible to stably provide excellent dimming function to the dimming panel 20 and the dimming cell 30. becomes.

In the specific example of the embodiment described above, the partial covering layer 35 includes a polarizing plate, an ultraviolet absorbing film, or an infrared absorbing film. According to such an example, a layer that is expected to have a specific function and is incorporated into the light control panel 20 or the light control cell 30 also functions as the partial covering layer 35. That is, there is no need to provide a layer that functions only as the partial covering layer 35. Such an example is excellent in terms of reducing the thickness and cost of the light control panel 20 or the light control cell 30.

In the specific example of the embodiment described above, the thickness of the partial covering layer 35 is 10 μm or more and 2000 μm or less, 100 μm or more and 1000 μm or less, or 300 μm or more and 500 μm or less. According to the partial covering layer 35 having such a thickness, an intensity distribution (intensity fluctuation, intensity variation) along the sheet surface of the light control cell 30 can be imparted to the first substrate 40 or the second substrate 50. Namely. The first substrate 40 or the second substrate 50 can be sufficiently deformed in the region not covered with the partial covering layer 35. Thereby, it is possible to stably guide the occurrence position of the liquid crystal accumulation portion LCp to the inactive area UAa.

Note that the above-described light control device 10, light control panel 20, and light control cell 30 are not particularly limited in application, and can typically be applied to windows, doors, and the like. For example, the light control device 10 can be applied not only to windows and doors of buildings, but also to windows and doors of vehicles such as airplanes, ships, trains, and automobiles, and other moving bodies 80.

That is, the above-mentioned light control device 10 can be applied to both a moving object 80 and a non-moving object. For example, as shown in FIG. Cell 30 can be suitably used. For example, when it is desired to bring in outside light such as sunlight into the vehicle 81, the voltage applied to the electrode layers 43, 53 of the light control cell 30 via an FPC or the like is adjusted by the control device 15, and the light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer 60 is adjusted. increase As a result, light transmission through the liquid crystal layer 60 is allowed, and external light that has entered the light control panel 20 (that is, the sunroof 82) enters the interior of the vehicle 81. On the other hand, when it is not desired to introduce outside light into the vehicle 81, the control device 15 adjusts the voltage applied between the electrode layers 43 and 53 via the FPC or the like to reduce the light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer 60. As a result, light transmission through the liquid crystal layer 60 is restricted or blocked, and the amount of external light that has entered the light control panel 20 (i.e., the sunroof 82) that enters the interior of the vehicle 81 is restricted or is not guided into the interior of the vehicle 81. Note that such adjustment of the light transmittance in the light control panel 20 may be performed manually based on instructions from the vehicle occupant, or may be directly or indirectly obtained by a device such as a sensor (not shown). It may be automatically performed based on information regarding the external environment (for example, brightness) of the vehicle 81.

Although one embodiment has been described using a plurality of specific examples, these specific examples are not intended to limit the one embodiment. The embodiment described above can be implemented in various other specific examples, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, etc. can be made without departing from the gist thereof.

Hereinafter, an example of the modification will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following explanation and the drawings used in the following explanation, the same reference numerals as those used for corresponding parts in the above specific example are used for parts that may be configured in the same way as in the above specific example, and redundant explanations are used. omitted.

First, in the above-mentioned example, the partial covering layer 35 overlaps in the stacking direction D1 with a region of the liquid crystal layer 60 other than a part of the peripheral edge adjacent to the sealing material 65. Not limited. For example, the partial covering layer 35 may overlap in the stacking direction D1 with a region of the liquid crystal layer 60 other than the region adjacent to the sealing material 65 and serving as the peripheral edge. The partial covering layer 35 may overlap in the stacking direction D1 only with a region of the liquid crystal layer 60 that is spaced apart from the sealing material 65.

Further, in the above-described example, the partial covering layer 35 overlaps in the stacking direction D1 with a region of the liquid crystal layer 60 other than a part of the region located within the inactive area UAa. That is, the partial covering layer 35 overlapped with the entire area of the first area Z1, which is the active area Aa, of the liquid crystal layer 60, and with a part of the second area Z2, which is the inactive area UAa. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the partial covering layer 35 may overlap only with the entire first area Z1, which is the active area Aa.

Furthermore, as already explained, the partial covering layer 35 may be formed as a part of the first substrate 40 or the second substrate 50. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50 may be separate members. In the example shown in FIG. 8, after pressurization, the partial covering layer 35 is bonded to the first substrate 40 or the second substrate 50 to form a part of the dimming cell 30.

Furthermore, the region of the light control cell 30 that overlaps the partial covering layer 35 in the stacking direction D1 can be located at a different position from the example described above. In the above example, the light control cell 30 has a rectangular shape in plan view, and the partial covering layer 35 is arranged so that it does not overlap with the liquid crystal layer 60 in the stacking direction D1 in a region along one short side of the rectangular shape. I made it. Instead of or in addition to this example, the partial covering layer 35 is configured not to overlap the liquid crystal layer 60 in the stacking direction D1 in a region along one long side of the rectangular shape forming the light control cell 30. It's okay. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the partial covering layer 35 may not overlap the liquid crystal layer 60 in the stacking direction D1 in a region forming one corner of the rectangular shape of the light control cell 30.

Furthermore, in the above description, an example has been shown in which the partial covering layer 35 does not overlap with the liquid crystal layer 60 in the stacking direction D1 in one region within the second area Z2 of the liquid crystal layer 60, but the present invention is not limited to this. Two or more regions may not overlap with the liquid crystal layer 60 in the stacking direction D1. That is, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 9, the partial covering layer 35 may have two or more missing portions 36.

Further, in the above description, an example has been shown in which the partial covering layer 35 is disposed only on the first substrate 40 side with respect to the liquid crystal layer 60, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The partial covering layer 35 may be arranged only on the second substrate 50 side with the liquid crystal layer 60 as a reference. As shown in FIG. 10, the partial covering layer 35 is disposed on both the first substrate 40 side with the liquid crystal layer 60 as a reference and the second substrate 50 side with the liquid crystal layer 60 as a reference. Good too. The missing portion 36 of the partial covering layer 35 located on the first substrate 40 side and the missing portion 36 of the partial covering layer 35 located on the second substrate 50 side may be overlapped in the stacking direction D1. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the defective portion 36 of the partial covering layer 35 located on the first substrate 40 side and the defective portion 36 of the partial covering layer 35 located on the second substrate 50 side are overlapped in the stacking direction D1. You may choose not to do so. That is, as in the example shown in FIG. 10, the defective portion 36 of the partial coating layer 35 located on the first substrate 40 side and the defective portion 36 of the partial coating layer 35 located on the second substrate 50 side are It may be shifted along the sheet surface of the light cell 30.

Furthermore, in the above description, the partial covering layer 35 that does not cover a part of the liquid crystal layer 60 guides the liquid crystal pool part LCp to the inactive area UAa, and forms the transmittance unvariable part UWp in the inactive area UAa. Although an example has been shown, the present invention is not limited to this example. As shown in FIG. 11, a notch 70b that promotes deformation within the inactive area UAa of the light control cell 30 may be formed in the outer peripheral portion 70a of the thermoplastic resin 70. Here, the outer circumferential portion 70a of the thermoplastic resin 70 is, as described above, located outside the light control cell 30 along the sheet surface of the light control cell 30 (cell surface of the light control cell 30). It is a part. By providing the notch 70b in the outer circumferential portion 70a, the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50 of the light control cell 30 are easily deformed in a region close to the outer circumferential portion 70a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, the position where the liquid crystal pool portion LCp occurs can be stably guided within the inactive area UAa. As a result, in the created light control panel 20, the transmittance constant portion UWp is located within the inactive area UAa, and it becomes possible to stably perform the planned light control function within the active area Aa. .

In the example shown in FIG. 11, the thermoplastic resin 70 disposed between the pair of light-transmitting members 21 and 22 to form the bonding layer 23 is a It includes a plastic resin material 72 and a third thermoplastic resin material 73. The first thermoplastic resin material 71 is formed into a frame shape and has an internal space 71a in which the light control cell 30 can be accommodated. The second thermoplastic resin material 72 and the third thermoplastic resin material 73 are formed into plate shapes. The second thermoplastic resin material 72 is arranged between the first thermoplastic resin material 71 and the light control cell 30, and the first light-transmitting member 21. The third thermoplastic resin material 73 is arranged between the first thermoplastic resin material 71 and the light control cell 30, and the second light-transmitting member 22. As shown in FIG. 11, the notch 70b is formed in a region of the first thermoplastic resin material 71 that will become the outer peripheral portion 70a.
However, the notch 70b is not limited to this example, and instead of the area that becomes the outer peripheral part 70a of the first thermoplastic resin material 71, or in addition to the area that becomes the outer peripheral part 70a of the first thermoplastic resin material 71, the notch 70b It may be formed in a region that becomes the outer peripheral portion 70a of at least one of the thermoplastic resin material 72 and the third thermoplastic resin material 73.

Although some modifications to the embodiment described above have been described above, it is of course possible to apply a plurality of modifications in combination as appropriate.

10 Light control device 15 Control device 18 Frame material 20 Light control panel 21 First light-transmitting member 22 Second light-transmitting member 23 Bonding layer 30 Light control cell 35 Partial coating layer 36 Defective portion 40 First substrate 41 First resin base material 42 First alignment film 43 First electrode layer 50 Second substrate 51 Second resin base material 52 Second alignment film 53 Second electrode layer 60 Liquid crystal layer 61 Liquid crystal material 62 Spacer 65 Sealing material 70 Thermoplastic resin 70a Outer peripheral part 70b Notch 71 First thermoplastic resin material 71a Internal space 72 Second thermoplastic resin material 73 Third thermoplastic resin material 80 Moving body 81 Vehicle 82 Sunroof D1 Lamination direction F Pressing force AB Air bubbles Z1 First zone Z2 Second zone UCp Uncoated Part Aa Active area UAa Inactive area UWp Transmittance constant part LCp Liquid crystal pool part

Claims (7)

A light control panel including an active area used for adjusting transmittance and an inactive area surrounding the active area,
a pair of transparent members;
a light control cell located between the pair of light-transmitting members and having variable transmittance according to voltage application;
a bonding layer bonding the pair of light-transmitting members and the light control cell;
The light control cell includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the first substrate includes a resin base material. , the second substrate includes a resin base material,
The liquid crystal layer includes a first area within the active area and a second area within the inactive area,
The second zone includes a transmittance-invariable portion in which the transmittance change width is less than 20% of the transmittance change width in the first zone ,
A light control panel , wherein the thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the non-variable transmittance section is greater than the thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the first area . 2. The light control panel according to claim 1, wherein the second area includes a transmittance variable part whose transmittance change width is 20% or more of the transmittance change width in the first area. The light control panel according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the non-variable transmittance portion of the second area is at least twice the thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the first area. A vehicle comprising the light control panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A method for manufacturing a light control panel comprising a pair of light-transmitting members and a light control cell whose transmittance is variable according to voltage application,
The light control cell includes an active area used for adjusting transmittance and an inactive area adjacent to the active area,
The light control cell is
a first substrate including a first resin base material;
a second substrate including a second resin base material;
a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate,
A partial covering layer is provided so as to overlap the entire region of the liquid crystal layer that will become the active area and a part of the region that will become the inactive area,
The manufacturing method includes:
arranging the light control cell and thermoplastic resin between the pair of light-transmitting members;
Manufacturing a light control panel, including the step of pressurizing the pair of light transmitting members toward the light control cell with the light control cell and thermoplastic resin disposed between the pair of light transmitting members. Method. In the step of arranging, the partial covering layer is arranged between the pair of light-transmitting members while being joined to other members of the first substrate or the second substrate, or the partial covering layer 6. The method of manufacturing a light control panel according to claim 5, wherein is placed between the pair of light-transmitting members as a separate member from the first substrate or the second substrate. A method for manufacturing a light control panel comprising a first light-transmitting member, a second light-transmitting member , and a light control cell whose transmittance is variable according to voltage application,
The light control cell includes an active area used for adjusting transmittance and an inactive area adjacent to the active area,
The light control cell is
a first substrate including a first resin base material;
a second substrate including a second resin base material;
a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate,
The manufacturing method includes:
arranging the light control cell and thermoplastic resin between the first light-transmitting member and the second light-transmitting member;
With the light control cell and the thermoplastic resin arranged between the first light transmitting member and the second light transmitting member, the first light transmitting member and the second light transmitting member are placed between the light control cell and the thermoplastic resin. a step of pressurizing toward
The thermoplastic resin includes an outer peripheral part located outside the light control cell along the cell surface of the light control cell, and a notch is formed in a part of the outer peripheral part,
The thermoplastic resin includes a first thermoplastic resin material, a second thermoplastic resin material, and a third thermoplastic resin material, and the first thermoplastic resin material has an internal space that can accommodate the dimming cell. have,
In the arranging step, the first light-transmitting member, the second thermoplastic resin material, the first thermoplastic resin material, the third thermoplastic resin material, and the second light-transmitting member are arranged in this order. and the dimming cell is arranged in the internal space,
The method for manufacturing a light control panel , wherein the cutout is open on a surface of the first thermoplastic resin material facing the internal space .

Images