JP7310247B2 - Light control sheet and method for manufacturing light control sheet - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a light control sheet and a method for manufacturing a light control sheet.

The light control sheet includes a light control layer containing a liquid crystal composition and a pair of transparent conductive layers sandwiching the light control layer. The light control sheet changes the light transmittance of the light control sheet by changing the orientation of liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal composition according to the potential difference between the pair of transparent conductive layers. The light control sheet includes a sealing portion that covers the end surface of the light control layer. The sealing portion prevents the liquid crystal composition from leaking from between the pair of transparent conductive layers and prevents liquid or gas from entering the light-modulating layer from outside (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2019-3034 A

In recent years, the range of application of the light control sheet has been expanding, and along with this, the temperature range of application of the light control sheet has also been expanded. On the other hand, when the applicable temperature range of the light control sheet is expanded, the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the light control layer, the sealing portion, and the transparent conductive layer becomes apparent. A gap is likely to be formed at the boundary between As a result, even in the case of the light control sheet having the above-described sealing portion, liquid or gas located outside the light control sheet enters the inside of the light control layer to some extent through the gaps. Therefore, in order to make the light control sheet usable in a new range of application, it is more strongly desired to improve the sealing property.

An object of the present invention is to provide a light control sheet capable of enhancing the sealing property of the light control sheet with respect to a liquid crystal composition, and a method for producing the light control sheet.

A light control sheet for solving the above problems comprises a first transparent film, a second transparent film, a liquid crystal composition positioned between the first transparent film and the second transparent film, and the first transparent film. A sealing body in contact with the edge of the liquid crystal composition between the second transparent film, and a sealing body between the entire liquid crystal composition and the sealing body between the first transparent film and the second transparent film a polymer network extending at least in part.

A light control sheet for solving the above problems comprises a first transparent film, a second transparent film, a polymer network positioned between the first transparent film and the second transparent film, and at least a central region of the polymer network. and an encapsulant positioned in at least a portion of a peripheral region of the polymer network surrounding the liquid crystal composition.

A method for producing a light control sheet that solves the above problems is a polymer network layer forming step of forming a polymer network layer sandwiched between a first transparent film and a second transparent film and provided with a liquid crystal composition in at least the central region. and a sealing body positioned between the first transparent film and the second transparent film on at least a part of the outer edge of the liquid crystal composition and forming a sealing body positioned within the polymer network layer. and a forming step.

According to each of the above configurations, at least part of the liquid crystal composition is surrounded by the sealing body between the first transparent film and the second transparent film, and at least part of the sealing body has a polymer network. some are located. As a result, the polymer network and the encapsulant are united to cure the encapsulant. Therefore, even if each component of the light control sheet expands or contracts separately according to the temperature change of the light control sheet, gaps are formed through which gas or liquid can enter from the outside of the light control sheet. hard to be As a result, it is possible to improve the sealing property of the light control sheet with respect to the liquid crystal composition.

In the light control sheet, the polymer network may be positioned over the entire sealing body positioned between the first transparent film and the second transparent film. According to the above configuration, since the improvement of the sealing property by the sealing body described above can be obtained in the entire surroundings of the liquid crystal composition, the sealing property of the light control sheet with respect to the liquid crystal composition can be further improved. can.

In the above light control sheet, the sealing body may be a transparent resin body. According to the above configuration, the liquid crystal composition and the encapsulant in a transparent state can function as a continuous integral transparent body, so that the visibility through the light control sheet and the design of the light control sheet are improved. can be improved.

In the light control sheet, the color exhibited by the encapsulant may be the same as the color exhibited by the liquid crystal composition in an opaque state. According to the above configuration, the liquid crystal composition and the encapsulant can function as a seemingly continuous integrated colored body, so that the design of the light control sheet can be improved.

In the method for manufacturing a light control sheet, the sealing body forming step includes a liquid crystal composition removing step of removing the liquid crystal composition from the end portion of the polymer network layer, and the end portion from which the liquid crystal composition has been removed. and a sealing material curing step of curing the sealing material after the sealing material filling process. According to the above configuration, by filling the space from which the liquid crystal composition has been removed with the sealing material, it is possible to form a sealing body in which a portion of the polymer network is located within the sealing body.

In the method for manufacturing a light control sheet, the liquid crystal composition removing step applies a pressing force to the first transparent film and the second transparent film so as to narrow the gap between the first transparent film and the second transparent film. It may also include acting on. According to the above configuration, a part of the liquid crystal composition can be exuded from the end of the polymer network layer to the outside of the polymer network layer by applying a pressing force so as to narrow the gap between the pair of transparent films. .

In the method for manufacturing a light control sheet, the sealing material filling step includes the first transparent film and the first transparent film while maintaining the pressing force on the first transparent film and the second transparent film from the liquid crystal composition removing step. contacting the side end surface of the laminate including the film and the second transparent film with the sealing material; and releasing the pressing force on the second transparent film.

According to the above configuration, in a state in which the side end surfaces of the laminate are in contact with the sealing material, the pressing force that narrows the gap between the pair of transparent films is released from each transparent film. Therefore, the sealing material can enter into the polymer network layer by the volume of the liquid crystal composition exuding from the polymer network layer.

In the method for manufacturing a light control sheet, the liquid crystal composition removing step may include decompressing a space sandwiched between the first transparent film and the second transparent film. According to the above configuration, by reducing the pressure in the space sandwiched between the first transparent film and the second transparent film, part of the liquid crystal composition can be exuded from the polymer network layer to the outside of the polymer network layer. .

In the method for manufacturing a light control sheet, the sealing material filling step may fill the sealing material into the end portion from which the liquid crystal composition has been removed by capillary action occurring in the polymer network layer. According to the above configuration, since the polymer network layer is filled with the sealing material using capillary action, the sealing material is easily filled in the polymer network layer.

In the above method for manufacturing a light control sheet, the sealing material may be an ultraviolet curable resin. According to the above configuration, since the sealing body is formed of an ultraviolet curable resin, the polymer network and the liquid crystal composition are formed as the sealing material cures, compared to a method in which the sealing body is a thermosetting resin. Heat history is less likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deterioration in the sealing performance with respect to the liquid crystal composition due to thermal expansion and contraction of the polymer network and the liquid crystal composition.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the sealing property with respect to the liquid crystal composition with which a light control sheet is provided can be improved.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a normal type light control sheet, which is an example of the light control sheet of the first embodiment. The top view which shows an example in the structure of the light control sheet which FIG. 1 shows. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing another example of the structure of the light control sheet shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a reverse type light control sheet, which is another example of the light control sheet of the first embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows a part in structure of a light control sheet. Sectional drawing which shows a part of structure in the light control sheet of a comparative example. FIG. 4 is a process diagram for explaining the method for manufacturing the light control sheet of the first embodiment, showing a process for forming a polymer network layer. FIG. 5 is a process diagram for explaining the method for manufacturing the light control sheet of the first embodiment, and showing a liquid crystal composition removing process. FIG. 4 is a process diagram for explaining the method for manufacturing the light control sheet of the first embodiment, and is a process diagram showing a sealing material filling process. FIG. 4 is a process diagram for explaining the method for manufacturing the light control sheet of the first embodiment, and is a process diagram showing a sealing material filling process. FIG. 4 is a process diagram for explaining the method for manufacturing the light control sheet of the first embodiment, showing a sealing material curing process. FIG. 10 is a process diagram for explaining the method for manufacturing the light control sheet of the first embodiment, and is a process diagram showing a modification of the encapsulant curing process. Process drawing which shows the modification in the manufacturing method of the light control sheet of 1st Embodiment. Process drawing which shows the modification in the manufacturing method of the light control sheet of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a process diagram for explaining the method for manufacturing the light control sheet of the second embodiment, and showing a liquid crystal composition removing process. It is process drawing for demonstrating the manufacturing method of the light control sheet of 2nd Embodiment, Comprising: Process drawing which shows a sealing material filling process.

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment of a light control sheet and a method for manufacturing the light control sheet will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14 . Hereinafter, the configuration of the light control sheet, the method for manufacturing the light control sheet, and the constituent materials of the light control sheet will be described in order.

[Configuration of light control sheet]
The configuration of the light control sheet will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the normal type light control sheet 10N includes a light control layer 11, a pair of transparent conductive layers 12, a pair of transparent support layers 13, and a pair of transparent protective films . The pair of transparent conductive layers 12 is a first transparent conductive layer 12A and a second transparent conductive layer 12B. It sandwiches the layer 11 . The pair of transparent support layers 13 is a first transparent support layer 13A and a second transparent support layer 13B. It sandwiches the transparent conductive layer 12 . The pair of transparent protective films 14 is a first transparent protective film 14A and a second transparent protective film 14B. of transparent support layers 13 are sandwiched between them.

The first transparent support layer 13A is a base material for forming the first transparent conductive layer 12A, and the second transparent support layer 13B is a base material for forming the second transparent conductive layer 12B. The first transparent protective film 14A is laminated on the first transparent support layer 13A via an adhesive layer. The first transparent protective film 14A is adhered to the first transparent support layer 13A together with an adhesive layer so as to be peelable from the first transparent support layer 13A. The second transparent protective film 14B is adhered to the second transparent support layer 13B via an adhesive layer. The second transparent protective film 14B is adhered to the second transparent support layer 13B together with an adhesive layer so as to be peelable from the second transparent support layer 13B.

In this embodiment, the first transparent protective film 14A, the first transparent support layer 13A, and the first transparent conductive layer 12A constitute the first transparent film T1. The second transparent protective film 14B, the second transparent support layer 13B, and the second transparent conductive layer 12B constitute the second transparent film T2.

Each transparent conductive layer 12 has a transmittance that allows visible light to pass therethrough. A driving voltage is applied to the light control layer 11 through the transparent conductive layer 12 . Each transparent support layer 13 has a transmittance that allows visible light to pass therethrough. The transparent protective film 14 has a function of increasing the rigidity of the light control sheet 10N.

The light control layer 11 contains a polymer network 21 and a liquid crystal composition 22 . The liquid crystal composition 22 is positioned between the first transparent film T1 and the second transparent film T2. The liquid crystal composition 22 contains liquid crystal molecules. Liquid crystal composition 22 may contain residual monomers used to form polymer network 21 . The polymer network 21 extends throughout the liquid crystal composition 22 between the first transparent film T1 and the second transparent film T2.

The polymer network 21 extends three-dimensionally in the liquid crystal composition 22 and has a mesh shape including a plurality of domains 21D. The term "domain" as used herein refers to a region spatially defined by the polymer network 21 when the polymer network 21, which is actually a three-dimensional structure, is viewed two-dimensionally in an arbitrary cross section.

The light control sheet 10N further includes a sealing body 23 surrounding the liquid crystal composition 22 between the first transparent film T1 and the second transparent film T2. Polymer network 21 extends over at least a portion of encapsulant 23 . The polymer network 21 is preferably located throughout the encapsulant 23 .

That is, the polymer network 21 has a central region 21C and a peripheral region 21S. Peripheral region 21S generally surrounds central region 21C. The liquid crystal composition 22 is located in the central region 21C, and the sealing body 23 is located in the peripheral region 21S. In addition, in FIG. 1, the boundary between the central region 21C and the peripheral region 21S is indicated by a straight line for the sake of convenience. However, the central region 21</b>C occupied by the liquid crystal composition 22 and the peripheral region 21</b>S occupied by the sealing body 23 are intertwined with each other in the thickness direction of the light control layer 11 . Therefore, the boundary between the central region 21C and the peripheral region 21S is not necessarily linear.

FIG. 2 shows the planar structure of the light control sheet 10N viewed from the direction facing the second transparent protective film 14B, and shows the planar structure of an example of the light control sheet 10N. FIG. 3 shows the planar structure of the light control sheet 10N viewed from the direction facing the second transparent protective film 14B, and shows the planar structure of another example of the light control sheet 10N. In FIGS. 2 and 3, for the convenience of making the shape of the sealing body 23 easy to understand, the entire sealing body 23 is indicated by a solid line, and the sealing body 23 is marked with dots.

The light control sheet 10N shown in FIG. 2 includes a first terminal area ET1 and a second terminal area ET2 in which terminals connected to an external power source are formed. The first terminal area ET1 is part of the first transparent conductive layer 12A, and the second terminal area ET2 is part of the second transparent conductive layer 12B. Each terminal region ET1, ET2 is in contact with one side of the light control sheet 10N and formed along the one side.

In the light control sheet 10N, when viewed from the thickness direction of the light control sheet 10N, the light control layer 11, the second transparent conductive layer 12B, the second transparent support layer 13B, and the second transparent protective film 14B form the second A notch is provided in a portion overlapping with the 1-terminal region ET1. In the light control sheet 10N, when viewed from the thickness direction of the light control sheet 10N, the light control layer 11, the first transparent conductive layer 12A, the first transparent support layer 13A, and the first transparent protective film 14A A notch is provided in a portion overlapping with the two-terminal region ET2. In the light control sheet 10N, a sealing body 23 is formed along the outline of the light control layer 11. As shown in FIG. That is, part of the sealing body 23 has a shape along the notch of the light control layer 11 .

The light control sheet 10N shown in FIG. 3 has a first terminal area ET1 and a second terminal area ET2, like the light control sheet 10N shown in FIG. The first terminal region ET1 and the second terminal region ET2 are not in contact with all four sides of the light control sheet 10N. In other words, the terminal areas ET1 and ET2 are located inside the outer peripheral portion of the light control sheet 10N. In the light control sheet 10N, when viewed from the thickness direction of the light control sheet 10N, the light control layer 11, the second transparent conductive layer 12B, the second transparent support layer 13B, and the second transparent protective film 14B form the first terminals. It has an opening in a portion overlapping with the region ET1. In the light control sheet 10N, when viewed from the thickness direction of the light control sheet 10N, the light control layer 11, the first transparent conductive layer 12A, the first transparent support layer 13A, and the first transparent protective film 14A It has an opening in a portion overlapping with the two-terminal region ET2. In the light control sheet 10N, sealing bodies 23 are formed along the edges of the light control sheet 10N.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sealing body 23 is in contact with the edge of the liquid crystal composition 22 when viewed from the direction opposite to the plane on which the light control layer 11 extends. As mentioned above, the encapsulant 23 extends over a portion of the polymer network 21 between the first transparent film T1 and the second transparent film T2. As a result, the polymer network 21 and the sealing body 23 are integrated and the sealing body 23 is cured. In other words, the sealing body 23 has a three-dimensionally strong structure that is different from a sealing structure using a conventional sealing body, that is, a simple face-to-face adhesion between the sealing body and each layer. Therefore, even if each constituent element of the light control sheet 10N expands or contracts separately according to changes in the temperature of the light control sheet 10N, the light control layer 11 is exposed to gas from the outside of the light control layer 11. It is difficult to form gaps through which liquids or liquids can enter. As a result, the sealing property with respect to the liquid crystal composition 22 can be improved.

It is preferable that no gap is formed between the sealing body 23 and the liquid crystal composition 22 when the sealing body 23 is in contact with the entire edge of the liquid crystal composition 22 . For example, the encapsulant 23 has a closed ring shape surrounding the liquid crystal composition 22 when viewed from the direction opposite to the plane on which the light modulating layer 11 extends. The sealing body 23 forms an end surface of the light control layer 11 extending along the thickness direction of the light control layer 11 .

In order to improve the sealing property of the liquid crystal composition 22 by the sealing body 23 , it is preferable that only the sealing body 23 is positioned in the peripheral region 21S of the polymer network 21 . Note that the peripheral region 21S of the polymer network 21 may contain the liquid crystal composition 22 and air. Even in this case, the end portion of the liquid crystal composition 22 is filled with the sealing body 23 so that the liquid crystal composition 22 and air do not communicate between the liquid crystal composition 22 and the outside of the light control layer 11 . It is good if there is

When viewed from the direction facing the plane on which the light control layer 11 extends, in the sealing body 23, the length in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which one side of the light control sheet 10N extends is the width W of the sealing body 23 along the one side. is. It is preferable that the width W of the sealing body 23 is uniform over the entire circumferential direction of the light control sheet 10N. As a result, it is possible to improve the sealing performance with respect to the liquid crystal composition 22 and obtain uniform sealing performance over the entire peripheral direction of the light control sheet 10N.

In order to improve the sealing property of the light control layer 11, it is preferable that the width W of the sealing body 23 is large. However, the encapsulant 23 is included in a portion of the light control sheet 10N where the liquid crystal composition 22 is not located, and is a portion where the transmittance cannot be changed. On the other hand, the portion of the light modulating layer 11 where the liquid crystal composition 22 is located is a portion where the transmittance can be changed. Therefore, the width W of the sealing body 23 is preferably 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less in order to improve the sealing performance of the light control layer 11 and increase the area of the portion where the transmittance can be changed.

In the normal type light control sheet 10N, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules are oriented along the electric field generated between the transparent conductive layers 12 by applying a driving voltage to the transparent conductive layers 12. FIG. This makes it easier for light to pass through the light control layer 11, so that the light control sheet 10N becomes transparent. On the other hand, while no driving voltage is applied to the transparent conductive layer 12, the orientation of the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules is irregular. Therefore, as a result of scattering the light incident on the light control layer 11, the light control sheet 10N becomes opaque.

The light control sheet is not limited to the normal type light control sheet 10N described above, and may be a reverse type light control sheet. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional structure of a reverse type light control sheet.
As shown in FIG. 4, the reverse type light control sheet 10R includes a light control layer 11, a pair of transparent conductive layers 12, a pair of transparent support layers 13, a pair of transparent protective films 14, and a pair of alignment films 15. It has The pair of alignment films 15 are a first alignment film 15A and a second alignment film 15B. there is The pair of alignment films 15 are sandwiched between the pair of transparent conductive layers 12 in the thickness direction of the light modulating layer 11 . In the light control sheet 10R, the first transparent protective film 14A, the first transparent support layer 13A, the first transparent conductive layer 12A, and the first orientation film 15A constitute the first transparent film T1. In addition, in the light control sheet 10R, the second transparent protective film 14B, the second transparent support layer 13B, the second transparent conductive layer 12B, and the second orientation film 15B constitute the second transparent film T2.

In FIG. 4, as in FIG. 1, the boundary between the central region 21C and the peripheral region 21S is indicated by a straight line for the sake of convenience. However, the central region 21</b>C occupied by the liquid crystal composition 22 and the peripheral region 21</b>S occupied by the sealing body 23 are intertwined with each other in the thickness direction of the light control layer 11 . Therefore, the boundary between the central region 21C and the peripheral region 21S is not necessarily linear.

Each alignment film 15 is, for example, a vertical alignment film. The orientation film 15 is arranged so that the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal composition 22 is aligned with the normal direction of the plane extending along the orientation film 15 while no drive voltage is applied to the transparent conductive layer 12 . , to orient the liquid crystal molecules. On the other hand, the alignment film 15 allows the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules to be changed in a direction other than the normal direction by applying a driving voltage to the transparent conductive layer 12 .

Therefore, in the reverse type light control sheet 10R, when a drive voltage is applied to the transparent conductive layer 12, the orientation of the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules may be different from the normal direction of the alignment film 15. , the light control sheet 10R becomes opaque. On the other hand, while the drive voltage is not applied to the transparent conductive layer 12, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules are oriented along the normal direction of the alignment film 15, so the light control sheet 10R is transparent.

The sealing body 23 may be a transparent resin body. At this time, the difference between the refractive index of the encapsulant 23 and the refractive index of the polymer network 21 is preferably 0.1 or less. If the sealing body 23 is a transparent resin body, the liquid crystal composition 22 and the sealing body 23 in the transparent state can function as a continuous transparent body. If the difference between the refractive index of the encapsulant 23 and the refractive index of the polymer network 21 is 0.1 or less, scattering of light due to refraction at the interface between the encapsulant 23 and the polymer network 21 is reduced. , is particularly suppressed. Therefore, the visibility through the light control sheets 10N and 10R and the design of the light control sheets 10N and 10R can be improved. In a configuration in which the sealing body 23 is an opaque body, it is possible to give the light control sheets 10N and 10R a design such that the liquid crystal composition 22 is bordered by an opaque body.

The color exhibited by the sealing body 23 may be the same as the color exhibited by the liquid crystal composition 22 in an opaque state. For example, if the liquid crystal composition 22 contains a dichroic dye and the color exhibited by the encapsulant 23 and the color exhibited by the liquid crystal composition 22 are the same, the liquid crystal composition 22 and the encapsulant 23 in the opaque state can function as a continuous opaque body. Therefore, the design of the light control sheets 10N and 10R can be improved. In a configuration in which the color exhibited by the sealing body 23 is different from the color exhibited by the liquid crystal composition 22, the light control sheets 10N and 10R are given a design such that the liquid crystal composition 22 is bordered in a different color. Is possible.

The encapsulant 23 may be made of the same type of resin as the polymer network 21 . Thereby, adhesion between the sealing body 23 and the polymer network 21 can be easily obtained.

FIG. 5 shows a partial cross-sectional structure of the light control sheet 10N when the light control sheet 10N is applied to a light control device. Note that FIG. 5 shows an example in which the end surface of the first transparent film T1 is located outside the end surface of the second transparent film T2 in one cross section of the light control sheet 10N. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the first transparent protective film 14A is separated from the first transparent support layer 13A, and the second transparent protective film 14B is separated from the second transparent support layer 13B.

As shown in FIG. 5, the light control sheet 10N includes an electrode portion 16 and a wiring portion 17 connected to the electrode portion 16. As shown in FIG. The electrode portion 16 is located in a portion of the first transparent film T1 that is not covered with the second transparent film T2. That is, the electrode portion 16 is located in the above-described first terminal region ET1. A sealing portion 18 is formed at an end of the laminate of the electrode portion 16 and the wiring portion 17 facing the sealing body 23 . The sealing portion 18 covers part of the first transparent film T1 and part of the wiring portion 17 so as to cover the outer surface of the wiring portion 17, the end surface of the wiring portion 17, and the end surface of the electrode portion 16. ing.

FIG. 6 shows a structure in which the light control sheet includes a sealing portion that covers the end surface of the light control layer 11 instead of the sealing body located between the first transparent film T1 and the second transparent film T2. .
As shown in FIG. 6, the light control sheet 100 includes a sealing portion 101 instead of the sealing body 23 included in the light control sheet 10N. The sealing portion 101 has a size that covers the end face of the electrode portion 16 and the end face of the wiring portion 17 in addition to the end face of the light control layer 11 . In the sealing portion 101 covering the end surface of the light control layer 11, the sealing portion 101 covers a part of the second transparent film T2 and the first transparent film T1 in order to ensure the sealing performance with respect to the liquid crystal composition 22. It is necessary to have a size that covers a part of the portion not covered by the second transparent film T2 in . Thus, in the light control sheet 100 including the sealing portion 101, in order to ensure the sealing performance of the liquid crystal composition 22 by the sealing portion 101, the sealing portion is provided between the light control layer 11 and the electrode portion 16. A distance is required to allow a portion of 101 to be positioned.

On the other hand, in the light control sheet 10N of the present embodiment, as described above, the sealing body 23 separates the liquid crystal composition 22 from the liquid crystal composition 22 between the first transparent film T1 and the second transparent film T2. to the outside of the Therefore, a space for positioning a sealing portion for sealing the liquid crystal composition 22 is not required between the light control layer 11 and the electrode portion 16 . As a result, compared to the light control sheet 100 described with reference to FIG. 6, it is possible to shorten the distance between the light control layer 11 and the electrode portion 16 .

When the light control device is applied to an automobile or a building, the light control device covers the electrode part 16 and the wiring part 17 in order to hide the sealing part 18, the electrode part 16 and the wiring part 17 from the outside. A cover is provided. According to the light control sheet 10N of the present embodiment, the distance between the light control layer 11 and the electrode portion 16 can be reduced compared to the case where the sealing portion 101 is provided. It is possible to

[Manufacturing method of light control sheet]
A method for manufacturing a light control sheet will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11. FIG. 7 to 11 show part of the cross-sectional structure of the structure obtained in the manufacturing process of the light control sheet. A method for manufacturing the light control sheet 10N for manufacturing the normal type light control sheet 10N will be described below, but the reverse type light control sheet 10R is manufactured by the light control sheet manufacturing method described below. It is also possible to

The method for manufacturing the light control sheet 10N includes a polymer network layer forming step and a sealing body forming step.
In the polymer network layer forming step, a polymer network layer is formed sandwiched between the first transparent film T1 and the second transparent film T2 and provided with the liquid crystal composition 22 at least in the central region 21C. In the encapsulant forming step, the encapsulant 23 positioned at least part of the outer edge of the liquid crystal composition 22 between the first transparent film T1 and the second transparent film T2 and positioned within the polymer network layer is formed. Form.

Hereinafter, the method for manufacturing the light control sheet 10N will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 7, when manufacturing the light control sheet 10N, first, a polymer network layer 11P containing a polymer network 21 and a liquid crystal composition 22 is formed between a pair of transparent conductive layers 12A and 12B. . The transparent conductive layers 12A and 12B are formed on different transparent support layers 13A and 13B. The transparent conductive layers 12A and 12B are formed by methods such as sputtering, vacuum deposition, and printing.

When forming the polymer network layer 11P, first, a coating liquid for forming the polymer network layer 11P is enclosed between the pair of transparent conductive layers 12A and 12B. For example, first, the coating liquid is coated on one side by an inkjet method, a gravure coating method, a spin coating method, a slit coating method, a bar coating method, a flexo coating method, a die coating method, a dip coating method, a roll coating method, or the like. It is applied to the conductive layers 12A and 12B. Then, the other transparent conductive layers 12A and 12B are placed on the coating liquid, and the coating liquid is enclosed between the pair of transparent conductive layers 12A and 12B.

The coating liquid contains monomers and oligomers for forming the polymer network 21, an ultraviolet-reactive polymerization initiator, and a liquid crystal composition 22 containing liquid crystal molecules. The coating liquid further contains various additives such as antifoaming agents and antioxidants, particles serving as a support for securing a space where the polymer network layer 11P is positioned between the transparent conductive layers 12A and 12B, and two It may also contain a color pigment.

Next, the coating liquid enclosed between the pair of transparent conductive layers 12A and 12B is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. When irradiating with ultraviolet rays, for example, the coating liquid may be irradiated with ultraviolet rays through one transparent support layer 13 and the transparent conductive layer 12 sandwiched between the transparent support layer 13 and the coating liquid. Alternatively, in addition to one transparent support layer 13 and the transparent conductive layer 12 sandwiched between the transparent support layer 13 and the coating liquid, the other transparent support layer 13 and the transparent support layer 13 and the coating liquid The coating liquid may be irradiated with ultraviolet rays through the transparent conductive layer 12 sandwiched between the two. As a result, the polymerization of the monomers and oligomers contained in the coating liquid proceeds to form the polymer network 21 . As a result, a polymer network layer 11P having a polymer network 21 extending within the liquid crystal composition 22 is formed.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8, the liquid crystal composition 22 is removed from the ends of the polymer network layer 11P. This step is the liquid crystal composition removing step. In this embodiment, a pressing force directed from each transparent conductive layer 12A, 12B toward the polymer network layer 11P acts on each transparent conductive layer 12A, 12B, thereby removing the liquid crystal composition 22. FIG. At this time, the pressing force narrows the gap between the first transparent film T1 and the second transparent film T2.

Specifically, a pair of pressure plates 31 are prepared. One pressure plate 31 presses one transparent support layer 13 , and the other pressure plate 31 presses the other transparent support layer 13 . As a result, the polymer network 21 is once compressed along the thickness direction of the polymer network layer 11P, and the liquid crystal composition 22 corresponding to the compressed volume is spread between the first transparent film T1 and the second transparent film T2. It seeps out of the polymer network layer 11P from the space. The liquid crystal composition 22 exuded from between the transparent films T1 and T2 includes the liquid crystal composition 22 removed from the ends of the polymer network 21 .

At this time, the pressure with which the pressure plate 31 presses the light modulating layer 11, the pressing time, and the like may be controlled so that the distance between the pair of transparent conductive layers 12A and 12B is reduced by a predetermined amount. . Such control makes it possible to reproduce the amount of the liquid crystal composition 22 removed from between the first transparent film T1 and the second transparent film T2 at a predetermined amount. In other words, by setting the distance between the pair of transparent conductive layers 12A and 12B to a predetermined amount, the range filled by the sealing body 23 between the first transparent film T1 and the second transparent film T2 can be reproduced. is possible.

Then, the liquid crystal composition 22 exuded from the polymer network layer 11P is wiped off. Alternatively, the liquid crystal composition 22 exuded from the polymer network layer 11P is sucked. As a result, the excess liquid crystal composition 22 is removed from the polymer network layer 11P and the pair of transparent films T1 and T2.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9, while maintaining a pressing force that narrows the gap between the pair of transparent films T1 and T2, the side end surfaces of the laminate including the pair of transparent films T1 and T2 are pressed against the sealing material 23P. make contact. In this embodiment, the sealing material 23</b>P filled in the container 32 is brought into contact with part of the side end face of the laminate. The side end faces of the laminate are end faces extending along the thickness direction of the laminate. The sealing material 23P is a curable resin, such as an ultraviolet curable resin.

When the side end surfaces of the laminate are brought into contact with the sealing material 23P, for example, the sealing material 23P may be dropped onto the side end surfaces of the laminate using a dispenser or the like. Alternatively, the sealing material 23P may be injected into the side end surfaces of the laminate using an injector. Alternatively, the sealing material 23P may be applied to the side end surfaces of the laminate with a brush or the like.

As shown in FIG. 10, with the side end surfaces of the laminate in contact with the sealing material 23P, the pressing force that narrows the gap between the pair of transparent films T1 and T2 is released from the respective transparent films T1 and T2. As a result, the end portion of the polymer network layer 11P from which the liquid crystal composition 22 has been removed is filled with the sealing material 23P. Then, the sealing material 23P can enter the polymer network layer 11P by the volume of the liquid crystal composition 22 removed from the polymer network layer 11P. At this time, the negative pressure due to the release of the pressing force and the capillary action in the polymer network 21 are combined to make it easier for the sealant 23 to enter between the transparent films T1 and T2. Thus, in the sealing material filling step, the side end faces of the laminate are brought into contact with the sealing material 23P while the pressing force against the transparent films T1 and T2 is maintained from the liquid crystal composition removing step, It includes releasing the pressing force on each of the transparent films T1 and T2 while the side end face of the body is in contact with the sealing material 23P.

Note that even when the pressing force that narrows the gap between the pair of transparent films T1 and T2 from each of the transparent films T1 and T2 is weakened, capillary action within the polymer network 21 causes the sealant 23 to be separated from the transparent film. It is possible to enter between T1 and T2. Alternatively, even in a state where the pressing force that narrows the gap between the pair of transparent films T1 and T2 from each of the transparent films T1 and T2 is released, capillary action within the polymer network 21 causes the sealant 23 to move to the transparent film. It is possible to enter between T1 and T2.

After filling the space between the transparent films T1 and T2 with the sealing material 23P, the side end surfaces of the transparent films T1 and T2 are separated from the sealing material 23P in the container 32. As shown in FIG. At this time, the sealing material 23P adhering to the transparent support layer 13, the transparent conductive layer 12, and the like may be wiped off.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 11, the sealing material 23P is cured by irradiating the sealing material 23P with ultraviolet rays (UV). As a result, the sealing body 23, which is the cured body of the sealing material 23P, is formed. This step is the sealing material curing step. That is, the light control layer 11 including the liquid crystal composition 22 and the sealing body 23 surrounding the liquid crystal composition 22 is formed. At this time, since the encapsulating material 23P is an ultraviolet curable resin, compared with the case where the encapsulating material 23P is a thermosetting resin, the change in temperature accompanying the curing of the encapsulating material 23P is small, and the light control layer 11 less likely to expand or contract. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the sealing property of the light control layer 11 due to expansion or contraction of the light control layer 11 .

[Constituent material of light control sheet]
Materials constituting the light control sheets 10N and 10R will be described below.
As the resin for forming the polymer network 21, a thermosetting resin can be used in addition to the ultraviolet curable resin. Polymer network 21 is formed, for example, by polymerization of a monomer having a polar group and a bifunctional monomer. A monomer having a polar group and a bifunctional monomer are polymerized by applying heat or by irradiating ultraviolet rays. A monomer having a polar group has, for example, at least one polar group selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a carboxyl group, and a phosphate group.

The liquid crystal composition 22 includes, for example, liquid crystal molecules that form nematic liquid crystals, liquid crystal molecules that form smectic liquid crystals, and liquid crystal molecules that form choletic liquid crystals. Liquid crystal molecules, for example, have a positive dielectric anisotropy, and the dielectric constant in the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is larger than the dielectric constant in the short axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules. Liquid crystal molecules are, for example, Schiff base, azo, azoxy, biphenyl, terphenyl, benzoate, tolan, pyrimidine, cyclohexanecarboxylate, phenylcyclohexane, and dioxane liquid crystal molecules. be. The liquid crystal composition 22 can also contain a dichroic dye, an ultraviolet absorber, and the like as components other than the liquid crystal molecules.

Materials constituting the sealing material 23P include, for example, various resin systems such as epoxy resin, urethane resin, acrylic resin, vinyl acetate resin, en-thiol resin, silicone resin, and modified polymer. There are various resins such as thermosetting, photo-curing, moisture-curing, and anaerobic-curing types. As described above, the sealing material 23P is preferably an ultraviolet curable resin from the viewpoint of improving the sealing performance.

The transparent conductive layer 12 is a conductive film having optical transparency. A material that forms the transparent conductive layer 12 is, for example, a conductive polymer having optical transparency. Conductive polymers can be, for example, polythiophenes, polyacetylenes, polyanilines, polypyrroles, and the like. An example of a polythiophene-based compound is PEDOT (Polyethylenedioxythiophene). Moreover, the material forming the transparent conductive layer 12 is, for example, a metal oxide having light transmittance and conductivity. Metal oxides include, for example, ATO (SnO ₂ :Sb), FTO (SnO ₂ :F), ITO (In ₂ O ₃ :Sn), AZO (ZnO:Al), and GZO (ZnO:Ga). It's okay.

The transparent support layer 13 is a transparent polymer film or a transparent glass sheet. Materials that make up the polymer film may be, for example, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl alcohol, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyimide, polysulfone, cycloolefin polymers, and triacetyl cellulose.

The transparent protective film 14 is a transparent polymer film. Materials that make up the polymer film may be, for example, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl alcohol, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyimide, polysulfone, cycloolefin polymers, and triacetyl cellulose.

The alignment film 15 is, for example, a transparent vertical alignment film. Materials constituting the alignment film 15 may be, for example, polyamide, polyimide, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polysiloxane, polyester, and polyacrylate. Polyesters include, for example, polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate. Polyacrylate is, for example, polymethyl methacrylate. For the orientation treatment for forming the orientation film 15, for example, rubbing treatment, polarized light irradiation treatment, fine processing, and the like can be used.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The liquid crystal composition 22 is surrounded by the sealing body 23 between the first transparent film T1 and the second transparent film T2, and the polymer network 21 is located in at least a part of the sealing body 23. ing. As a result, the polymer network 21 and the sealing body 23 are integrated and the sealing body 23 is cured. In other words, the sealing body 23 has a three-dimensionally strong structure that is different from a sealing structure using a conventional sealing body, that is, a simple face-to-face adhesion between the sealing body and each layer. Therefore, even if the light control layer 11 expands or contracts in response to changes in the temperature of the light control layer 11, gas or liquid may enter the light control layer 11 from the outside. gaps are difficult to form. Thereby, the sealing property in the light control layer 11 can be improved.

(2) With a structure in which the polymer network 21 is located over the entire sealing body 23, the improvement in the sealing performance according to the above (1) can be obtained in the entire surroundings of the liquid crystal composition 22. Therefore, the liquid crystal composition The sealing performance with respect to the object 22 can be further improved.

(3) If the encapsulant 23 is a transparent resin body, the liquid crystal composition 22 and the encapsulant 23 in the transparent state can function as an integrated transparent body that seems to be continuous. It is also possible to improve the visibility through 10N and 10R and the design of the light control sheets 10N and 10R.

(4) If the color exhibited by the encapsulant 23 and the color exhibited by the liquid crystal composition 22 in an opaque state are the same, the liquid crystal composition 22 and the encapsulant 23 can be integrated as if continuous. can function as a colored body, it is possible to improve the design of the light control sheets 10N and 10R.

(5) By filling the space between the transparent films T1 and T2 from which the liquid crystal composition 22 has been removed with the sealing material 23P, it is possible to form the sealing body 23 filling the space between the transparent films T1 and T2.

(6) Part of the liquid crystal composition 22 contained in the polymer network layer 11P is removed from between the transparent films T1 and T2 to the polymer network layer 11P by applying a pressing force so as to narrow the gap between the pair of transparent films T1 and T2. It can leak out.

(7) Release the pressing force from the transparent films T1 and T2 toward the polymer network 21 while the sealing material 23P is in contact with the laminate. Therefore, the sealing material 23P can enter the space between the transparent films T1 and T2 by the volume of the liquid crystal composition 22 that seeps out from the space between the transparent films T1 and T2.

(8) If the sealing body 23 is formed from an ultraviolet curable resin, the light control layer 11 is not affected by the curing of the sealing material 23P compared to the method that the sealing body 23 is made of a thermosetting resin. Since thermal history is less likely to occur, deterioration in the sealing performance of the light control layer 11 due to thermal expansion and contraction of the light control layer 11 can be suppressed.

[Modified example of the first embodiment]
In addition, 1st Embodiment mentioned above can be changed as follows and can be implemented.
[Pressure by pressure plate]
The portion of one transparent support layer 13 to which the pressing force is applied may be the entire transparent support layer 13 or only the outer peripheral portion located inside the end face of the transparent support layer 13. good.

[Curing of encapsulant]
- As shown in FIG. 12, after filling the space between the transparent films T1 and T2 with the sealing material 23P, the end surface of the polymer network layer 11P taken out from the container 32, the transparent conductive layers 12A and 12B, and the transparent support layer It is not necessary to wipe off the sealing material 23P adhering to the end face of at least one of 13A and 13B. Note that FIG. 12 illustrates a state in which the sealing material 23P is attached to the end surfaces of the pair of transparent conductive layers 12A and 12B and the end surfaces of the pair of transparent support layers 13A and 13B.

In this case, by curing the sealing material 23P, it is possible to form the sealing body 23 continuous from the space between the transparent films T1 and T2 to the outside of the light control layer 11. FIG. Such a sealing body 23 can seal the interface between the light control layer 11 and the transparent conductive layer 12 in addition to the edges of the liquid crystal composition 22 . Therefore, intrusion of gas or liquid into the light control layer 11 is further suppressed.

- As shown in FIG. 13, the sealing body 23 covers the entire side end surfaces of the laminate, that is, the pair of transparent protective films 14A and 14B, the pair of transparent support layers 13A and 13B, and the pair of transparent conductive layers 12A and 12B. , and may be formed so as to straddle the light control layer 11 .

In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, the pair of transparent protective films 14A and 14B, the pair of transparent support layers 13A and 13B, and the pair of transparent conductive films are formed after the sealing member 23 is formed by curing the sealing material 23P. The layers 12A, 12B and the edge of the light control layer 11 are cut. At this time, the ends of each layer are cut so that the light modulating layer 11 after cutting has the cured encapsulant 23 in the polymer network 21 . That is, the end surface of the light modulating layer 11 is composed of the encapsulant 23 and the polymer network 21 and has a cut trace, which is a trace of a cutting blade inserted. Thereby, it is possible to form the light control layer 11 including the encapsulant 23 . Moreover, it is possible to separate the transparent protective films 14A and 14B from the transparent support layers 13A and 13B to which the transparent protective films 14A and 14B are attached.

[Number of processed sheets]
The process of forming the sealing bodies 23 on the light control sheets 10N and 10R, that is, the process described above with reference to FIGS. It may be done with the sheets stacked. One sheet is a laminate including the light control layer 11 , the pair of transparent conductive layers 12 , the pair of transparent support layers 13 , and the pair of transparent protective films 14 . According to such a method, the thickness of the object to be processed can be increased compared to the case of handling a single sheet, so the handleability of the object to be processed is improved. Moreover, since the number of sheets that can be processed at one time increases, the efficiency of producing the light control sheets 10N and 10R can be improved.

[Transparent film]
- The transparent films T1 and T2 may not include the transparent protective film 14 . That is, the transparent films T1 and T2 do not have a layer located outside the transparent support layer 13, which is the base material for forming the transparent conductive layer 12, in the thickness direction of the light control sheets 10N and 10R. good.

[Light control sheet]
- The light control sheets 10N and 10R may include other layers in addition to the light control layer 11, the transparent conductive layer 12, the transparent support layer 13, the transparent protective film 14, and the alignment film 15. . The other layer may be a layer for protecting the light modulating layer 11 and the transparent conductive layer 12, such as a layer having an ultraviolet barrier function for a specific wavelength range. Alternatively, the other layer may be a layer that contributes to control of the light transmittance of the light control sheets 10N and 10R, or a layer that enhances properties such as strength and heat resistance of the light control sheets 10N and 10R.

[Encapsulation body]
- The encapsulant 23 does not have to have a closed ring surrounding the entire outer edge of the light modulating layer 11 . The encapsulant 23 may have, for example, a shape positioned only on a part of the outer edge of the light modulating layer 11 . Even in this case, it is possible to obtain at least the effect corresponding to (1) in the portion where the sealing body 23 is located.

[Liquid Crystal Composition Removal Step]
- It is also possible to remove the liquid crystal composition 22 from the space between the first transparent film T1 and the second transparent film T2 including the end of the polymer network layer 11P by the method described below.

That is, after the polymer network layer 11P is formed between the pair of transparent films T1 and T2, a solvent highly compatible with the liquid crystal composition 22 is supplied to the end face of the polymer network layer 11P. The solvent may be, for example, an alcohol or the like. Examples of the method of supplying the solvent include a method of bringing the end surface of the polymer network layer 11P into contact with a container containing the solvent. By supplying the solvent to the end face of the polymer network layer 11P, the liquid crystal composition 22 positioned on the end face of the polymer network layer 11P dissolves into the solvent. After maintaining the state of supplying the solvent to the end face of the polymer network layer 11P for a predetermined period, the solvent is wiped off from the space between the first transparent film T1 and the second transparent film T2, or the first transparent film Solvent is sucked from the space between T1 and the second transparent film T2. As a result, the solvent and the liquid crystal composition 22 dissolved in the solvent located on the end surface of the polymer network layer 11P can be removed from the space between the pair of transparent films T1 and T2.

[Second embodiment]
A second embodiment of a light control sheet and a method for manufacturing the light control sheet will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. Since the light control sheet of the second embodiment has the same structure as the light control sheets 10N and 10R of the first embodiment described above, detailed description of the light control sheets 10N and 10R is omitted. Further, in the method for manufacturing the light control sheet in the second embodiment, the liquid crystal composition 22 is removed from between the first transparent film T1 and the second transparent film T2 as compared with the method for manufacturing the light control sheet in the first embodiment. The removal process is different. Therefore, only these steps will be described below in the method for manufacturing the light control sheet, and detailed descriptions of the other steps will be omitted. In 2nd Embodiment, the detailed description is abbreviate|omitted by attaching|subjecting the same code|symbol as 1st Embodiment to the same structure as 1st Embodiment.

[Manufacturing method of light control sheet]
A method for manufacturing a light control sheet will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 15 and 16 show the cross-sectional structure of the structure obtained in each step.

First, in the method for manufacturing a light control sheet according to the present embodiment, the polymer network layer forming step described above with reference to FIG. 7 is performed as in the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 15, the liquid crystal composition 22 is removed from the edge of the polymer network layer 11P by decompressing the space in which the polymer network layer 11P is arranged. In this embodiment, a laminate including a polymer network layer 11P, a pair of transparent conductive layers 12A and 12B, a pair of transparent support layers 13A and 13B, and a pair of transparent protective films 14A and 14B is placed in the chamber 41. Then, the pressure inside the chamber 41 is reduced. As a result, the outside of the polymer network layer 11P has a negative pressure with respect to the inside of the polymer network layer 11P. It seeps out of the polymer network layer 11P.

The laminate is then removed from the chamber 41 and placed in the atmosphere. This reduces the volume of the liquid crystal composition 22 filled in the polymer network layer 11P, thereby forming a gap between the pair of transparent films T1 and T2. It should be noted that the liquid crystal composition 22 that seeps out of the polymer network layer 11P may or may not be removed.

As shown in FIG. 16, the space between the transparent films T1 and T2 from which the liquid crystal composition 22 has been removed is filled with a sealing material 23P. In this embodiment, the side end surfaces of the laminate are brought into contact with the sealing material 23P inside the container 32, as in the first embodiment described above. As a result, capillary action occurring in the polymer network layer 11P fills the ends of the polymer network layer 11P from which the liquid crystal composition 22 has been removed with the sealing material 23P. Since the polymer network layer 11P is filled with the sealing material 23P using the capillary condition, the sealing material 23P is easily filled in the polymer network layer 11P.

Next, the sealing material 23P is cured by performing the sealing material curing step described above with reference to FIG. 11, as in the first embodiment. Thereby, a sealing body 23 surrounding the liquid crystal composition 22 is formed.

As described above, according to the second embodiment of the light control sheet and the method of manufacturing the light control sheet, in addition to the effects of (1) to (5) and (8) of the first embodiment, , the following effects can be obtained.

(9) By decompressing the space in which the polymer network layer 11P is arranged, the liquid crystal composition 22 positioned between the transparent films T1 and T2 is exuded from the end face of the polymer network layer 11P to the outside of the polymer network layer 11P. can be done.

(10) Since the polymer network layer 11P is filled with the sealing material 23P using capillary conditions, the polymer network layer 11P is easily filled with the sealing material 23P.

[Modification of Second Embodiment]
In addition, the above-described second embodiment can be implemented with the following changes.
- The second embodiment can be implemented in combination with a configuration other than the modification of the pressure step using the pressure plate among the modifications of the first embodiment described above.

[Change example]
In addition, each embodiment mentioned above can be changed as follows and can be implemented.
- The light control sheets 10N and 10R described in each embodiment and each modification may further include, in addition to the sealing body 23, a sealing portion that covers the end surface of the light control layer 11 from the outside.

10N, 10R, 100... Light control sheet, 11... Light control layer, 11P... Polymer network layer, 12... Transparent conductive layer, 12A... First transparent conductive layer, 12B... Second transparent conductive layer, 13... Transparent support layer, 13A... First transparent support layer, 13B... Second transparent support layer, 14... Transparent protective film, 14A... First transparent protective film, 14B... Second transparent protective film, 15... Alignment film, 15A... First alignment film, 15B... second alignment film, 16... electrode portion, 17... wiring portion, 18, 101... sealing portion, 21... polymer network, 21C... central region, 21D... domain, 21S... peripheral region, 22... liquid crystal composition, 23 Sealing body 23P Sealing material 31 Pressure plate 32 Container 41 Chamber ET1 First terminal region ET2 Second terminal region T1 First transparent film T2 Second 2 transparent film.

Claims (6)

a polymer network layer forming step of forming a polymer network layer sandwiched between the first transparent film and the second transparent film and provided with a liquid crystal composition at least in the central region;
A sealing body forming step of forming a sealing body positioned between the first transparent film and the second transparent film on at least a part of the outer edge of the liquid crystal composition and positioned within the polymer network layer. and including
The sealing body forming step includes:
a liquid crystal composition removing step of removing the liquid crystal composition from the ends of the polymer network layer;
A sealing material filling step of filling a sealing material into the end portion from which the liquid crystal composition has been removed;
and a sealing material curing step of curing the sealing material after the sealing material filling step.
A method for manufacturing a light control sheet. The liquid crystal composition removing step includes
It includes applying a pressing force to the first transparent film and the second transparent film so as to narrow the gap between the first transparent film and the second transparent film.
The method for manufacturing the light control sheet according to claim 1. The sealing material filling step includes:
The side end face of the laminate including the first transparent film and the second transparent film is sealed while the pressing force on the first transparent film and the second transparent film is maintained from the liquid crystal composition removing step. contacting the stopping material;
and releasing the pressing force on the first transparent film and the second transparent film while the side end face of the laminate is in contact with the sealing material.
The method for manufacturing the light control sheet according to claim 2. The liquid crystal composition removing step includes depressurizing the space sandwiched between the first transparent film and the second transparent film.
The method for manufacturing the light control sheet according to claim 1. The sealing material filling step includes:
filling the end portion from which the liquid crystal composition has been removed by capillary action occurring in the polymer network layer with the sealing material;
The method for manufacturing the light control sheet according to claim 4. The sealing material is an ultraviolet curable resin
The method for manufacturing the light control sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 5.