Light adjustment device and light adjustment device manufacturing method

A light adjustment device includes a panel unit in which a plurality of light adjustment panels are stacked in a first direction, each of the light adjustment panels including a first substrate and a second substrate, the first substrate including a first terminal, the second substrate overlapping the first substrate and including a second terminal, a conductive member provided at an end part of the panel unit in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the conductive member extending in the first direction, and a sealing member disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate in each of the light adjustment panels and overlapping a coupling terminal including the first terminal and the second terminal when viewed in the first direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-210547 filed on Dec. 27, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a light adjustment device and a light adjustment device manufacturing method.

2. Description of the Related Art

A light adjustment device of Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2004-333567 includes a plurality of light adjustment panels that are stacked. Each of the light adjustment panels includes, for example, a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer encapsulated between the substrates. When incident light enters a light adjustment panel, the light transmittance of the incident light is adjusted in the light adjustment panel and this adjusted transmitted light is output from the light adjustment device. In each of the light adjustment panel, the first substrate on the lower side and the second substrate on the upper side are stacked in the up-down direction. The first substrate and the second substrate are each provided with a terminal. External coupling wires of a flexible printed board or the like are coupled to each of the terminal of the first substrate and the terminal of the second substrate in one light adjustment panel. In other words, the two external coupling wires are coupled to the one light adjustment panels.

It is desired to reduce the number of external coupling wires included in a light adjustment device.

The present disclosure is made in view of the above-described problem and intended to provide a light adjustment device and a light adjustment device manufacturing method with which the number of external coupling wires coupled to terminals of a substrate can be reduced.

SUMMARY

A light adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a panel unit in which a plurality of light adjustment panels are stacked in a first direction, each of the light adjustment panels including a first substrate and a second substrate, the first substrate including a first terminal, the second substrate overlapping the first substrate and including a second terminal, a conductive member provided at an end part of the panel unit in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the conductive member extending in the first direction, and a sealing member disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate in each of the light adjustment panels and overlapping a coupling terminal including the first terminal and the second terminal when viewed in the first direction. The conductive member includes a body portion continuously extending in the first direction, and an insertion portion protruding from the body portion in the second direction, inserted between the first substrate and the second substrate in each of the light adjustment panels, and electrically coupled to the coupling terminal, and a distal end of the insertion portion contacts the sealing member.

A light adjustment device manufacturing method according to an embodiment of manufacturing a light adjustment device by using an ultraviolet shielding member having an ultraviolet shielding ratio equal to or higher than a first shielding ratio and an ultraviolet curable resin that is cured through ultraviolet irradiation is disclosed. The light adjustment device includes a panel unit in which a plurality of light adjustment panels are stacked in a first direction, each of the light adjustment panels including a first substrate and a second substrate, the first substrate including a first terminal, the second substrate overlapping the first substrate and including a second terminal; a conductive member provided at an end part of the panel unit in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the conductive member extending in the first direction; and a sealing member disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate in each of the light adjustment panels and overlapping a coupling terminal including the first terminal and the second terminal when viewed in the first direction, the conductive member including a body portion continuously extending in the first direction and an insertion portion protruding from the body portion in the second direction, inserted between the first substrate and the second substrate in each of the light adjustment panels, and electrically coupled to the coupling terminal, a distal end of the insertion portion contacting the sealing member. The light adjustment device manufacturing method includes when a first site is a site at an end part of the panel unit in the second direction, the first site overlapping the coupling terminal when viewed in the first direction, a first step of providing the ultraviolet curable resin and the ultraviolet shielding member in the first direction at the first site, the ultraviolet shielding member overlapping the first substrate and the second substrate when viewed in the second direction, and inserting an insertion resin portion as part of the ultraviolet curable resin between the first substrate and the second substrate in each of the light adjustment panels, a second step of irradiating, after the first step, the ultraviolet curable resin with ultraviolet in the second direction to cure the ultraviolet curable resin, a third step of removing, after the second step, the ultraviolet curable resin and the ultraviolet shielding member from the panel unit while part of the insertion resin portion on a distal end side is left as the sealing member, and a fourth step of providing, after the third step, the conductive member in the first direction at the first site of the panel unit, bringing the distal end of the insertion portion as part of the conductive member into contact with the sealing member between the first substrate and the second substrate in each of the light adjustment panels, and electrically coupling the insertion portion to the coupling terminal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects (embodiments) of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Contents described below in the embodiments do not limit the present disclosure. Components described below include those that could be easily thought of by the skilled person in the art and those identical in effect. Components described below may be combined as appropriate.

What is disclosed herein is merely exemplary, and any modification that could be easily thought of by the skilled person in the art as appropriate without departing from the gist of the disclosure is contained in the scope of the present disclosure. For clearer description, the drawings are schematically illustrated for the width, thickness, shape, and the like of each component as compared to an actual aspect in some cases, but the drawings are merely exemplary and do not limit interpretation of the present disclosure. In the present specification and drawings, any element same as that already described with reference to an already described drawing is denoted by the same reference sign, and detailed description thereof is omitted as appropriate in some cases.

First Embodiment

Configuration of Light Adjustment Device

The following first describes the configuration of a light adjustment device according to a first embodiment.FIG.1is a perspective view schematically illustrating the light adjustment device according to the first embodiment.FIG.2is a sectional view taken along line II-II inFIG.1.FIG.3is an enlarged view of part ofFIG.2.

In an XYZ coordinate system illustrated in the drawings, an X direction is the front-back direction, and an X1side is opposite an X2side. The X1side is also referred to as a front side, and the X2side is also referred to as a back side. A Y direction is the right-left direction, and a Y1side is opposite a Y2side. The Y1side is also referred to as a left side, and the Y2side is also referred to as a right side. A Z direction is the up-down direction (stacking direction). A Z1side is opposite a Z2side. The Z1side is also referred to as an upper side, and the Z2side is also referred to as a lower side. The Z direction is also referred to as a first direction, and the Y direction is also referred to as a second direction.

As illustrated inFIGS.1and2, a light adjustment device100according to the first embodiment includes a panel unit110, a conductive member500, a sealing member650, and an external coupling wire43. An external coupling wire400is, for example, a conductive wire.

As illustrated inFIGS.1and2, in the present embodiment, the panel unit110is formed by stacking a plurality (in the embodiment, four) of light adjustment panels1in the Z direction (first direction). Light adjustment panels1adjacent to each other in the up-down direction are joined together through a translucent bonding agent42. The light adjustment panel1is a square in the present embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto and the light adjustment panel1may be a polygon such as a pentagon.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.2, the four light adjustment panels1are light adjustment panels1A,1B,1C, and1D stacked in order from the upper side. Each of the light adjustment panels1includes a first substrate2disposed on the lower side (Z2side), a second substrate3disposed on the upper side (Z1side), a seal41provided between the first substrate2and the second substrate3, a liquid crystal layer4filling inside the seal41, a first terminal201, and a second terminal202.

The first substrate2and the second substrate3have equal sizes when viewed in the Z direction. A front surface2aof the first substrate2and a front surface3aof the second substrate3face each other with the liquid crystal layer4interposed therebetween. Specifically, the front surface2aof the first substrate2and the front surface3aof the second substrate3are separated from each other in the Z direction with a space formed therebetween, and the liquid crystal layer4fills the space. The liquid crystal layer4is disposed inside the seal41having an annular shape. The inside of the seal41is an effective region. A back surface2bof the first substrate2is a surface opposite the front surface2a. A back surface3bof the second substrate3is a surface opposite the front surface3a. The first terminal201is provided on the first substrate2. The second terminal202is provided on the second substrate3. The second substrate3overlaps on the upper side of the first substrate2. The first terminal201and the second terminal202are collectively referred to as a coupling terminal200.

The conductive member500extends in the up-down direction (Z direction) at a side part (end part in the Y direction) of the panel unit110. The conductive member500is formed by, for example, applying and curing paste containing a conductive material such as silver (Ag) or carbon (C).

As illustrated inFIG.3, the sealing member650is provided outside the seal41. The sealing member650includes a first surface650a, a second surface650b, a third surface650c, and a fourth surface650d. The first surface650ais disposed, for example, on the lower side of the second terminal202. Specifically, for example, the first surface650aoverlaps the second terminal202when viewed in the Z direction. The second surface650bis disposed, for example, on the upper side of the first terminal201. Specifically, for example, the second surface650boverlaps the first terminal201when viewed in the Z direction. For example, the third surface650ccontacts an outer surface of the seal41in the first embodiment but may be separated from the outer surface of the seal41. The fourth surface650dincludes a concave surface650ethat is concave toward a central part of the panel unit110when viewed in the Z direction. The concave surface650ehas a section in a circular arc shape that is concave on the Y1side inFIG.3.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the conductive member500includes a body portion510and an insertion portion520. The body portion510continuously extends in the Z direction. The insertion portion520protrudes inward in the Y direction from the body portion510. Specifically, the insertion portion520is inserted between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1and electrically coupled to the coupling terminal200. The insertion portion520includes a first surface520a, a second surface520b, and a third surface520c. The first surface520aextends along a lower surface of the second terminal202. The second surface520bextends along an upper surface of the first terminal201. The third surface520cis a convex surface contacting the concave surface650e. In other words, the third surface520cis a distal end520dhaving a section in a circular arc shape that is convex on the Y1side inFIG.3. Accordingly, the distal end520dof the insertion portion520contacts the sealing member650.

As illustrated inFIG.2, end parts of the conductive member500on the Z1and Z2sides, respectively, are bending parts530. For example, a terminal200A is provided on a lower surface of the first substrate2of the light adjustment panel1D positioned lowermost and the external coupling wire43is electrically coupled to the terminal200A.

FIG.4is a plan view of the first substrate in each of the uppermost light adjustment panel and the second uppermost light adjustment panel illustrated inFIG.2.FIG.5is a plan view of the second substrate in each of the uppermost light adjustment panel and the second uppermost light adjustment panel illustrated inFIG.2.FIG.6is a plan view of the first substrate in each of the third uppermost light adjustment panel and the fourth uppermost light adjustment panel illustrated inFIG.2.FIG.7is a plan view of the second substrate in each of the third uppermost light adjustment panel and the fourth uppermost light adjustment panel illustrated inFIG.2.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the first substrate2in each of the light adjustment panels1A and1B includes first terminals210,220,230, and240and liquid crystal drive electrodes250. A first side21is positioned on the Y1side. A second side22is positioned on the Y2side. A third side23is positioned on the X1side. A fourth side24is positioned on the X2side.

The first terminal210is provided on the second side22. An end211of the first terminal210is coupled to a wire252. A first terminal220includes straight parts222,223,224, and225. The straight part222extends from the second side22to an end226. The straight part223extends form the end226to an end227. The straight part224extends from the end227to an end228. The straight part225extends from the end228to an end229. The end229is coupled to a wire251. The liquid crystal drive electrodes250are coupled to the wires251and252.

The first terminal230is provided on the second side22. The first terminal230is positioned on the X2side of the first terminal210. The first terminal240is provided on the second side22. The first terminal240is positioned on the X1side of the straight part222.

The first terminal230, the first terminal210, the straight part222of the first terminal220, and the first terminal240are arranged on the second side22of the first substrate2in order from the X2side toward the X1side.

As illustrated inFIG.5, the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1A and1B includes second terminals310,320,330, and340and liquid crystal drive electrodes350. A first side31of the second substrate3is positioned on the Y1side. A second side32is positioned on the Y2side. A third side33is positioned on the X1side. A fourth side34is positioned on the X2side.

The first side31is positioned on the Y1side. The second side32is positioned on the Y2side. The third side33is positioned on the X1side. The fourth side34is positioned on the X2side. The second terminals310and320are provided on the second side32. The second terminal310is disposed on the X2side of the second terminal320.

The second terminal330includes straight parts332,333, and334. The straight part332extends along the second side32. The straight part333extends along the fourth side34. The straight part334includes an end331, and the end331is coupled to a wire352.

The second terminal340includes straight parts342,343, and344. The straight part342extends along the second side32. The straight part343extends along the third side33. The straight part344has an end341, and the end341is coupled to a wire351. The liquid crystal drive electrodes350are coupled to the wires351and352.

The following describes the light adjustment panels1C and1D. The positions of terminals, wires, and liquid crystal drive electrodes of the first substrate in each of the light adjustment panels1C and1D coincide with the positions of terminals, wires, and liquid crystal drive electrodes of the second substrate in each of the light adjustment panels1A and1B when viewed from above. In other words, the positions of terminals, wires, and liquid crystal drive electrodes are the same between a first substrate2A illustrated inFIG.6and the second substrate3illustrated inFIG.5. Moreover, the positions of terminals, wires, and liquid crystal drive electrodes are the same between a second substrate3A illustrated inFIG.7and the first substrate2illustrated inFIG.4. Specific description is given below.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the first substrate2A in each of the light adjustment panels1C and1D includes first terminals210A,220A,230A, and240A and liquid crystal drive electrodes250A. The first side21is positioned on the Y1side. The second side22is positioned on the Y2side. The third side23is positioned on the X1side. The fourth side24is positioned on the X2side.

The first terminal210A has straight parts212A,213A, and214A. The straight part212A extends along the second side22. The straight part213A extends along the fourth side24. The straight part214A has an end211A, and the end211A is coupled to a wire251A.

The first terminal220A has straight parts222A,223A, and224A. The straight part222A extends along the second side22. The straight part223A extends along the third side23. The straight part224A has an end221A, and the end221A is coupled to a wire252A.

The first terminals230A and240A are provided on the second side22. The first terminal230A is positioned on the X2side of the first terminal240A. The wires251A and252A are coupled to the liquid crystal drive electrodes250A.

As illustrated inFIG.7, the second substrate3A in each of the light adjustment panels1C and1D includes second terminals310A,320A,330A, and340A and liquid crystal drive electrodes350A. The second terminals310A and320A are provided on the second side32. The second terminal310A is positioned on the X2side of the second terminal320A. The second terminal330A is provided on the second side32. The second terminal330A is coupled to a wire352A.

The second terminal340A has straight parts342A,343A,344A, and345A. The straight part342A is provided on the second side32. The straight part343A extends on the X1side from a distal end of the straight part342A. The straight part344A extends along the third side33. The straight part345A extends in the X direction and has an end341A coupled to a wire351A. The wires351A and352A are coupled to the liquid crystal drive electrodes350A.

Light Adjustment Device Manufacturing Method

The following describes a light adjustment device manufacturing method.FIG.8is a perspective view schematically illustrating a panel unit.FIG.9is an enlarged schematic diagram of part of an upper surface of the panel unit inFIG.8.FIG.10is a sectional view illustrating a state in which an ultraviolet shielding member and an ultraviolet curable resin are provided on a side surface of the panel unit.FIG.11is a sectional view illustrating a state in which the ultraviolet curable resin is irradiated with ultraviolet in the Y direction.FIG.12is a sectional view illustrating a state in which the ultraviolet curable resin and the ultraviolet shielding member are removed from the panel unit.FIG.13is a sectional view of a light adjustment device completed by the method according to the first embodiment.

The following first describes first sites120of the panel unit110. As illustrated inFIG.8, each of the first sites120is a site at an end part (end part in the Y direction) of the panel unit110on the Y2side, overlapping the coupling terminal200when viewed in the Z direction (upper side). The second substrate3(refer toFIG.5) of the light adjustment panel1A is disposed uppermost in the panel unit110, and the first substrate2of the light adjustment panel1A (refer toFIG.4) is disposed on the lower side of the second substrate3of the light adjustment panel1A. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIG.9, the straight part222of the first terminal220of the first substrate2inFIG.4overlaps on the lower side of the second terminal320of the second substrate3inFIG.5. In this manner, the first site120is set as a site overlapping the first terminal201and the second terminal202when viewed from above in the present specification. Specifically, the first site120has a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the Z direction as illustrated inFIG.8. The first site120is hatched inFIG.9. Specifically, the first sites120include first sites120A,120B,120C, and120D. As illustrated inFIG.8, the first sites120A,120B,120C, and120D are arranged in the stated order from the X1side toward the X2side.

The light adjustment device manufacturing method according to the first embodiment includes a first step, a second step, a third step, and a fourth step.

The first step is a process of providing an ultraviolet curable resin600and an ultraviolet shielding member700at the first site120. Specifically, the ultraviolet shielding member700is bonded to side surfaces2cof the first substrates2and side surfaces3cof the second substrates3on the Y2side as illustrated inFIGS.10and11. That is, the ultraviolet shielding member700is joined to sites, each of the sites being other than between the first substrate2and the corresponding second substrate3in the Z direction. In other words, the ultraviolet shielding member700, which overlaps the side surfaces2cof the first substrates2and3cof the respective first substrates2and the side surfaces of the second substrate3on the Y2side when the panel unit110is viewed in the Y direction, is bonded to a side surface of the panel unit110on the Y2side. The ultraviolet shielding member700is, for example, a sheet member having an ultraviolet UV shielding ratio equal to or larger than a first shielding ratio. The first shielding ratio is preferably, for example, 90% or higher.

In the first step, as illustrated inFIGS.10and11, the ultraviolet curable resin600in a paste form is provided in the Z direction at the first site120, and an insertion resin portion620as part of the ultraviolet curable resin600is inserted between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1. The ultraviolet curable resin600includes a body portion610and the insertion resin portion620. The body portion610is applied on the ultraviolet shielding member700. The insertion resin portion620protrudes on the Y1side and is inserted between the first substrate2and the second substrate3, and the insertion resin portion620contacts the first terminal201and the second terminal202.

The second step after the first step is a process of irradiating the ultraviolet curable resin600with ultraviolet UV in the Y direction to cure the ultraviolet curable resin600. As illustrated inFIG.11, the ultraviolet curable resin600is irradiated with ultraviolet UV from the Y2side to cure the entire ultraviolet curable resin600including the insertion resin portion620.

The third step after the second step is a process of removing the ultraviolet curable resin600and the ultraviolet shielding member700from the panel unit110while part of the insertion resin portion620on the distal end side is left as the sealing member650. As illustrated with dashed and double-dotted lines inFIG.11, a separation boundary621is formed in the insertion resin portion620. The separation boundary621has, for example, a circular arc shape that is convex on the Y1side. After the irradiation with ultraviolet UV, difference in hardness occurs between a remaining part622and an inserted resin body623. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIG.12, when the ultraviolet curable resin600and the ultraviolet shielding member700are removed from the panel unit110toward the Y2side as illustrated with arrows, cracks are generated at the separation boundary621between the remaining part622and the inserted resin body623, and the insertion resin portion620is separated into the remaining part622and the inserted resin body623. As a result, the remaining part622remains in the panel unit110and becomes the sealing member650.

In the fourth step after the third step, the conductive member500is provided in the Z direction at the first site120of the panel unit110, the distal end520dof the insertion portion520as part of the conductive member500is brought into contact with the sealing member650between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1, and the insertion portion520is electrically coupled to the corresponding coupling terminal200. As illustrated inFIG.13, the conductive member500includes the body portion510and the insertion portions520. The conductive member500is in a paste form, and accordingly, the distal end520dof the insertion portion520is pressed against the concave surface650eof the sealing member650and shaped along the concave surface650e. Then, the light adjustment device100according to the present embodiment is completed when the conductive member500in a paste form is cured.

Modification

The following describes a modification of the first embodiment.FIG.14is a diagram illustrating the modification of the first embodiment and is a sectional view illustrating a state in which the ultraviolet curable resin is irradiated with ultraviolet in the Y direction.FIG.15is a sectional view illustrating a state in which the ultraviolet curable resin and the ultraviolet shielding member are removed from the panel unit.FIG.16is a sectional view of a light adjustment device completed by the manufacturing method according to the modification of the first embodiment.

In the light adjustment device manufacturing method according to the modification, the position of the ultraviolet shielding member700relative to the ultraviolet curable resin600is different from that in the first embodiment. The following mainly and briefly describes any difference from the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.11, the ultraviolet shielding member700is bonded to the side surface2cof the first substrate2and the side surface3cof the second substrate3on the Y2side, and the ultraviolet curable resin600is applied on the Y2side of the ultraviolet shielding member700. However, in the modification, as illustrated inFIG.14, the ultraviolet curable resin600is applied to the side surface2cof the first substrate2and the side surface3cof the second substrate3on the Y2side, and the ultraviolet shielding member700is provided on the Y2side of the ultraviolet curable resin600. In this manner, the positions of the ultraviolet shielding member700and the ultraviolet curable resin600are exchanged between the first embodiment and the modification.

Light Adjustment Device Manufacturing Method

The following briefly describes the light adjustment device manufacturing method according to the modification. Similarly to the first embodiment, the light adjustment device manufacturing method according to the modification includes a first step, a second step, a third step, and a fourth step.

In the first step, as illustrated inFIG.14, the ultraviolet curable resin600in a paste form is applied in the Z direction to the side surface2cof the first substrate2and the side surface3cof the second substrate3on the Y2side, and the insertion resin portion620as part of the ultraviolet curable resin600is inserted between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1.

The ultraviolet shielding member700, which overlaps the side surface2cof the first substrate2and the side surface3cof the second substrate3on the Y2side when the panel unit110is viewed in the Y direction, is provided on the Y2side of the ultraviolet curable resin600.

In the second step, as illustrated inFIG.14, the ultraviolet curable resin600is irradiated with ultraviolet UV from the Y2side to cure the entire ultraviolet curable resin600including the insertion resin portion620.

In the third step, as illustrated inFIG.15, when the ultraviolet curable resin600and the ultraviolet shielding member700are removed from the panel unit110toward the Y2side as illustrated with arrows, the insertion resin portion620is separated into the remaining part622and the inserted resin body623at the separation boundary621. As a result, the remaining part622remains in the panel unit110and becomes the sealing member650.

In the fourth step, as illustrated inFIG.16, the conductive member500is provided in the Z direction at the first site120of the panel unit110, the distal end520dof the insertion portion520as part of the conductive member500is brought into contact with the sealing member650between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1, and the insertion portion520is electrically coupled to the corresponding coupling terminal200.

As described above, the light adjustment device100according to the first embodiment includes: the panel unit110in which a plurality of light adjustment panels1are stacked in the Z direction (first direction), each of the light adjustment panels1including the first substrate2and the second substrate3, the first substrate2including the first terminal201, the second substrate3overlapping the first substrate2and including the second terminal202; the conductive member500provided at an end part of the panel unit110in the Y direction (second direction) intersecting the Z direction, the conductive member500extending in the Z direction; and the sealing member650disposed between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1and overlapping a coupling terminal200including the first terminal201and the second terminal202when viewed in the Z direction. The conductive member500includes the body portion510continuously extending in the Z direction, and the insertion portion520protruding from the body portion510in the Y direction, inserted between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1, and electrically coupled to the coupling terminal200, and the distal end520dof the insertion portion520contacts the sealing member650.

As described above, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2004-333567, a terminal of a first substrate and a terminal of a second substrate in one light adjustment panel are each coupled to one external coupling wire, and accordingly, a large number of the external coupling wires are included in the entire light adjustment device. However, in the present embodiment and the modification, only four external coupling wires in total need to be each coupled to the one conductive member500, and thus the number of external coupling wires can be reduced.

Furthermore, in a case where no sealing member650is provided, the insertion portion520enters too deep between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1and the length of the insertion portion520increases. In this case, a halfway part of the insertion portion520potentially breaks.

However, in the present embodiment and the modification, the sealing member650is provided between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1and the distal end520dof the insertion portion520of the conductive member500contacts the sealing member650. Accordingly, the insertion portion520is prevented from entering too deep between the first substrate2and the second substrate3, which would lead to a too long length of the insertion portion520otherwise. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent break of the halfway part of the insertion portion520, thereby increasing the reliability of electric coupling between the conductive member500and a terminal.

The light adjustment device manufacturing method includes: a first step of providing the ultraviolet curable resin600and the ultraviolet shielding member700in the Z direction at the first site120, and inserting the insertion resin portion620as part of the ultraviolet curable resin600between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1, the ultraviolet shielding member700overlapping the first substrate2and the second substrate3when viewed in the Y direction; a second step of irradiating, after the first step, the ultraviolet curable resin600with ultraviolet UV in the Y direction to cure the ultraviolet curable resin600; a third step of removing, after the second step, the ultraviolet curable resin600and the ultraviolet shielding member700from the panel unit110while part of the insertion resin portion620on the distal end side is left as the sealing member650; and a fourth step of providing, after the third step, the conductive member500in the Z direction at the first site120of the panel unit110, bringing the distal end520dof the insertion portion520as part of the conductive member500into contact with the sealing member650between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1, and electrically coupling the insertion portion520to the coupling terminal200.

Since the sealing member650is provided between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1, the insertion portion520is prevented from entering too deep, which would lead to a too long length of the insertion portion520otherwise.

The sealing member650can be formed by inserting the insertion resin portion620as part of the ultraviolet curable resin600between the first substrate2and the second substrate3and irradiating the ultraviolet curable resin600with ultraviolet UV in the Y direction. The sealing member650can be formed by such a simple method.

Second Embodiment

The following describes a light adjustment device manufacturing method according to a second embodiment.FIG.17is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the panel unit is irradiated with ultraviolet in the Z direction in the second embodiment.FIG.18is a sectional view of the panel unit provided with the ultraviolet curable resin and the ultraviolet shielding member.FIG.19is an enlarged view of part ofFIG.18.FIG.20is a sectional view illustrating a state in which the ultraviolet curable resin is removed from the panel unit.FIG.21is a sectional view of a light adjustment device completed by the manufacturing method according to the second embodiment.

In the second embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.17, an ultraviolet shielding member700A is bonded to the upper surface (end face on the Z1side) of the panel unit110, and the ultraviolet curable resin600is applied to the first sites120. In this manner, the positions of the ultraviolet shielding member700A and the ultraviolet curable resin600are different between the first embodiment and the second embodiment. The ultraviolet shielding member700A is a sheet member having an ultraviolet UV shielding ratio equal to or larger than the first shielding ratio.

Light Adjustment Device Manufacturing Method

The following briefly describes the light adjustment device manufacturing method according to the second embodiment. Similarly to the first embodiment, the light adjustment device manufacturing method according to the second embodiment includes a first step, a second step, a third step, and a fourth step.

In the first step, as illustrated inFIGS.17and18, the ultraviolet shielding member700A is bonded to the upper surface (end face on the Z1side) of the panel unit110. The ultraviolet shielding member700A shields the other part than the first site120. In this manner, the ultraviolet shielding member700A is provided at an end part of the panel unit110in the Z direction in a state of not overlapping the first site120when viewed in the Z direction. In addition, the ultraviolet curable resin600in a paste form is applied in the Z direction to the side surface2cof the first substrate2and the side surface3cof the second substrate3on the Y2side, and the insertion resin portion620as part of the ultraviolet curable resin600is inserted between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1as illustrated inFIG.19.

In the second step, as illustrated inFIG.17, the ultraviolet curable resin600is irradiated with ultraviolet UV from the Z1side to cure the ultraviolet curable resin600. Since the ultraviolet shielding member700A shields the other part than the first site120, the first site120is irradiated with ultraviolet UV from the Z1side. Accordingly, the direction in which the panel unit110is irradiated with ultraviolet UV is different from that in the first embodiment.

In the third step, as illustrated inFIGS.19and20, the ultraviolet curable resin600is removed from the panel unit110while part of the insertion resin portion620on the distal end side is left as the sealing member650.

In the fourth step, as illustrated inFIG.21, the conductive member500is provided in the Z direction at the first site120of the panel unit110, the distal end520dof the insertion portion520as part of the conductive member500is brought into contact with the sealing member650between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1, and the insertion portion520is electrically coupled to the corresponding coupling terminal200.

As described above, the light adjustment device manufacturing method according to the second embodiment includes: a first step of providing the ultraviolet shielding member700A at a site at the end part of the panel unit110in the Z direction, the site not overlapping the first site120when viewed in the Z direction, providing the ultraviolet curable resin600in the Z direction at the first site120of the panel unit110, and inserting the insertion resin portion620as part of the ultraviolet curable resin600between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1; a second step of irradiating, after the first step, the ultraviolet curable resin600with ultraviolet UV in the Z direction to cure the ultraviolet curable resin600; a third step of removing, after the second step, the ultraviolet curable resin600from the panel unit110while part of the insertion resin portion620on the distal end side is left as the sealing member650; and a fourth step of providing, after the third step, the conductive member500in the Z direction at the first site120of the panel unit110, bringing the distal end520dof the insertion portion520as part of the conductive member500into contact with the sealing member650between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1, and electrically coupling the insertion portion520to the first terminal201and the second terminal202.

In the first embodiment, the ultraviolet curable resin600is irradiated with ultraviolet UV in the Y direction. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.11, the body portion610of the ultraviolet curable resin600is irradiated with ultraviolet UV from the Y2side. The insertion resin portion620is positioned on the Y1side of the body portion610. In other words, the insertion resin portion620is positioned on a side opposite a side where the body portion610is irradiated with ultraviolet UV.

However, in the second embodiment, the ultraviolet shielding member700A is provided at the end part of the panel unit110in the Z direction, and the ultraviolet curable resin600is irradiated with ultraviolet UV in the Z direction. In other words, the insertion resin portion620is directly irradiated with ultraviolet UV from above. Thus, the insertion resin portion620can be cured harder, and accordingly, the sealing member650can be more easily formed.

Third Embodiment

The following describes a light adjustment device manufacturing method according to a third embodiment.FIG.22is a sectional view of the panel unit provided with the ultraviolet curable resin and the ultraviolet shielding member in the third embodiment.FIG.23is an enlarged view of part ofFIG.22.FIG.24is a sectional view illustrating a state in which part of the ultraviolet curable resin on the outside of the ultraviolet shielding member in the Y direction is removed.FIG.25is a sectional view illustrating a state in which the side surface of the panel unit inFIG.24is irradiated with ultraviolet in the Y direction.FIG.26is a sectional view illustrating a state in which the conductive member is provided on the side surface of the panel unit.

The light adjustment device manufacturing method according to the third embodiment includes a first step, a second step, a third step, a fourth step, and a fifth step. The following description is focused on any difference from the above-described first and second embodiments.

Light Adjustment Device Manufacturing Method

In the first step, similarly to the first embodiment, the ultraviolet shielding member700is provided on end faces of the first substrate2and the second substrate3in the Y direction as illustrated inFIGS.22and23.

In the second step, as illustrated inFIGS.22and23, the ultraviolet curable resin600is provided on the ultraviolet shielding member700, and the insertion resin portion620as part of the ultraviolet curable resin600is inserted between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1.

In the third step, as illustrated inFIG.24, part of the ultraviolet curable resin600on the Y2side (outside in the Y direction) of the ultraviolet shielding member700is removed. Accordingly, the ultraviolet curable resin600is inserted only between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1.

In the fourth step, as illustrated inFIG.25, the ultraviolet curable resin600is irradiated with ultraviolet UV from the Y2side to cure a surface layer part622Aa of the insertion resin portion620on the Y2side. In the third embodiment, the intensity of ultraviolet UV is set to be lower than in the first embodiment. With this configuration, although the entire insertion resin portion620is cured in the first embodiment, only the surface layer part622Aa of the insertion resin portion620is cured in the third embodiment since the ultraviolet intensity is lower than in the first embodiment.

In the fifth step, as illustrated inFIG.26, the conductive member500is provided in the Z direction at the end part of the panel unit110in the Y direction. Then, part of the conductive member500is inserted between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1, and the distal end520dof the insertion portion520as the inserted part is pressed against the surface layer part622Aa of the insertion resin portion620. With this procedure, the insertion resin portion620is concaved, and thus formed at the sealing member650.

As described above, the light adjustment device manufacturing method according to the third embodiment includes: a first step of providing the ultraviolet curable resin600and the ultraviolet shielding member700in the Z direction at the first site120, the ultraviolet shielding member700overlapping the first substrate2and the second substrate3when viewed in the Y direction, and inserting the insertion resin portion620as part of the ultraviolet curable resin600between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1; a second step of providing, after the first step, the ultraviolet curable resin600on the ultraviolet shielding member700, and inserting the insertion resin portion620as part of the ultraviolet curable resin600between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1; a third step of removing, after the second step, part of the ultraviolet curable resin600on the outside of the ultraviolet shielding member700in the Y direction; a fourth step of irradiating, after the third step, the ultraviolet curable resin600with ultraviolet UV in the Y direction to cure the surface layer part622Aa of the insertion resin portion620on the outside in the Y direction; and a fifth step of forming a remaining part622A at the sealing member650, after the fourth step, by providing the conductive member500in the Z direction at the end part of the panel unit110in the Y direction, inserting part of the conductive member500between the first substrate2and the second substrate3in each of the light adjustment panels1, and pressing the distal end520dof the insertion portion520as the inserted part against the surface layer part622Aa of the remaining part622A of the insertion resin portion620to concave the remaining part622A.

In this manner, in the light adjustment device manufacturing method according to the third embodiment, the remaining part622A is formed at the sealing member650by curing the surface layer part622Aa of the insertion resin portion620on the outside in the Y direction and pressing the distal end520dof the insertion portion520against the surface layer part622Aa of the remaining part622A to concave the insertion resin portion620.

In the first and second embodiments, since part of the insertion resin portion620on the distal end side is broken to form the sealing member650, variation potentially occurs to the broken site of the insertion resin portion620and also to the size of the sealing member650. However, in the third embodiment, since the insertion resin portion620is not broken but the distal end520dof the insertion portion520is pressed against the remaining part622A of the insertion resin portion620to concave the remaining part622A, variation is unlikely to occur to the size of the sealing member650.