Patent Description:
Alight control sheet includes a light control layer containing a liquid crystal composition, a pair of transparent electrode layers sandwiching the light control layer, and a pair of transparent support layers sandwiching the light control layer and the pair of transparent electrode layers. Depending on a potential difference between the pair of transparent electrode layers, an alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules varies, and thus a light transmittance of the light control sheet varies.

In recent years, there have been proposed light control devices that include a light control sheet having a plurality of light control sections so that light transmittance can be changed for each of the light control sections (for example, see PTL <NUM>). In the light control sheet having the plurality of light control sections, at least a first transparent electrode layer includes a plurality of electrode sections. An arrangement of the plurality of electrode sections corresponds to an arrangement of the plurality of light control sections. In the transparent electrode layer, each electrode section is insulated from the other electrode sections. The light control device controls a potential difference between the transparent electrode layers for each of the light control sections according to a voltage signal independently inputted to each of the plurality of electrode sections.

PTL <NUM>: <CIT>
Further prior art documents are <CIT> showing a multilayer film with electrically switchable optical properties, <CIT> showing a device for the regulation of light transmission and <CIT>, showing a manufacture of transparent electrode substrate and gas discharge display panel provided with touch switch and liquid crystal display panel provided with back light.

A light control sheet having a plurality of light control sections is formed by providing a light control layer between a transparent electrode layer supported by a first transparent support layer and another transparent electrode layer supported by a second transparent support layer. A plurality of electrode sections are formed by patterning a single transparent conductive film supported by the transparent support layer by means of etching before the light control layer is provided. A series of steps required for patterning the transparent conductive film, such as formation of a resist mask, exposure, development, etching, removal of the resist mask, and cleaning, causes a significant increase in the number of steps for producing the light control sheet.

The above problem is not limited to production of a light control sheet having a plurality of light control sections, but also applies to production of a light control sheet having a patterned transparent electrode layer.

An object of the present invention is to provide a light control sheet capable of reducing the number of steps required for production, and a method for producing the light control sheet.

A light control sheet for solving the above is defined by claim <NUM>. Further details are set out in the dependent claims.

With this configuration, the insulating section can be formed by laser irradiation, and the first transparent electrode layer can be partitioned by the insulating section. Accordingly, compared with a light control sheet having a first transparent electrode layer patterned by etching, the number of steps required for production of a light control sheet can be reduced.

In the above configuration, the first transparent electrode layer may include a portion made of a conductive film, and the conductive film may be broken in the insulating section.

The insulating section can be suitably formed by laser irradiation.

In the above configuration, the light control sheet may further include a functional layer in contact with the first transparent electrode layer, the functional layer being the light control layer or a layer located between the light control layer and the first transparent electrode layer, wherein the pair of transparent support layers may be composed of a first transparent support layer and a second transparent support layer, the first transparent support layer may support the first transparent electrode layer, the first transparent electrode layer may include a portion made of a conductive film, the conductive film may be removed from the first transparent support layer in the insulating section, and a fragment of the conductive film removed from the first transparent support layer may be located near the insulating section in the functional layer.

The insulating section can be suitably formed by laser irradiation to the transparent conductive layer in a state in which the light control layer is sandwiched between two sheets, each composed of the transparent support layer and the transparent conductive layer.

In the above configuration, the light control sheet may further include a functional layer in contact with the first transparent electrode layer, the functional layer being the light control layer or a layer located between the light control layer and the first transparent electrode layer, wherein a portion of the first transparent electrode layer other than the insulating section may be a conductive section, and a content of at least some of a plurality of elements constituting the conductive section may be higher in a portion of the functional layer in contact with the insulating section than in a portion of the functional layer in contact with the conductive section.

In the above configuration, a surface of the insulating section may be rougher than that of a portion of the first transparent electrode layer adjacent to the insulating section.

The insulating section can be suitably formed by laser irradiation to a single transparent conductive layer.

In the above configuration, the second transparent electrode layer comprises a strip section including a laser-processed region, the strip section including insulating portions intermittently arranged in an extending direction of the strip section, and the insulating sections overlap the strip section when viewed in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the light control sheet.

With this configuration, the insulating section in the first transparent electrode layer and the strip section in the second transparent electrode layer can be collectively formed by laser irradiation. Accordingly, in formation of the insulating section in the first transparent electrode layer, loss of conductivity in part of the second transparent electrode layer can be allowed. Accordingly, the insulating section can be suitably formed by laser irradiation.

In the above configuration, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the light control sheet, a region where the insulating section is located may have a visible light transmittance lower than a visible light transmittance of a region of the first transparent electrode layer where a portion other than the insulating section is located when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the surface.

In the above configuration, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the light control sheet, a region where the insulating section is located may be formed as a strip-shaped region having an outer shape formed of a sequence of a plurality of rounded regions arranged in one direction.

The insulating section can be suitably formed by a pulsed laser. Use of a pulsed laser enables formation of the insulating section while dissipating heat generated by laser irradiation. Accordingly, generation of air bubbles in the light control layer can be reduced.

In the above configuration, the first transparent electrode layer may include a plurality of electrode sections separated by the insulating section, and the plurality of electrode sections may be configured to receive different voltage signals.

With this configuration, a plurality of electrode sections can be formed by laser irradiation. Accordingly, the number of steps required for production of a light control sheet having a plurality of light control sections can be reduced.

A method of producing a light control sheet is defined by the independent method claim <NUM>.

With this production method, the insulating section can be formed in one step in which the multilayer laminate is irradiated with a laser. Accordingly, the number of steps required for production of a light control sheet can be reduced.

In the above production method, the laser irradiation to the multilayer laminate may include laser irradiation to the light control layer via the first transparent conductive layer.

With this production method, the insulating section can be suitably formed. Further, since the insulating section is formed in the transparent conductive layer, which is one of the two transparent conductive layers located closer to a laser light source, irradiation conditions such as a focus and a laser power can be easily set.

In the above production method, the laser irradiation to the multilayer laminate may include laser irradiation to the light control layer via the second transparent conductive layer.

With this production method, the insulating section can be suitably formed.

In the above production method, the laser irradiation to the multilayer laminate includes forming a portion in which insulating portions are continuously arranged as the insulating section in the first transparent conductive layer, and forming a portion in which insulating portions are intermittently arranged in the second transparent conductive layer.

With this production method, in formation of the insulating section in the first transparent conductive layer, loss of conductivity in part of the second transparent electrode layer can be allowed. Accordingly, the insulating section can be suitably formed in the first transparent conductive layer.

According to the present invention, the number of steps required for production of a light control sheet can be reduced.

With reference to <FIG>, an embodiment of a light control sheet and a method of producing a light control sheet will be described.

An overall configuration of a light control device having a light control sheet of the present embodiment (not covered by the claimed invention) will be described.

As shown in <FIG>, a light control device includes a light control sheet <NUM> and a control unit <NUM> that controls a drive voltage applied to the light control sheet <NUM>. The light control sheet <NUM> has either a normal type structure or a reverse type structure. <FIG> shows a cross-sectional structure of a normal type light control sheet 10N.

The normal type light control sheet 10N includes a light control layer <NUM>, a pair of transparent electrode layers composed of a first transparent electrode layer 12A and a second transparent electrode layer 12B, and a pair of transparent support layers composed of a first transparent support layer 13A and a second transparent support layer 13B. The first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B sandwich the light control layer <NUM>, and the first transparent support layer 13A and the second transparent support layer 13B sandwich the light control layer <NUM> and the transparent electrode layers 12A and 12B. The first transparent support layer 13A supports the first transparent electrode layer 12A, and the second transparent support layer 13B supports the second transparent electrode layer 12B.

The first transparent electrode layer 12A is connected to the control unit <NUM> via a wire extending from a first terminal section 15A disposed on a surface of the first transparent electrode layer 12A. The second transparent electrode layer 12B is connected to the control unit <NUM> via a wire extending from a second terminal section 15B disposed on a surface of the second transparent electrode layer 12B. The first terminal section 15A is disposed on an end of the light control sheet 10N in a region where the first transparent electrode layer 12A is exposed from the light control layer <NUM>, the second transparent electrode layer 12B, and the second transparent support layer 13B. The second terminal section 15B is disposed on another end of the light control sheet 10N in a region where the second transparent electrode layer 12B is exposed from the light control layer <NUM>, the first transparent electrode layer 12A, and the first transparent support layer 13A. The terminal sections 15A and 15B form a part of the light control sheet 10N.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional structure of a reverse type light control sheet 10R. The reverse type light control sheet 10R includes a first alignment layer 14A and a second alignment layer 14B, which are a pair of alignment layers sandwiching the light control layer <NUM>, in addition to the light control layer <NUM>, the transparent electrode layers 12A and 12B, and the transparent support layers 13A and 13B. The first alignment layer 14A is disposed between the light control layer <NUM> and the first transparent electrode layer 12A, and the second alignment layer 14B is disposed between the light control layer <NUM> and the second transparent electrode layer 12B.

The alignment layers 14A and 14B are, for example, vertical alignment layers. When the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B are at the same potential, the alignment layers 14A and 14B align the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules included in the light control layer <NUM> into a direction normal to a plane in which the alignment layers 14A and 14B extend. On the other hand, when a potential difference is applied between the transparent electrode layers 12A and 12B, the alignment layers 14A and 14B can change the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules included in the light control layer <NUM> to a direction other than the above normal direction.

The normal type and reverse type light control sheets <NUM> have the same planar structure.

As shown in <FIG>, the light control sheet <NUM> includes a plurality of light control sections <NUM>, and a boundary section <NUM> located between the light control sections <NUM> adjacent to each other when viewed in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the light control sheet <NUM>. The light control section <NUM> is a region having a variable light transmittance. Each light control section <NUM> has a strip shape extending in a common direction, and a plurality of light control sections <NUM> are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the light control section <NUM>. The figure shows an example in which the light control sheet <NUM> includes two light control sections <NUM>. The boundary section <NUM> extends linearly in the extending direction of the light control section <NUM>. The adjacent light control sections <NUM> are partitioned by the boundary section <NUM>.

In the figure, the width of the boundary section <NUM> is exaggerated. Further, the figure shows an example in which the first terminal section 15A extends along a first side of the light control sheet <NUM>, and the second terminal section 15B extends along a second side facing the first side, but the arrangement of the terminal sections 15A and 15B is merely an example.

The following description will be given of a first form and a second form in which electrode sections in the transparent electrode layers 12A and 12B are divided. <FIG> are planar views of a laminate having the first transparent electrode layer 12A, the first transparent support layer 13A, and the first terminal section 15A as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first transparent electrode layer 12A, and a laminate having the second transparent electrode layer 12B, the second transparent support layer 13B, and the second terminal section 15B as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the second transparent electrode layer 12B. <FIG> shows a first form, and <FIG> shows a second form.

As shown in <FIG>, in the first form, the first transparent electrode layer 12A includes a plurality of electrode sections <NUM>, and an insulating section <NUM> located between the electrode sections <NUM> adjacent to each other. The electrode section <NUM> is an example of a conductive portion. Each electrode section <NUM> has a strip shape extending in a common direction, and a plurality of electrode sections <NUM> are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the electrode section <NUM>. The insulating section <NUM> extends linearly in the extending direction of the electrode section <NUM>. The insulating section <NUM> has a configuration in which insulating portions are continuously arranged in the extending direction of the insulating section <NUM>. The adjacent electrode sections <NUM> are insulated from each other by the insulating section <NUM>.

In a region where the light control layer <NUM> is located as viewed in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the light control sheet <NUM>, a region where the electrode section <NUM> is located corresponds to a region where the light control section <NUM> is located, and a region where the insulating section <NUM> is located corresponds to a region where the boundary section <NUM> is located.

The first terminal section 15Ais provided for each of the electrode sections <NUM>. A plurality of electrode sections <NUM> are individually connected to the control unit <NUM>, and different voltage signals are supplied from the control unit <NUM> to each of the plurality of electrode sections <NUM>.

In the first form, the second transparent electrode layer 12B does not include an insulating section that partitions the electrode section, and the second transparent electrode layer 12B as a whole functions as one electrode section. One second terminal section 15B is provided for one second transparent electrode layer 12B.

As shown in <FIG>, in the second form, the first transparent electrode layer 12A includes the same configuration as that of the first form. On the other hand, in the second form, the second transparent electrode layer 12B includes a plurality of electrode sections <NUM>, and a strip section <NUM> located between the electrode sections <NUM> adjacent to each other. Each electrode section <NUM> has a strip shape extending in a common direction, and a plurality of electrode sections <NUM> are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the electrode section <NUM>. The strip section <NUM> extends linearly in the extending direction of the electrode section <NUM>. In a region where the light control layer <NUM> is located as viewed in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the light control sheet <NUM>, a region where the electrode section <NUM> is located corresponds to a region where the light control section <NUM> is located, and a region where the strip section <NUM> is located corresponds to a region where the boundary section <NUM> is located.

The strip section <NUM> has insulating properties in at least part of the extending direction of the strip section <NUM>. According to the claimed invention, the strip section <NUM> has a configuration in which insulating portions are intermittently arranged in the extending direction of the strip section <NUM>.

One second terminal section 15B is provided for a plurality of electrode sections <NUM>. A common voltage signal is supplied from the control unit <NUM> to each of the plurality of electrode sections <NUM>. As long as a common voltage signal is supplied to the plurality of electrode sections <NUM>, the second terminal section 15B may be provided for each of the electrode sections <NUM>.

In either the first form or the second form, the control unit <NUM> supplies one voltage signal to the second transparent electrode layer 12B, and different voltage signals to each of the electrode sections <NUM> in the first transparent electrode layer 12A. Accordingly, the potential difference between the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B is controlled for each light control section <NUM>.

In the normal type, when a potential difference is applied between the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B, the liquid crystal molecules included in the light control layer <NUM> are aligned so that the major axis directions of the liquid crystal molecules are oriented parallel to the direction of the electric field between the transparent electrode layers 12A and 12B. As a result, light is more likely to be transmitted through the light control layer <NUM> and the light control section <NUM> becomes transparent. On the other hand, when the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B are at the same potential, the major axis directions of the liquid crystal molecules are irregular. Therefore, light incident on the light control layer <NUM> is scattered. Accordingly, the light control section <NUM> becomes cloudy and opaque.

In the reverse type, when a potential difference is applied between the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B, the major axis directions of the liquid crystal molecules in the light control layer <NUM> are different from the normal direction of the alignment layers 14A and 14B. Accordingly, the light control section <NUM> is opaque. On the other hand, when the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B are at the same potential, the alignment layers 14A and 14B align the liquid crystal molecules so that the major axis directions of the liquid crystal molecules are oriented parallel to the normal direction of the alignment layers 14A and 14B. Accordingly, the light control section <NUM> becomes transparent.

The light transmittance of the light control section <NUM> can be controlled to be transparent or opaque in two stages, or in three stages or more by controlling the voltage signal applied to the transparent electrode layers 12A and 12B. For example, the control unit <NUM> changes the light transmittance of each of the light control sections <NUM> in response to the signal from an external switch provided for each light control section <NUM> when the external switch is operated by the user of the light control device.

A method of producing the light control sheet <NUM> will be described by using an example of the normal type light control sheet 10N.

As shown in <FIG>, first, a multilayer laminate <NUM> including the light control layer <NUM>, transparent conductive layers 21A and 21B, and the transparent support layers 13A and 13B is formed. The first transparent conductive layer 21A is supported by the first transparent support layer 13A, and the second transparent conductive layer 21B is supported by the second transparent support layer 13B. The first transparent conductive layer 21A and the second transparent conductive layer 21B sandwich the light control layer <NUM>. The transparent conductive layers 21A and 21B are the transparent electrode layers 12A and 12B before the electrode sections <NUM> and <NUM> are formed, which are transparent uniform conductive films that do not have any insulating portions.

The multilayer laminate <NUM> is formed, for example, by cutting a large-sized sheet in which the light control layer <NUM>, the transparent conductive layers 21A and 21B and the transparent support layers 13A and 13B are laminated into a desired shape according to a portion where the light control sheet <NUM> is to be attached.

The light control layer <NUM> contains a liquid crystal composition. The light control layer <NUM> is composed of, for example, a polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC), a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), a nematic curvilinear aligned phase (NCAP) liquid crystal, or the like. For example, a polymer network liquid crystal has a three-dimensional mesh polymer network, and holds liquid crystal molecules in voids in the polymer network. The liquid crystal molecules contained in the light control layer <NUM> have, for example, positive dielectric anisotropy, and have a higher dielectric constant in a major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules than in a minor axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules. These liquid crystal molecules are, for example, liquid crystal molecules based on a Schiff base, azo, azoxy, biphenyl, terphenyl, benzoic acid ester, tolan, pyrimidine, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid ester, phenylcyclohexane, or dioxane molecules.

The light control layer <NUM> may include a dye that has a predetermined color and does not hinder movement of the liquid crystal molecules according to a magnitude of the voltage applied to the light control layer <NUM>. Such a configuration achieves a light control section <NUM> having a predetermined color.

Materials forming the transparent conductive layers 21A and 21B include, for example, polymers including indium tin oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), tin oxide, zinc oxide, carbon nanotube (CNT), or poly(<NUM>,<NUM>-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), and multilayer films including Ag alloy thin films.

The first transparent support layer 13A and the second transparent support layer 13B are transparent substrates. Example of the transparent support layers 13A and 13B include a glass substrate, a silicon substrate, or a polymer film made of polyethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl alcohol, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyimide, polysulfone, cycloolefin polymer, triacetylcellulose, or the like.

Then, the multilayer laminate <NUM> is irradiated with a laser beam to form the transparent electrode layers 12A and 12B. The following description will be given of laser irradiation modes, which include a first irradiation mode (not covered by the claimed invention), a second irradiation mode (not covered by the claimed invention), a third irradiation mode, and a fourth irradiation mode. The first irradiation mode and the second irradiation mode are irradiation modes for defining the transparent electrode layers 12A and 12B in the above first form, and the third irradiation mode and the fourth irradiation mode are irradiation modes for defining the transparent electrode layers 12A and 12B in the above second form.

As shown in <FIG>, in the first irradiation mode, the light control layer <NUM> is irradiated with the laser La via the first transparent conductive layer 21A so that a region where the boundary section <NUM> is to be formed in the multilayer laminate <NUM> is irradiated. By irradiation with the laser La, an insulating portion is formed in the first transparent conductive layer 21A, which is one of the two transparent conductive layers 21A and 21B located closer to a light source of the laser apparatus <NUM>. As a result, an insulating section <NUM> and a plurality of electrode sections <NUM> divided by the insulating section <NUM> are formed in the first transparent conductive layer 21A. Thus, the first transparent electrode layer 12A is formed.

Specifically, the laser La is applied to the multilayer laminate <NUM> so as to penetrate the first transparent support layer 13A in a direction perpendicular to the first transparent support layer 13A, and is focused on or near the first transparent conductive layer 21A. While at least an outer surface of the first transparent support layer 13A is not modified by the laser La, an insulating portion is formed in the first transparent conductive layer 21A as the insulating section <NUM>. On the other hand, an insulating portion is not formed in the second transparent conductive layer 21B, and thus the second transparent electrode layer 12B having no strip section <NUM> is formed.

Further, the insulating section <NUM> may also be formed in the first transparent conductive layer 21A by setting the focus of the laser La to a position beyond the first transparent conductive layer 21A as viewed from the light source of the laser apparatus <NUM>, and setting the wavelength of the laser La so that it is absorbed by the first transparent conductive layer 21A.

As shown in <FIG>, in the second irradiation mode, the light control layer <NUM> is irradiated with the laser La via the second transparent conductive layer 21B so that a region where the boundary section <NUM> is to be formed in the multilayer laminate <NUM> is irradiated. By irradiation with the laser La, an insulating portion is formed in the first transparent conductive layer 21A, which is one of the two transparent conductive layers 21A and 21B located farther from a light source of the laser apparatus <NUM>. As a result, an insulating section <NUM> and a plurality of electrode sections <NUM> divided by the insulating section <NUM> are formed in the first transparent conductive layer 21A. Thus, the first transparent electrode layer 12A is formed.

Specifically, the laser La is applied to the multilayer laminate <NUM> so as to penetrate the second transparent support layer 13B in a direction perpendicular to the second transparent support layer 13B, and is focused on or near the first transparent conductive layer 21A. The second transparent support layer 13B and the second transparent conductive layer 21B are not modified by the laser La, and the second transparent electrode layer 12B having no strip section <NUM> is formed. On the other hand, an insulating portion is formed in the first transparent conductive layer 21A as the insulating section <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in the third irradiation mode, the light control layer <NUM> is irradiated with the laser La via the first transparent conductive layer 21A so that a region where the boundary section <NUM> is to be formed in the multilayer laminate <NUM> is irradiated. By irradiation with the laser La, an insulating portion is formed in both the first transparent conductive layer 21A, which is one of the two transparent conductive layers 21A and 21B located closer to a light source of the laser apparatus <NUM>, and the second transparent conductive layer 21B, which is located farther from the light source. As a result, an insulating section <NUM> and a plurality of electrode sections <NUM> divided by the insulating section <NUM> are formed in the first transparent conductive layer 21A. Thus, the first transparent electrode layer 12A is formed. Further, a strip section <NUM> and a plurality of electrode sections <NUM> divided by the strip section <NUM> are formed in the second transparent conductive layer 21B. Thus, the second transparent electrode layer 12B is formed.

Specifically, the laser La is applied to the multilayer laminate <NUM> so as to penetrate the first transparent support layer 13A in a direction perpendicular to the first transparent support layer 13A, and is focused on or near the first transparent conductive layer 21A. While at least an outer surface of the first transparent support layer 13A is not modified by the laser La, an insulating portion is formed in the first transparent conductive layer 21A as the insulating section <NUM>. Further, as the laser La penetrates the first transparent conductive layer 21A and the light control layer <NUM>, an insulating portion is formed in the second transparent conductive layer 21B as the strip section <NUM>.

The laser La may also be focused on or near the second transparent conductive layer 21B. Further, the insulating section <NUM> and the strip section <NUM> may also be formed by setting the focus of the laser La to a position beyond the second transparent conductive layer 21B as viewed from the light source of the laser apparatus <NUM>, and setting the wavelength of the laser La so that it is absorbed by the first transparent conductive layer 21A and the second transparent conductive layer 21B.

As shown in <FIG>, in the fourth irradiation mode, the light control layer <NUM> is irradiated with the laser La via the second transparent conductive layer 21B so that a region where the boundary section <NUM> is to be formed in the multilayer laminate <NUM> is irradiated. By irradiation with the laser La, an insulating portion is formed in both the first transparent conductive layer 21A, which is one of the two transparent conductive layers 21A and 21B located farther from a light source of the laser apparatus <NUM>, and the second transparent conductive layer 21B, which is located closer to the light source. As a result, an insulating section <NUM> and a plurality of electrode sections <NUM> divided by the insulating section <NUM> are formed in the first transparent conductive layer 21A. Thus, the first transparent electrode layer 12A is formed. Further, a strip section <NUM> and a plurality of electrode sections <NUM> divided by the strip section <NUM> are formed in the second transparent conductive layer 21B. Thus, the second transparent electrode layer 12B is formed.

Specifically, the laser La is applied to the multilayer laminate <NUM> so as to penetrate the second transparent support layer 13B in a direction perpendicular to the second transparent support layer 13B, and is focused on or near the first transparent conductive layer 21A. While at least an outer surface of the second transparent support layer 13B is not modified by the laser La, an insulating portion is formed in the second transparent conductive layer 21B as the strip section <NUM>. Further, as the laser La penetrates the second transparent conductive layer 21B and the light control layer <NUM>, an insulating portion is formed in the first transparent conductive layer 21A as the insulating section <NUM>.

The laser La may also be focused on or near the second transparent conductive layer 21B. Further, the insulating section <NUM> and the strip section <NUM> may also be formed by setting the focus of the laser La to a position beyond the first transparent conductive layer 21A as viewed from the light source of the laser apparatus <NUM>, and setting the wavelength of the laser La so that it is absorbed by the first transparent conductive layer 21A and the second transparent conductive layer 21B.

Difference between the first irradiation mode and the third irradiation mode and difference between the second irradiation mode and the fourth irradiation mode, that is, whether the second transparent conductive layer 21B is processed as with the first transparent conductive layer 21A, can be controlled by adjusting the power of the laser La and the focus position. Further, an area of the insulating portion in the strip section <NUM> formed in the third irradiation mode and the fourth irradiation mode can also be modified by adjusting the power of the laser La and the focus position.

The medium and wavelength of laser used for the laser irradiation is not specifically limited. Examples of a laser that can be used include a Nd:YAG laser, Nd:YVO<NUM> laser, CO<NUM> laser, and semiconductor laser. For example, the infrared wavelength is used for the laser wavelength. The laser may be a continuous-wave laser or a pulsed laser.

After the laser irradiation, regions intended for the terminal sections 15A and 15B are formed, and then the terminal sections 15A and 15B are disposed. Thus, the light control sheet <NUM> is formed. The terminal sections 15A and 15B are formed of, for example, conductive tapes, conductive pastes, conductive films, or other conductive materials. Formation of the regions intended for the terminal sections 15A and 15B and arrangement of the terminal sections 15A are 15B may also be performed before the laser irradiation.

Further, in production of the reverse type light control sheet 10R, a multilayer laminate including the alignment layers 14A and 14B in addition to the light control layer <NUM>, the transparent conductive layers 21A and 21B, and the transparent support layers 13A and 13B may be used as the multilayer laminate <NUM>. The first alignment layer 14A is interposed between the light control layer <NUM> and the first transparent conductive layer 21A, and the second alignment layer 14B is interposed between the light control layer <NUM> and the second transparent conductive layer 21B.

Materials for forming the alignment layers 14A and 14B are, for example, polyesters such as polyamide, polyimide, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polysiloxane, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyethylene naphthalate, and polyacrylates such as polymethylmethacrylate. Examples of alignment processing for the alignment layers 14A and 14B include rubbing, polarized light irradiation, and microprocessing.

The multilayer laminate <NUM> including the alignment layers 14A and 14B is irradiated with a laser beam in any of the above four irradiation modes. Accordingly, as in the normal type, the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B are formed.

According to the production method of the present embodiment (not covered by the claimed invention), since the first transparent electrode layer 12A is patterned by laser irradiation for forming the insulating section <NUM>, it is possible to reduce the number of steps and the time required for producing the light control sheet <NUM> compared with the production method in which patterning is performed by photolithography and etching. Further, compared with the production method in which patterning is performed by photolithography and etching, the manufacturing cost can also be reduced. In addition, compared with the insulating section formed by photolithography and etching, the insulating section <NUM> formed by laser irradiation can be less conspicuous. Accordingly, the boundary section <NUM> between the adjacent light control sections <NUM> can be prevented from being conspicuous. Further, since the first transparent electrode layer 12A is patterned after the multilayer laminate <NUM> is formed, it is possible to easily cope with design change in the shape of the light control sheet <NUM>, the electrode section <NUM>, or the like.

In addition to the light control layer <NUM>, the transparent electrode layers 12A and 12B, the transparent support layers 13A and 13B, and the alignment layers 14A and 14B, the light control sheet <NUM> may include one or more additional layers. Examples of the additional layers include layers having a UV barrier function or the like, layers for protecting the light control layer <NUM> and the transparent electrode layers 12A and 12B, layers contributing to control of optical transparency of the light control section <NUM>, and layers improving strength or characteristics such as heat resistance of the light control sheet <NUM>. In the case as well where the light control sheet <NUM> includes one or more additional layers, laser irradiation is performed to the multilayer laminate <NUM>, having a layer configuration corresponding to the layer configuration of the light control sheet <NUM>, to form the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B.

Detailed configuration of the light control sheet <NUM> formed by the above production method will now be described, focusing on the configuration of the boundary section <NUM>. As described above, the insulating section <NUM> of the first transparent electrode layer 12A is a laser-processed region formed by laser irradiation. First, the details of the laser-processed region will be described.

<FIG> and <FIG> are enlarged views of a first example of the cross-sectional structure near the insulating section <NUM>. In the first example, the insulating section <NUM> is a portion in which the conductive film constituting the first transparent conductive layer 21A is broken into small pieces. As shown in <FIG>, in the insulating section <NUM>, the conductive film is broken into pieces by laser irradiation, and part of the first transparent conductive layer 21A is removed from the first transparent support layer 13A. That is, the insulating section <NUM> is a portion in which the conductive film is removed from the first transparent support layer 13A.

A fragment Fg of the conductive film removed from the first transparent support layer 13A is located near the insulating section <NUM> in the functional layer such as the light control layer <NUM> or the first alignment layer 14A in contact with the first transparent electrode layer 12A. Therefore, the content of the element constituting the electrode section <NUM> is higher in a portion of the functional layer in contact with the insulating section <NUM> than in a portion in contact with the electrode section <NUM>.

Further, depending on the degree of fragmentation of the conductive film due to the laser irradiation, the insulating section <NUM> may be a portion in which the conductive film is physically broken while being in contact with the first transparent support layer 13A as shown in <FIG>. The surface of the insulating section <NUM> is rougher than the surface of the electrode section <NUM>. In this case, the fragment Fg is not dispersed into the functional layer.

<FIG> are enlarged views of a second example of the cross-sectional structure near the insulating section <NUM>. In the second example, the insulating section <NUM> is a region chemically modified by laser irradiation.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the insulating section <NUM> is a region whose composition is modified from the electrode section <NUM> due to migration of an element Pc, which is part of the atoms contributing to electrical conductivity or the molecules contributing to electrical conductivity, into a layer underlying the first transparent electrode layer 12A. Such a modification in composition imparts insulating properties to the insulating section <NUM>.

The content of the element Pc is higher in a portion of the functional layer such as the light control layer <NUM> or the first alignment layer 14A in contact with the first transparent electrode layer 12A than in a portion of the functional layer in contact with the electrode section <NUM>.

The insulating section <NUM> and the electrode section <NUM> adjacent to the insulating section <NUM> form a single continuous layer, and the first transparent electrode layer 12Ahas a flat film shape. However, the insulating section <NUM> is more fragile than the electrode section <NUM> since the element Pc has been lost. For example, the surface of the insulating section <NUM> is rougher than the surface of the electrode section <NUM>.

Further, for example as shown in <FIG>, the insulating section <NUM> is a region different from the electrode section <NUM> in that the atomic positions in the compound have been displaced or the chemical structure has changed due to breakage of bonds in molecules or the like. Such a change in chemical structure imparts insulating properties to the insulating section <NUM>. In the insulating section <NUM>, the composition is not modified. The insulating section <NUM> and the electrode section <NUM> adjacent to the insulating section <NUM> form a single continuous layer, and the first transparent electrode layer 12A has a flat film shape.

Whether the insulating section <NUM> has a structure of the first example or the second example depends on the material constituting the first transparent electrode layer 12A, that is, the material constituting the first transparent conductive layer 21A, the power of laser, and the like. Further, the insulating section <NUM> may have a structure in which the first example and the second example are combined. For example, the first transparent electrode layer 12A may have a structure in which the element Pc migrates from the insulating section <NUM> into a layer underlying the first transparent electrode layer 12A while the conductive film is physically broken. The element Pc is an element included in a plurality of elements constituting the electrode section <NUM>.

Further, when the second transparent electrode layer 12B includes the strip section <NUM>, an insulating portion of the strip section <NUM> has the same structure as that of the insulating section <NUM> of the first example, the second example, or a combination thereof.

In <FIG>, the cross-sectional shape of the insulating section <NUM> is shown such that the length of the insulating section <NUM> in the width direction increases toward the first transparent support layer 13A, and the outer shape of the insulating section <NUM> has a curve bulging outward. This shape is on the assumption that the insulating section <NUM> is formed by laser irradiation of the first irradiation mode or the third irradiation mode, in which the laser is focused on a region from that in proximity to the center part of the first transparent conductive layer 21A to the surface in contact with the first transparent support layer 13A. The cross-sectional shape of the insulating section <NUM> may be different from the shapes shown in <FIG> depending on the laser focusing position, laser power, or the like.

Next, an appearance of the insulating section <NUM> will be described below. <FIG> is an enlarged view of an example of a planar structure near the boundary section <NUM> in the light control sheet <NUM>. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the light control sheet <NUM>, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the first transparent support layer 13A, the boundary section <NUM> in which the insulating section <NUM> is located has a straight strip-shaped region Ss, which is a strip-shaped region having a constant width. The boundary section <NUM> having the straight strip-shaped region Ss is formed by a continuous-wave laser.

At least part of the straight strip-shaped region Ss is discolored and appears dull. Accordingly, the visible light transmittance of the boundary section <NUM> is lower than that of the light control section <NUM> in a transparent state. <FIG> shows an example in which end portions of the straight strip-shaped region Ss in the width direction are discolored.

The degree of discoloration varies in the straight strip-shaped region Ss, since the farther from the center on which the laser is focused, the lower the energy of the laser received by the multilayer laminate <NUM>. According to the power of the laser, a portion where discoloration occurs in the straight strip-shaped region Ss can vary. For example, a center part of the straight strip-shaped region Ss in the width direction may be discolored, or end portions in the width direction and a center part may be discolored.

One of the reasons of discoloration is, for example, when the first transparent support layer 13A is a polyethylene terephthalate film or the like, a portion of the first transparent support layer 13A in contact with the insulating section <NUM> becomes amorphous due to laser irradiation. Such a change into an amorphous state in the first transparent support layer 13A is particularly likely to occur in a center part of the straight strip-shaped region Ss in the width direction.

Whether a change into an amorphous state occurs or not in the first transparent support layer 13A can be controlled by the power of laser, focus position, and the like. The laser irradiation conditions can be adjusted to cause or not to cause a change into an amorphous state in the first transparent support layer 13A depending on whether the boundary section <NUM> is desired to appear more clearly or not.

Further, the boundary section <NUM> may have a configuration in which a plurality of straight strip-shaped regions Ss are arranged side by side in the width direction of the straight strip-shaped region Ss. The boundary section <NUM> formed of a plurality of straight strip-shaped regions Ss is formed by scanning a laser a plurality of times to a region where the boundary section <NUM> is to be formed while gradually offsetting the irradiation position in the width direction. When the boundary section <NUM> is formed of a plurality of straight strip-shaped regions Ss, the insulating properties of the insulating section <NUM> between the electrode sections <NUM> are enhanced.

<FIG> is an enlarged view of another example of a planar structure near the boundary section <NUM> in the light control sheet <NUM>. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the light control sheet <NUM>, the boundary section <NUM> is formed as a rounded strip-shaped region Cs having an outer shape formed of a sequence of rounded regions arranged in one direction. Specifically, the rounded strip-shaped region Cs has an outer shape formed of a sequence of rounded regions communicating with each other. The boundary section <NUM> having the rounded strip-shaped region Cs is formed by a pulsed laser.

At least part of the rounded strip-shaped region Cs is discolored and appears dull. Accordingly, the visible light transmittance of the boundary section <NUM> is lower than that of the light control section <NUM> in a transparent state. <FIG> shows an example in which end portions of the rounded strip-shaped region Cs in the width direction, that is, a circumferential portion of the rounded regions connected to each other is discolored.

The degree of discoloration varies in the rounded strip-shaped region Cs, since the farther from the center on which the laser is focused, the lower the laser energy received by the multilayer laminate <NUM>. According to the power of the laser, a portion where discoloration occurs in the rounded strip-shaped region Cs can vary. For example, a center part of the rounded regions of the rounded strip-shaped region Cs may be discolored, or a circumferential portion and a center part of the rounded regions may be discolored.

One of the reasons of discoloration is, as in the case of the straight strip-shaped region Ss, a portion of the first transparent support layer 13A in contact with the insulating section <NUM> becomes amorphous due to laser irradiation. Such a change into an amorphous state in the first transparent support layer 13A is particularly likely to occur in a center part of the rounded regions of the rounded strip-shaped region Cs. As in the case of the straight strip-shaped region Ss, whether a change into an amorphous state occurs or not in the first transparent support layer 13A can be controlled by the power of laser, focus position, and the like.

When the insulating section <NUM> is formed by using a continuous-wave laser, the multilayer laminate <NUM> is continuously irradiated with a laser beam, so the heat generated by laser irradiation is not likely to dissipate. As a result, liquid crystals contained in the light control layer <NUM> may change into gas, generating air bubbles. On the other hand, when a pulse laser is used, the multilayer laminate <NUM> is intermittently irradiated with a laser beam. Accordingly, the heat generated by laser irradiation is more likely to dissipate compared with a case using a continuous-wave laser. Accordingly, occurrence of air bubbles in the light control layer <NUM> can be reduced.

Further, the boundary section <NUM> may have a configuration in which a plurality of rounded strip-shaped regions Cs are arranged side by side in the width direction of the rounded strip-shaped region Cs. The boundary section <NUM> formed of a plurality of rounded strip-shaped regions Cs is formed by scanning a laser a plurality of times to a region where the boundary section <NUM> is to be formed while gradually offsetting the irradiation position in the width direction. When the boundary section <NUM> is formed of a plurality of rounded strip-shaped regions Cs, the insulating properties of the insulating section <NUM> between the electrode sections <NUM> are enhanced. In particular, when a pulsed laser is used, the width of the strip-shaped region, that is, the width of the insulating portion tends to have an irregular shape compared with a case using a continuous-wave laser. Accordingly, arranging a plurality of rounded strip-shaped regions Cs side by side is advantageous for improved reliability of the insulating properties.

Further, when the second transparent electrode layer 12B includes the strip section <NUM>, the insulating section <NUM> overlaps the strip section <NUM> when the boundary section <NUM> is viewed in the direction perpendicular to a surface of the light control sheet <NUM>. In this case as well, the boundary section <NUM> is formed of the straight strip-shaped region Ss or the rounded strip-shaped region Cs, and the visible light transmittance of the boundary section <NUM> is lower than that of the light control section <NUM> in a transparent state. Regardless of whether the second transparent electrode layer 12B includes the strip section <NUM> or not, the degree of discoloration of the strip-shaped regions Ss and Cs may vary, but the outer shape does not significantly vary when viewed in the direction perpendicular to a surface of the light control sheet <NUM>.

Analysis was performed for the insulating section <NUM> formed by laser irradiation to the reverse type multilayer laminate <NUM> having the transparent conductive layers 21A and 21B made of ITO. The transparent support layers 13A and 13B were made of a polyethylene terephthalate film, and the light control layer <NUM> was made of a polymer network liquid crystal. Further, as a material for the alignment layers 14A and 14B, polyimide was used.

According to the above laser irradiation conditions, the multilayer laminate <NUM> was irradiated with a laser in the third irradiation mode with the laser wavelength set to be absorbed by the ITO to form a reverse type light control sheet 10R. The light control layer <NUM> was divided in the thickness direction so that the light control sheet 10R is separated into a first laminate having the first transparent support layer 13A, the first transparent electrode layer 12A, the first alignment layer 14A, and part of the light control layer <NUM>, and a second laminate having the second transparent support layer 13B, the second transparent electrode layer 12B, the second alignment layer 14B, and part of the light control layer <NUM>.

The first laminate and the second laminate were observed by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX). As the scanning electron microscope, a JSM-7001F manufactured by JEOL Ltd. Further, in the EDX analysis, measurement was performed in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane while a surface of the laminate was inclined by <NUM>° relative to the horizontal plane in order to ensure the layer thickness of the analysis target.

The appearance and composition of the first laminate and the second laminate were analyzed according to the above procedure, and it was confirmed that the insulating section <NUM> formed according to the above laser irradiation conditions had a structure of the first example. The analysis result will be described in detail below.

<FIG> is an SEM image of the first laminate on a side on which a surface of the light control layer <NUM> is located. <FIG> are views showing the EDX mapping result of a region included in the image of <FIG> shows the distribution of indium (In), <FIG> shows the distribution of carbon (C), and <FIG> shows the distribution of oxygen (O). In the figures, a region sandwiched by two dotted lines is a region which has been irradiated with the laser, and a region outside the two dotted lines is a region which has not been irradiated with the laser.

As shown in <FIG>, the first laminate has a rougher surface in the laser irradiated region than in the non-laser irradiated region.

As shown in <FIG>, In concentration in the light control layer <NUM> and the first alignment layer 14A is higher in the laser irradiated region than in the non-laser irradiated region. It seems that the reason why In is detected in the non-laser irradiated region is because the In included in the first transparent electrode layer 12A underlying the light control layer <NUM> is detected.

As shown in <FIG>, distributions of C and O are not significantly different between the laser irradiated region and the non-laser irradiated region.

Accordingly, it is suggested that In, which is an element included in the first transparent electrode layer 12A, has migrated into the light control layer <NUM> in the laser irradiated region. From the observation result of the appearance of the first transparent electrode layer 12A described later, it seems that an increase of In in the laser irradiated region has occurred since the ITO film constituting the first transparent conductive layer 21A was removed from the first transparent support layer 13A when irradiated with the laser, and the fragments were dispersed into the light control layer <NUM>.

<FIG> show the EDX spectra measured for the points included in the laser irradiated region and the points included in two non-laser irradiated regions located on both sides of the laser irradiated region in the first laminate after the light control layer <NUM> and the first alignment layer 14A are wiped off by using methyl ethyl ketone. <FIG> shows the EDX spectra in the laser irradiated region, and <FIG> show the EDX spectra in the non-laser irradiated region.

As shown in <FIG>, In is not detected in the laser irradiated region. On the other hand, as shown in <FIG>, In is detected in the non-laser irradiated region. This indicates that while an ITO film is present in the non-laser irradiated region in the first transparent electrode layer 12A, the ITO film is damaged in the laser irradiated region. That is, it seems that an ITO film was broken by laser in the laser irradiated region, and the ITO fragments film were scattered outside the first transparent electrode layer 12A. Further, the detected Pt is derived from the coating applied to the sample as pretreatment.

<FIG> is an SEM image of a surface of the first laminate after the light control layer <NUM> and the first alignment layer 14A are wiped off by using methyl ethyl ketone. <FIG> is an SEM image of a surface of the second laminate after the light control layer <NUM> and the second alignment layer 14B are wiped off by using methyl ethyl ketone. In <FIG>, a region Ra is a region which has been irradiated with a laser, and a region Rb is a region which has not been irradiated with a laser.

As seen from <FIG>, the ITO film is damaged in the laser irradiated region. In comparison between <FIG>, it is found that a region damaged by laser irradiation is larger in the first transparent electrode layer 12A, which is located closer to the laser light source than in the second transparent electrode layer 12B, which is located farther from the laser light source. This indicates that more energy is imparted to the layer located closer to the light source by laser irradiation. Further, in <FIG>, a region having the damaged ITO film in the first transparent electrode layer 12A has a width of approximately <NUM>. In <FIG>, a region having the damaged ITO film in the second transparent electrode layer 12B has a width of approximately <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in the second transparent electrode layer 12B located farther from the light source, there is a region X, which is a portion of an ITO film extending from the non-laser irradiated region remains connected in the laser irradiated region. That is, in the second transparent electrode layer 12B shown in <FIG>, portions damaged by laser irradiation are intermittently arranged. The strip section <NUM> formed in such a second transparent electrode layer 12B has a configuration - according to the claimed invention-in which insulating portions are intermittently arranged in the extending direction of the strip section <NUM>.

From the analysis described above, it seems that when the transparent conductive layers 21A and 21B are made of ITO, in other words, when the electrode sections <NUM> and <NUM> of the transparent electrode layers 12A and 12B, respectively, are made of ITO, the insulating section <NUM> formed in the above laser irradiation conditions has a structure of the first example. That is, in the insulating section <NUM>, a physical structure of the first transparent conductive layer 21A is damaged, the conductive film is removed from the first transparent support layer 13A, and the fragments of the conductive film are dispersed into the light control layer <NUM>.

<FIG> is a stereoscopic microscope image of the reverse type light control sheet 10R formed by laser irradiation in the third irradiation mode in the above laser irradiation conditions as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first transparent support layer 13A.

As seen from <FIG>, the boundary section <NUM> is formed as a rounded strip-shaped region Cs having an outer shape formed of a sequence of rounded regions. Further, the boundary section <NUM> appears dull compared with the light control section <NUM>, suggesting that the visible light transmittance of the boundary section <NUM> is lower than that of the light control section <NUM>. Further, when only the first transparent support layer 13A is observed, cloudiness due to a change into an amorphous state was observed on a surface in contact with the first transparent electrode layer 12A in the laser irradiated region.

The form of division of the electrode section in the light control sheet <NUM> described above includes the form in which only the first transparent electrode layer 12A is divided, and the form in which the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B are divided into the same pattern. These forms are examples according to the claimed invention. However, in a modified example not according to the claimed invention, the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B may also be divided into different patterns. For example, a form in which the light control sheet includes the light control sections <NUM> arranged in a matrix will be described below.

As shown in <FIG>, the light control sheet <NUM> includes a plurality of light control sections <NUM> arranged in a first direction and a second direction, which are two orthogonal directions, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the light control sheet <NUM>. That is, the plurality of light control sections <NUM> are arranged in a matrix. The boundary section <NUM> extending linearly is located between the light control sections <NUM> adjacent to each other.

As shown in <FIG>, the first transparent electrode layer 12A includes a plurality of electrode sections <NUM> each extending in the first direction, which are arranged side by side in the second direction, and the insulating section <NUM> located between the electrode sections <NUM> adjacent to each other. The adjacent electrode sections <NUM> are insulated from each other by the insulating section <NUM>.

The first terminal section 15A is provided for each of the electrode sections <NUM>. Different voltage signals are supplied from the control unit <NUM> to each of the plurality of electrode sections <NUM>.

On the other hand, the second transparent electrode layer 12B includes a plurality of electrode sections <NUM> each extending in the second direction, which are arranged side by side in the second direction, and the insulating section <NUM> located between the electrode sections <NUM> adjacent to each other. The insulating section <NUM> has a configuration in which insulating portions are continuously arranged in the extending direction of the insulating section <NUM>. The adjacent electrode sections <NUM> are insulated from each other by the insulating section <NUM>.

The second terminal section 15B is provided for each of the electrode sections <NUM>. Different voltage signals are supplied from the control unit <NUM> to each of the plurality of electrode sections <NUM>.

When viewed in the direction perpendicular to a surface of the light control sheet <NUM>, a region where the electrode section <NUM> of the first transparent electrode layer 12A overlaps the electrode section <NUM> of the second transparent electrode layer 12B is the light control section <NUM>. Further, when viewed in the direction perpendicular to a surface of the light control sheet <NUM>, a region where at least one of the insulating section <NUM> of the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the insulating section <NUM> of the second transparent electrode layer 12B is located is the boundary section <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> supplies different voltage signals to each of the electrode sections <NUM> in the first transparent electrode layer 12A, and supplies different voltage signals to each of the electrode sections <NUM> in the second transparent electrode layer 12B. Accordingly, the potential difference between the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B in each light control section <NUM> is controlled, and thus the light transmittance of each light control section <NUM> is controlled.

In production of the above light control sheet <NUM>, the insulating section <NUM> of the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the insulating section <NUM> of the second transparent electrode layer 12B are separately formed. For example, in laser irradiation to the multilayer laminate <NUM>, the light control layer <NUM> is irradiated with the laser via the first transparent conductive layer 21A to form an insulating section <NUM> in the first transparent conductive layer 21A, and the light control layer <NUM> is irradiated with laser via the second transparent conductive layer 21B to form the insulating section <NUM> in the second transparent conductive layer 21B.

In a further modified example, the light control section <NUM> is not limited to a strip shape and may have any shape. The boundary section <NUM> is not limited to a straight shape and may have a curved shape. An example is shown in <FIG> as a light control sheet <NUM>, in which the boundary section <NUM> has a curved shape and the light control section <NUM> has a non-constant width. Further, the shape and area of the light control section <NUM> may be different for each of the light control sections <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, similarly to the light control sheet <NUM> described above, the light control sheet <NUM> may have the form in which only the first transparent electrode layer 12A includes the electrode sections <NUM> divided corresponding to the light control sections <NUM>, or the form in which the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B include the electrode sections <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, corresponding to the light control sections <NUM>.

In production of the light control sheet <NUM>, similarly to the light control sheet <NUM>, the multilayer laminate <NUM> is irradiated with the laser in any of the four irradiation modes described above. According to the production method of the further modified example, the shape of the light control section <NUM> can be modified by changing the shape of line processed by laser irradiation, so the light control section <NUM> having a complicated outer shape can be easily formed.

As described above, the aforementioned further modified example can achieve the following effects.

Claim 1:
A light control sheet (<NUM>) comprising:
a light control layer (<NUM>) containing a liquid crystal composition;
a pair of transparent electrode layers (12A, 12B), which are composed of a first transparent electrode layer (12A) and a second transparent electrode layer (12B), the pair of transparent electrode layers sandwiching the light control layer; and
a pair of transparent support layers (13A, 13B) sandwiching the light control layer and the pair of transparent electrode layers, wherein an insulating section (<NUM>) formed of a laser-processed region is located in the first transparent electrode layer (12A);
wherein
the second transparent electrode layer (12B) comprises a strip section (<NUM>) including a laser-processed region, the strip section (<NUM>) including insulating portions intermittently arranged in an extending direction of the strip section, and
the insulating section (<NUM>) overlaps the insulating portions of the strip section (<NUM>) when viewed in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the light control sheet (<NUM>).