Patent ID: 12242160

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below 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 invention 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.

An X direction and a Y direction illustrated in the drawings are orthogonal to each other, and the positive and negative X sides in the X direction and the positive and negative Y sides in the Y direction correspond to sides of an illumination device1. A Z direction is orthogonal to the X and Y directions. The positive Z side in the Z direction corresponds to a front surface side of the illumination device1, and the negative Z side in the Z direction corresponds to a back surface side of the illumination device1. In the present specification, “plan view” is a view of the illumination device1from one of the positive and negative Z sides in the Z direction. The X, Y, and Z directions are exemplary, and the present disclosure is not limited to these directions.

FIG.1is a schematic diagram of the illumination device1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The illumination device1includes a casing10, a light source20, an electrooptical device30, and a control device40configured to comprehensively control the illumination device1. The casing10houses the light source20, the electrooptical device30, and the control device40.

The light source20emits light toward the electrooptical device30. The light source20is, for example, a light bulb or a light emitting diode (LED).

The electrooptical device30transmits light emitted from the light source20so that the light is emitted out of the illumination device1. The electrooptical device30diffuses light emitted from the light source20. In the present embodiment, the electrooptical device30is a light adjustment device. The electrooptical device30may adjust the transmittance of light emitted from the light source20.

FIG.2is a sectional view of the electrooptical device30. The electrooptical device30includes a plurality of light adjustment panels50. The number of the light adjustment panels50is four but not limited to four. The plurality of light adjustment panels50are stacked in the Z direction. Each two light adjustment panels50adjacent to each other in the Z direction are bonded to each other with a translucent bonding layer60interposed therebetween. The plurality of light adjustment panels50have the same configuration and are stacked in orientations different from one another about the Z direction (to be described later in detail).

Each light adjustment panel50includes a first substrate51, a second substrate52facing the first substrate51, a seal material S sealing the space between the first substrate51and the second substrate52, and a liquid crystal layer53containing liquid crystal molecules. The plate surface of the first substrate51and the plate surface of the second substrate52each intersect the Z direction.

FIG.3is a plan view of the light adjustment panel50.FIG.3illustrates a light adjustment panel50positioned closest to the positive Z side among the plurality of light adjustment panels50illustrated inFIG.2. The first substrate51and the second substrate52are each translucent and an octagon in plan view. The first substrate51includes an exposed portion51athat is larger than the second substrate52in plan view and exposed outside the second substrate52in plan view.

The exposed portion51ais a site of the first substrate51exposed outside a first side52aon the negative X side the second substrate52, a second side52bon the negative Y side of the second substrate52, and a third side52cpositioned between the first side52aand the second side52b. The exposed portion51amay be exposed outside any other side of the second substrate52and may be exposed outside one side of the second substrate52. The first substrate51and the second substrate52will be described later in detail.

The seal material S is annular in plan view and disposed on the entire circumference of a peripheral part of the second substrate52.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the liquid crystal layer53is positioned between the first substrate51and the second substrate52. The liquid crystal layer53is positioned on the inner side of the seal material S. In each light adjustment panel50, an effective region AA (FIG.2) in which the degree of diffusion of light emitted from the light source20is adjustable overlaps the liquid crystal layer53in plan view.

The following describes the first substrate51and the second substrate52in detail.

FIG.4is a plan view of the first substrate51when viewed from the positive Z side.FIG.4illustrates the first substrate51of the light adjustment panel50positioned closest to the positive Z side among the plurality of light adjustment panels50illustrated inFIG.2. The plate surface of the first substrate51illustrated inFIG.4is the front surface of the first substrate51. A first terminal group TG1, a second terminal group TG2, a first U electrode Eu1, a second U electrode Eu2, a plurality of electrode pads Pe, a plurality of examination pads Pt, and a first alignment film AL1are disposed on the front surface of the first substrate51.

The first terminal group TG1and the second terminal group TG2are positioned on the outer side of the seal material S on the front surface of the first substrate51. The first U electrode Eu1, the second U electrode Eu2, the plurality of electrode pads Pe, the plurality of examination pads Pt, and the first alignment film AL1are positioned on the inner side of the seal material S on the front surface of the first substrate51. In plan view, the first alignment film AL1may overlap the seal material S or protrude outside the seal material S.

The first terminal group TG1is disposed on the negative X side at the exposed portion51a. The first terminal group TG1includes a first electrode terminal Te1, a second electrode terminal Te2, a third electrode terminal Te3, a fourth electrode terminal Te4, a first examination terminal Tt1, and a second examination terminal Tt2. The first electrode terminal Te1, the second electrode terminal Te2, the third electrode terminal Te3, the fourth electrode terminal Te4, the first examination terminal Tt1, and the second examination terminal Tt2are arranged in the stated order from the negative Y side to the positive Y side in the Y direction.

The second terminal group TG2is disposed on the negative Y side at the exposed portion51a. In this manner, the first terminal group TG1and the second terminal group TG2are disposed at positions different from each other with respect to the center of the first substrate51in plan view.

The second terminal group TG2includes a third examination terminal Tt3, a fourth examination terminal Tt4, a fifth electrode terminal Te5, a sixth electrode terminal Te6, a seventh electrode terminal Te7, and an eighth electrode terminal Te8. The third examination terminal Tt3, the fourth examination terminal Tt4, the fifth electrode terminal Te5, the sixth electrode terminal Te6, the seventh electrode terminal Te7, and the eighth electrode terminal Te8are arranged in the stated order from the negative X side to the positive X side in the X direction.

The first U electrode Eu1is a bar-shaped electrode extending in the X direction, and a plurality of the first U electrodes Eu1are arranged in the Y direction. The plurality of first U electrodes Eu1are each electrically coupled to a first wire L1at an end on the negative X side.

The first wire L1extends from the positive Y side to the negative Y side on the negative X side of the first substrate51and is electrically coupled to the sixth electrode terminal Te6. The first wire L1is bifurcated at a first bifurcation point d1and electrically coupled to the second electrode terminal Te2. Accordingly, the second electrode terminal Te2and the sixth electrode terminal Te6are electrically coupled to the first U electrodes Eu1through the first wire L1.

The second U electrode Eu2is a bar-shaped electrode extending in the X direction, and a plurality of the second U electrodes Eu2are arranged in the Y direction. The first U electrodes Eu1and the second U electrodes Eu2are alternately arranged in the Y direction. The plurality of second U electrodes Eu2are each electrically coupled to a second wire L2at an end on the positive X side.

The second wire L2electrically couples the third electrode terminal Te3and the seventh electrode terminal Te7and extends along the periphery of the first substrate51. Accordingly, the third electrode terminal Te3and the seventh electrode terminal Te7are electrically coupled to the second U electrodes Eu2through the second wire L2.

The plurality of electrode pads Pe and the plurality of examination pads Pt each have conductivity and a semicircular shape in plan view. The electrode pads Pe and the examination pads Pt are not limited to a semicircular shape in plan view but may have, for example, a circular shape or a rectangular shape in plan view. The number of the electrode pads Pe and the number of the examination pads Pt disposed on the first substrate51are each four but not limited to four.

The plurality of electrode pads Pe disposed on the first substrate51are a first electrode pad Pe1, a second electrode pad Pe2, a third electrode pad Pe3, and a fourth electrode pad Pe4. The first electrode pad Pe1and the third electrode pad Pe3are adjacent to each other, and the second electrode pad Pe2and the fourth electrode pad Pe4are adjacent to each other. The plurality of electrode pads Pe are simply referred to as “electrode pads Pe” when described without distinction from one another.

The first electrode pad Pe1is electrically coupled to the first wire L1extending from a second bifurcation point d2. Accordingly, the first electrode pad Pe1is electrically coupled to the first U electrodes Eu1. The first electrode pad Pe1is also electrically coupled to each of the second electrode terminal Te2and the sixth electrode terminal Te6.

The second electrode pad Pe2is electrically coupled to the second wire L2extending from a third bifurcation point d3. Accordingly, the second electrode pad Pe2is electrically coupled to the second U electrodes Eu2. The second electrode pad Pe2is also electrically coupled to each of the third electrode terminal Te3and the seventh electrode terminal Te7.

The third electrode pad Pe3is disposed on a third wire L3electrically coupling the first electrode terminal Te1and the fifth electrode terminal Te5. In other words, the fifth electrode terminal Te5is electrically coupled to the first electrode terminal Te1through the third electrode pad Pe3.

The fourth electrode pad Pe4is disposed on a fourth wire L4electrically coupling the fourth electrode terminal Te4and the eighth electrode terminal Te8on the outer side of the second wire L2. In other words, the eighth electrode terminal Te8is electrically coupled to the fourth electrode terminal Te4through the fourth electrode pad Pe4.

The plurality of examination pads Pt disposed on the first substrate51are a first examination pad Pt1, a second examination pad Pt2, a third examination pad Pt3, and a fourth examination pad Pt4. The first examination pad Pt1and the second examination pad Pt2are adjacent to each other, and the third examination pad Pt3and the fourth examination pad Pt4are adjacent to each other. The plurality of examination pads Pt are simply referred to as “examination pads Pt” when described without distinction from one another.

The first examination pad Pt1is electrically coupled to the first examination terminal Tt1through a fifth wire L5.

The second examination pad Pt2is electrically coupled to the second examination terminal Tt2through a sixth wire L6.

The third examination pad Pt3is electrically coupled to the third examination terminal Tt3through a seventh wire L7.

The fourth examination pad Pt4is electrically coupled to the fourth examination terminal Tt4through an eighth wire L8.

The first alignment film AL1is disposed at a position overlapping the first U electrodes Eu1and the second U electrodes Eu2in plan view. The first U electrodes Eu1and the second U electrodes Eu2are positioned between the front surface of the first substrate51and the first alignment film AL1. The first alignment film AL1is disposed at a position not overlapping the first terminal group TG1, the second terminal group TG2, the plurality of electrode pads Pe, and the plurality of examination pads Pt in plan view. The orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the first alignment film AL1is aligned with the Y direction.

FIG.5is a plan view of the second substrate52when viewed from the negative Z side.FIG.5illustrates the second substrate52of the light adjustment panel50positioned closest to the positive Z side among the plurality of light adjustment panels50illustrated inFIG.2. The plate surface of the second substrate52illustrated inFIG.5is the back surface of the second substrate52. The back surface of the second substrate52faces the front surface of the first substrate51. A first V electrode Ev1, a second V electrode Ev2, a plurality of discharge resistors R, a plurality of electrode pads Pe, a plurality of examination pads Pt, and a second alignment film AL2are disposed on the back surface of the second substrate52.

The first V electrode Ev1, the second V electrode Ev2, the plurality of discharge resistors R, the plurality of electrode pads Pe, the plurality of examination pads Pt, and the second alignment film AL2are positioned on the inner side of the seal material S on the back surface of the second substrate52. In plan view, the second alignment film AL2may overlap the seal material S or protrude outside the seal material S.

The first V electrode Ev1is a bar-shaped electrode extending in the Y direction, and a plurality of the first V electrodes Ev1are arranged in the X direction. The plurality of first V electrodes Ev1are each electrically coupled to a ninth wire L9at an end on the positive Y side. The ninth wire L9extends from the negative X side to the positive X side on the positive Y side of the second substrate52.

The second V electrode Ev2is a bar-shaped electrode extending in the Y direction, and a plurality of the second V electrodes Ev2are arranged in the X direction. The first V electrodes Ev1and the second V electrodes Ev2are alternately arranged in the X direction. The plurality of second V electrodes Ev2are each electrically coupled to a tenth wire L10at an end on the negative Y side. The tenth wire L10extends from the negative X side to the positive X side on the negative Y side of the second substrate52.

The plurality of discharge resistors R are each a resistor having a predetermined electric resistance value. The predetermined electric resistance value is a relatively high value and has extremely low influence on operation of the light adjustment panel50. The predetermined electric resistance value is measured and determined by, for example, an experiment performed in advance.

The plurality of discharge resistors R are disposed on the second substrate52. This can improve the freedom of arrangement of the first substrate51. The number of the plurality of discharge resistors R is three but not limited to three. The plurality of discharge resistors R include a first discharge resistor R1, a second discharge resistor R2, and a third discharge resistor R3and have the same configuration. The first discharge resistor R1, the second discharge resistor R2, and the third discharge resistor R3are simply referred to as “discharge resistors R” when described without distinction.

FIG.6is an enlarged view of each discharge resistor R. The discharge resistor R is formed by disposing a conductive wire in a meandering manner. Accordingly, the discharge resistor R has a relatively simple shape, which leads to cost reduction of the discharge resistor R as well as the electrooptical device30and the illumination device1.

The plurality of electrode pads Pe and the plurality of examination pads Pt disposed on the second substrate52illustrated inFIG.5are formed in a similar manner to the electrode pads Pe and the examination pads Pt disposed on the first substrate51.

The number of the electrode pads Pe disposed on the second substrate52is equal to the number of the electrode pads Pe disposed on the first substrate51. The number of the examination pads Pt disposed on the second substrate52is equal to the number of the examination pads Pt disposed on the first substrate51.

The plurality of electrode pads Pe disposed on the second substrate52are a fifth electrode pad Pe5, a sixth electrode pad Pe6, a seventh electrode pad Pe7, and an eighth electrode pad Pe8. The fifth electrode pad Pe5and the seventh electrode pad Pe7are adjacent to each other, and the sixth electrode pad Pe6and the eighth electrode pad Pe8are adjacent to each other.

The fifth electrode pad Pe5overlaps the first electrode pad Pe1disposed on the first substrate51in plan view. Accordingly, the fifth electrode pad Pe5and the first electrode pad Pe1face each other. The fifth electrode pad Pe5is electrically coupled to each of the first discharge resistor R1and the second discharge resistor R2through an eleventh wire L11.

The eleventh wire L11is electrically coupled to the ninth wire L9extending from a fourth bifurcation point d4through the first discharge resistor R1. Accordingly, the fifth electrode pad Pe5is electrically coupled to the first V electrodes Ev1through the first discharge resistor R1.

The eleventh wire L11is also electrically coupled to the tenth wire L10extending from an eighth bifurcation point d8via a fifth bifurcation point d5, a sixth bifurcation point d6, and a seventh bifurcation point d7through the second discharge resistor R2. Accordingly, the fifth electrode pad Pe5is electrically coupled to the second V electrodes Ev2through the second discharge resistor R2. The first V electrodes Ev1are electrically coupled to the second V electrodes Ev2through the first discharge resistor R1and the second discharge resistor R2.

The sixth electrode pad Pe6overlaps the second electrode pad Pe2disposed on the first substrate51in plan view. Accordingly, the sixth electrode pad Pe6and the second electrode pad Pe2face each other. The sixth electrode pad Pe6is electrically coupled to the third discharge resistor R3through a twelfth wire L12.

The twelfth wire L12is electrically coupled to the tenth wire L10extending from the sixth bifurcation point d6through the third discharge resistor R3. Accordingly, the sixth electrode pad Pe6is electrically coupled to the second V electrodes Ev2through the third discharge resistor R3. The sixth electrode pad Pe6is also electrically coupled to the fifth electrode pad Pe5through the third discharge resistor R3and the second discharge resistor R2.

In addition, the sixth electrode pad Pe6is electrically coupled to the first V electrodes Ev1through the twelfth wire L12, the third discharge resistor R3, the tenth wire L10, the second discharge resistor R2, the eleventh wire L11, the first discharge resistor R1, and the ninth wire L9. Accordingly, the sixth electrode pad Pe6is electrically coupled to the first V electrodes Ev1through the plurality of discharge resistors R.

The seventh electrode pad Pe7overlaps the third electrode pad Pe3disposed on the first substrate51in plan view. Accordingly, the seventh electrode pad Pe7and the third electrode pad Pe3face each other. The seventh electrode pad Pe7is electrically coupled to the first V electrodes Ev1through the ninth wire L9extending from a ninth bifurcation point d9.

The eighth electrode pad Pe8overlaps the fourth electrode pad Pe4disposed on the first substrate51in plan view. Accordingly, the eighth electrode pad Pe8and the fourth electrode pad Pe4face each other. The eighth electrode pad Pe8is electrically coupled to the second V electrodes Ev2through the tenth wire L10extending from the seventh bifurcation point d7.

The plurality of examination pads Pt disposed on the second substrate52are a fifth examination pad Pt5, a sixth examination pad Pt6, a seventh examination pad Pt7, and an eighth examination pad Pt8. The fifth examination pad Pt5and the sixth examination pad Pt6are adjacent to each other, and the seventh examination pad Pt7and the eighth examination pad Pt8are adjacent to each other.

The fifth examination pad Pt5overlaps the first examination pad Pt1disposed on the first substrate51in plan view. Accordingly, the fifth examination pad Pt5and the first examination pad Pt1face each other. The fifth examination pad Pt5is electrically coupled to the eighth electrode pad Pe8through the tenth wire L10further extending from the eighth electrode pad Pe8.

The sixth examination pad Pt6overlaps the second examination pad Pt2disposed on the first substrate51in plan view. Accordingly, the sixth examination pad Pt6and the second examination pad Pt2face each other. The sixth examination pad Pt6is electrically coupled to the seventh electrode pad Pe7through the ninth wire L9extending from the ninth bifurcation point d9.

The seventh examination pad Pt7overlaps the third examination pad Pt3disposed on the first substrate51in plan view. Accordingly, the seventh examination pad Pt7and the third examination pad Pt3face each other. The seventh examination pad Pt7is electrically coupled to the eighth electrode pad Pe8through the tenth wire L10extending from the eighth bifurcation point d8. In other words, the seventh examination pad Pt7is electrically coupled to the fifth examination pad Pt5through the eighth electrode pad Pe8.

The eighth examination pad Pt8overlaps the fourth examination pad Pt4disposed on the first substrate51in plan view. Accordingly, the eighth examination pad Pt8and the fourth examination pad Pt4face each other. The eighth examination pad Pt8is electrically coupled to the seventh electrode pad Pe7through the ninth wire L9further extending from the seventh electrode pad Pe7. In other words, the eighth examination pad Pt8is electrically coupled to the sixth examination pad Pt6through the seventh electrode pad Pe7.

The second alignment film AL2is disposed at a position overlapping the first V electrodes Ev1and the second V electrodes Ev2in plan view. The first V electrodes Ev1and the second V electrodes Ev2are positioned between the back surface of the second substrate52and the second alignment film AL2. The second alignment film AL2is disposed at a position not overlapping the plurality of discharge resistors R, the plurality of electrode pads Pe, and the plurality of examination pads Pt in plan view. The orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the second alignment film AL2is orthogonal to the orientation of the first alignment film AL1and aligned with the X direction.

FIG.7is an enlarged sectional view of each light adjustment panel50. The liquid crystal layer53is disposed between the first alignment film AL1and the second alignment film AL2. The orientation of the first alignment film AL1and the orientation of the second alignment film AL2are orthogonal to each other in plan view as described above. Accordingly, the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer53is twisted by 90° about the Z direction.

FIG.7illustrates a set of the first electrode pad Pe1, the third electrode pad Pe3, the fifth electrode pad Pe5, and the seventh electrode pad Pe7among the plurality of electrode pads Pe. A set of the second electrode pad Pe2, the fourth electrode pad Pe4, the sixth electrode pad Pe6, and the eighth electrode pad Pe8is disposed in the same manner as the set of a plurality of electrode pads Pe illustrated inFIG.7. A set of the first examination pad Pt1, the second examination pad Pt2, the fifth examination pad Pt5, and the sixth examination pad Pt6is disposed in the same manner as the set of a plurality of electrode pads Pe illustrated inFIG.7. A set of the third examination pad Pt3, the fourth examination pad Pt4, the seventh examination pad Pt7, and the eighth examination pad Pt8is disposed in the same manner as the set of a plurality of electrode pads Pe illustrated inFIG.7. As described above, the first alignment film AL1and the second alignment film AL2are not disposed on the plurality of electrode pads Pe and the plurality of examination pads Pt.

As illustrated inFIGS.4,5, and7, the light adjustment panel50further includes coupling members B. The coupling members B electrically couple the first substrate51and the second substrate52. Specifically, the coupling members B electrically couple electrode pads Pe facing each other and examination pads Pt facing each other. The coupling members B are what are called anisotropic conductive films or anisotropic conductive bonding agents.

Each coupling member B contains conductive particles in an insulating base member made of, for example, resin. When sandwiched between two members facing each other in the Z direction, the coupling member B exerts conductivity in the Z direction and electrically couples the two members. In addition, the coupling member B has such anisotropy that the coupling member B does not exert conductivity in directions orthogonal to the Z direction.

As illustrated inFIG.7, the set of the first electrode pad Pe1, the third electrode pad Pe3, the fifth electrode pad Pe5, and the seventh electrode pad Pe7sandwiches a first coupling member B1in the Z direction. As illustrated inFIGS.4and5, the first electrode pad Pe1, the third electrode pad Pe3, the fifth electrode pad Pe5, and the seventh electrode pad Pe7overlap the first coupling member B1in plan view.

As described above, the first electrode pad Pe1and the fifth electrode pad Pe5face each other in the Z direction, and the third electrode pad Pe3and the seventh electrode pad Pe7face each other in the Z direction. Accordingly, the first coupling member B1electrically couples the first electrode pad Pe1and the fifth electrode pad Pe5and electrically couples the third electrode pad Pe3and the seventh electrode pad Pe7. However, the first coupling member B1does not electrically couple the first electrode pad Pe1and each of the third electrode pad Pe3and the seventh electrode pad Pe7. Moreover, the first coupling member B1does not electrically couple the third electrode pad Pe3and each of the first electrode pad Pe1and the fifth electrode pad Pe5.

Similarly, the set of the first examination pad Pt1, the second examination pad Pt2, the fifth examination pad Pt5, and the sixth examination pad Pt6sandwiches a second coupling member B2in the Z direction. As illustrated inFIGS.4and5, the first examination pad Pt1, the second examination pad Pt2, the fifth examination pad Pt5, and the sixth examination pad Pt6overlap the second coupling member B2in plan view.

The first examination pad Pt1and the fifth examination pad Pt5face each other in the Z direction, and the second examination pad Pt2and the sixth examination pad Pt6face each other in the Z direction. Accordingly, the second coupling member B2electrically couples the first examination pad Pt1and the fifth examination pad Pt5and electrically couples the second examination pad Pt2and the sixth examination pad Pt6. However, the second coupling member B2does not electrically couple the first examination pad Pt1and each of the second examination pad Pt2and the sixth examination pad Pt6. Moreover, the second coupling member B2does not electrically couple the second examination pad Pt2and each of the first examination pad Pt1and the fifth examination pad Pt5.

Similarly, the set of the third examination pad Pt3, the fourth examination pad Pt4, the seventh examination pad Pt7, and the eighth examination pad Pt8sandwiches a third coupling member B3in the Z direction. As illustrated inFIGS.4and5, the third examination pad Pt3, the fourth examination pad Pt4, the seventh examination pad Pt7, and the eighth examination pad Pt8overlap the third coupling member B3in plan view.

The third examination pad Pt3and the seventh examination pad Pt7face each other in the Z direction, and the fourth examination pad Pt4and the eighth examination pad Pt8face each other in the Z direction. Accordingly, the third coupling member B3electrically couples the third examination pad Pt3and the seventh examination pad Pt7and electrically couples the fourth examination pad Pt4and the eighth examination pad Pt8. However, the second coupling member B2does not electrically couple the third examination pad Pt3and each of the fourth examination pad Pt4and the eighth examination pad Pt8. Moreover, the third coupling member B3does not electrically couple the fourth examination pad Pt4and each of the third examination pad Pt3and the seventh examination pad Pt7.

Similarly, the set of the second electrode pad Pe2, the fourth electrode pad Pe4, the sixth electrode pad Pe6, and the eighth electrode pad Pe8sandwiches a fourth coupling member B4in the Z direction. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIGS.4and5, the second electrode pad Pe2, the fourth electrode pad Pe4, the sixth electrode pad Pe6, and the eighth electrode pad Pe8overlap the fourth coupling member B4in plan view.

The second electrode pad Pe2and the sixth electrode pad Pe6face each other in the Z direction, and the fourth electrode pad Pe4and the eighth electrode pad Pe8face each other in the Z direction. Accordingly, the fourth coupling member B4electrically couples the second electrode pad Pe2and the sixth electrode pad Pe6and electrically couples the fourth electrode pad Pe4and the eighth electrode pad Pe8. However, the fourth coupling member B4does not electrically couple the second electrode pad Pe2and each of the fourth electrode pad Pe4and the eighth electrode pad Pe8. Moreover, the fourth coupling member B4does not electrically couple the fourth electrode pad Pe4and each of the second electrode pad Pe2and the sixth electrode pad Pe6. The first coupling member B1, the second coupling member B2, the third coupling member B3, and the fourth coupling member B4are simply referred to as “coupling members B” when described without distinction from one another.

Since each light adjustment panel50has such a configuration, the first U electrodes Eu1are electrically coupled to the fifth electrode pad Pe5through the first wire L1, the first electrode pad Pe1, and the first coupling member B1. As described above, the fifth electrode pad Pe5is electrically coupled to the first V electrodes Ev1through the first discharge resistor R1. Thus, the first U electrodes Eu1are electrically coupled to the first V electrodes Ev1through the first discharge resistor R1.

As described above, the fifth electrode pad Pe5is also electrically coupled to the second V electrodes Ev2through the second discharge resistor R2. Thus, the first U electrodes Eu1are electrically coupled to the second V electrodes Ev2through the second discharge resistor R2.

As described above, the fifth electrode pad Pe5is also electrically coupled to the sixth electrode pad Pe6through the second discharge resistor R2and the third discharge resistor R3. The sixth electrode pad Pe6is electrically coupled to the second U electrodes Eu2through the fourth coupling member B4, the second electrode pad Pe2, and the second wire L2. Thus, the first U electrodes Eu1are electrically coupled to the second U electrodes Eu2through the second discharge resistor R2and the third discharge resistor R3.

As described above, the second U electrodes Eu2are electrically coupled to the sixth electrode pad Pe6. As described above, the sixth electrode pad Pe6is electrically coupled to the first V electrodes Ev1through the plurality of discharge resistors R (the first discharge resistor R1, the second discharge resistor R2, and the third discharge resistor R3). Thus, the second U electrodes Eu2are electrically coupled to the first V electrodes Ev1through the first discharge resistor R1, the second discharge resistor R2, and the third discharge resistor R3.

The sixth electrode pad Pe6is also electrically coupled to the second V electrodes Ev2through the third discharge resistor R3. Thus, the second U electrodes Eu2are electrically coupled to the second V electrodes Ev2through the third discharge resistor R3.

The first V electrodes Ev1are electrically coupled to the second V electrodes Ev2through the first discharge resistor R1and the second discharge resistor R2as described above. Accordingly, two kinds of electrodes among the first U electrodes Eu1, the second U electrodes Eu2, the first V electrodes Ev1, and the second V electrodes Ev2are electrically coupled to each other through the discharge resistors R.

In each light adjustment panel50thus configured, two electrode terminals among the first electrode terminal Te1, the second electrode terminal Te2, the third electrode terminal Te3, and the fourth electrode terminal Te4included in the first terminal group TG1are electrically coupled to each other through the discharge resistors R.

Specifically, the first electrode terminal Te1is electrically coupled to the second electrode terminal Te2through the third wire L3, the third electrode pad Pe3, the first coupling member B1, the seventh electrode pad Pe7, the ninth wire L9, the first discharge resistor R1, the eleventh wire L11, the fifth electrode pad Pe5, the first coupling member B1, the first electrode pad Pe1, and the first wire L1. Accordingly, the first electrode terminal Te1is electrically coupled to the second electrode terminal Te2through the first discharge resistor R1.

The first electrode terminal Te1is also electrically coupled to the third electrode terminal Te3through the third wire L3, the third electrode pad Pe3, the first coupling member B1, the seventh electrode pad Pe7, the ninth wire L9, the first discharge resistor R1, the eleventh wire L11, the second discharge resistor R2, the tenth wire L10, the third discharge resistor R3, the twelfth wire L12, the sixth electrode pad Pe6, the fourth coupling member B4, the second electrode pad Pe2, and the second wire L2. Accordingly, the first electrode terminal Te1is coupled to the third electrode terminal Te3through the first discharge resistor R1, the second discharge resistor R2, and the third discharge resistor R3.

The first electrode terminal Te1is also electrically coupled to the fourth electrode terminal Te4through the third wire L3, the third electrode pad Pe3, the first coupling member B1, the seventh electrode pad Pe7, the ninth wire L9, the first discharge resistor R1, the eleventh wire L11, the second discharge resistor R2, the tenth wire L10, the eighth electrode pad Pe8, the fourth coupling member B4, the fourth electrode pad Pe4, and the fourth wire L4. Accordingly, the first electrode terminal Te1is electrically coupled to the fourth electrode terminal Te4through the first discharge resistor R1and the second discharge resistor R2.

The second electrode terminal Te2is electrically coupled to the third electrode terminal Te3through the first wire L1, the first electrode pad Pe1, the first coupling member B1, the fifth electrode pad Pe5, the eleventh wire L11, the second discharge resistor R2, the tenth wire L10, the third discharge resistor R3, the twelfth wire L12, the sixth electrode pad Pe6, the fourth coupling member B4, the second electrode pad Pe2, and the second wire L2. Accordingly, the second electrode terminal Te2is electrically coupled to the third electrode terminal Te3through the second discharge resistor R2and the third discharge resistor R3.

The second electrode terminal Te2is also electrically coupled to the fourth electrode terminal Te4through the first wire L1, the first electrode pad Pe1, the first coupling member B1, the fifth electrode pad Pe5, the eleventh wire L11, the second discharge resistor R2, the tenth wire L10, the eighth electrode pad Pe8, the fourth coupling member B4, the fourth electrode pad Pe4, and the fourth wire L4. Accordingly, the second electrode terminal Te2is electrically coupled to the fourth electrode terminal Te4through the second discharge resistor R2.

The third electrode terminal Te3is also electrically coupled to the fourth electrode terminal Te4through the second wire L2, the second electrode pad Pe2, the fourth coupling member B4, the sixth electrode pad Pe6, the twelfth wire L12, the third discharge resistor R3, the tenth wire L10, the eighth electrode pad Pe8, the fourth coupling member B4, the fourth electrode pad Pe4, and the fourth wire L4. Accordingly, the third electrode terminal Te3is electrically coupled to the fourth electrode terminal Te4through the third discharge resistor R3.

In each light adjustment panel50thus configured, two kinds of electrode terminals among the fifth electrode terminal Te5, the sixth electrode terminal Te6, the seventh electrode terminal Te7, and the eighth electrode terminal Te8included in the second terminal group TG2are electrically coupled to each other through the discharge resistors R.

As described above, the fifth electrode terminal Te5is electrically coupled to the first electrode terminal Te1through the third electrode pad Pe3. The sixth electrode terminal Te6is coupled to the second electrode terminal Te2through the first wire L1electrically coupled to the first electrode pad Pe1. The seventh electrode terminal Te7is coupled to the third electrode terminal Te3through the second wire L2electrically coupled to the second electrode pad Pe2. The eighth electrode terminal Te8is electrically coupled to the fourth electrode terminal Te4through the fourth electrode pad Pe4.

Accordingly, the relation of electric coupling among the fifth electrode terminal Te5, the sixth electrode terminal Te6, the seventh electrode terminal Te7, and the eighth electrode terminal Te8corresponds to the relation of electric coupling among the first electrode terminal Te1, the second electrode terminal Te2, the third electrode terminal Te3, and the fourth electrode terminal Te4described above.

Thus, the fifth electrode terminal Te5is electrically coupled to the sixth electrode terminal Te6through the first discharge resistor R1. The fifth electrode terminal Te5is also coupled to the seventh electrode terminal Te7through the first discharge resistor R1, the second discharge resistor R2, and the third discharge resistor R3. The fifth electrode terminal Te5is also electrically coupled to the eighth electrode terminal Te8through the first discharge resistor R1and the second discharge resistor R2.

The sixth electrode terminal Te6is electrically coupled to the seventh electrode terminal Te7through the second discharge resistor R2and the third discharge resistor R3. The sixth electrode terminal Te6is also electrically coupled to the eighth electrode terminal Te8through the second discharge resistor R2. The seventh electrode terminal Te7is also electrically coupled to the eighth electrode terminal Te8through the third discharge resistor R3.

When applying voltage to the first U electrodes Eu1in each light adjustment panel50thus configured, the control device40applies the voltage to one of the second electrode terminal Te2and the sixth electrode terminal Te6. In this case, the voltage is applied from one of the second electrode terminal Te2and the sixth electrode terminal Te6to the first U electrodes Eu1through the first wire L1.

When applying voltage to the second U electrodes Eu2, the control device40applies the voltage to one of the third electrode terminal Te3and the seventh electrode terminal Te7. In this case, the voltage is applied from one of the third electrode terminal Te3and the seventh electrode terminal Te7to the second U electrodes Eu2through the second wire L2.

When applying voltage to the first V electrodes Ev1, the control device40applies voltage to one of the first electrode terminal Te1and the fifth electrode terminal Te5. In this case, the voltage is applied from one of the first electrode terminal Te1and the fifth electrode terminal Te5to the first V electrodes Ev1through the third wire L3, the third electrode pad Pe3, the first coupling member B1, the seventh electrode pad Pe7, and the ninth wire L9. In this manner, the voltage is applied to the first V electrodes Ev1through the first coupling member B1electrically coupling the third electrode pad Pe3disposed on the first substrate51and the seventh electrode pad Pe7disposed on the second substrate52.

When applying voltage to the second V electrodes Ev2, the control device40applies the voltage to one of the fourth electrode terminal Te4and the eighth electrode terminal Te8. In this case, the voltage is applied from one of the fourth electrode terminal Te4and the eighth electrode terminal Te8to the second V electrodes Ev2through the fourth wire L4, the fourth electrode pad Pe4, the fourth coupling member B4, the eighth electrode pad Pe8, and the twelfth wire L12. In this manner, the voltage is applied to the second V electrodes Ev2through the fourth coupling member B4electrically coupling the fourth electrode pad Pe4disposed on the first substrate51and the eighth electrode pad Pe8disposed on the second substrate52.

The following describes operation of each light adjustment panel50.

In a state in which no voltage is applied to the first U electrodes Eu1, the second U electrodes Eu2, the first V electrodes Ev1, and the second V electrodes Ev2, no electric field is generated between the first U electrodes Eu1and the second U electrodes Eu2and between the first V electrodes Ev1and the second V electrodes Ev2and the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer53is regulated by the first alignment film AL1and the second alignment film AL2orthogonal to each other. In this case, the polarization components of light transmitting through the liquid crystal layer53are rotated by 90° about the Z direction.

In a state in which voltage is applied to the first U electrodes Eu1and the second U electrodes Eu2, electric field is generated between the first U electrodes Eu1and the second U electrodes Eu2. Accordingly, the orientation of liquid crystal molecules changes, and distribution of the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer53in a direction (the Y direction) orthogonal to the first U electrodes Eu1and the second U electrodes Eu2changes. The Y-directional polarization component of light transmitting through the liquid crystal layer53in this state is diffused in the Y direction.

In a state in which voltage is applied to the first V electrodes Ev1and the second V electrodes Ev2, electric field is generated between the first V electrodes Ev1and the second V electrodes Ev2. Accordingly, the orientation of liquid crystal molecules changes, and distribution of the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer53in a direction (the X direction) orthogonal to the first V electrodes Ev1and the second V electrodes Ev2changes. The X-directional polarization component of light transmitting through the liquid crystal layer53in this state is diffused in the X direction.

The following describes disposition of the plurality of light adjustment panels50in detail. As illustrated inFIG.2, the plurality of light adjustment panels50are stacked in orientations different from one another about the Z direction. In each of the plurality of light adjustment panels50, one of the first terminal group TG1and the second terminal group TG2is electrically coupled to the control device40through a flexible printed circuit (FPC)70in accordance with the orientation of the light adjustment panel50about the Z direction.

Specifically, the four light adjustment panels50illustrated inFIG.2are a first light adjustment panel50A, a second light adjustment panel50B, a third light adjustment panel50C, and a fourth light adjustment panel50D that are stacked in order from the negative Z side to the positive Z side. In the following description, the first light adjustment panel50A, the second light adjustment panel50B, the third light adjustment panel50C, and the fourth light adjustment panel50D are simply referred to as “light adjustment panels50” when described without distinction.

The first light adjustment panel50A is disposed in such a state that the second terminal group TG2is positioned on the positive X side. In the first light adjustment panel50A, the flexible printed circuit70is electrically coupled to the second terminal group TG2, the first U electrodes Eu1and the second U electrodes Eu2extend in the Y direction, and the first V electrodes Ev1and the second V electrodes Ev2extend in the X direction.

The second light adjustment panel50B is disposed in such a state that the second terminal group TG2is positioned on the negative X side. In the second light adjustment panel50B, the flexible printed circuit70is electrically coupled to the second terminal group TG2, the first U electrodes Eu1and the second U electrodes Eu2extend in the Y direction, and the first V electrodes Ev1and the second V electrodes Ev2extend in the X direction.

The third light adjustment panel50C is disposed in such a state that the first terminal group TG1is positioned on the positive X side. In the third light adjustment panel50C, the flexible printed circuit70is electrically coupled to the first terminal group TG1, the first U electrodes Eu1and the second U electrodes Eu2extend in the X direction, and the first V electrodes Ev1and the second V electrodes Ev2extend in the Y direction.

The fourth light adjustment panel50D is disposed in such a state that the first terminal group TG1is positioned on the negative X side. In the fourth light adjustment panel50D, the flexible printed circuit70is electrically coupled to the first terminal group TG1, the first U electrodes Eu1and the second U electrodes Eu2extend in the X direction, and the first V electrodes Ev1and the second V electrodes Ev2extend in the Y direction.

When the flexible printed circuit70is electrically coupled to the first terminal group TG1, voltage is applied to the first U electrodes Eu1, the second U electrodes Eu2, the first V electrodes Ev1, and the second V electrodes Ev2through the first electrode terminal Te1, the second electrode terminal Te2, the third electrode terminal Te3, and the fourth electrode terminal Te4. When the flexible printed circuit70is electrically coupled to the second terminal group TG2, voltage is applied to the first U electrodes Eu1, the second U electrodes Eu2, the first V electrodes Ev1, and the second V electrodes Ev2through the fifth electrode terminal Te5, the sixth electrode terminal Te6, the seventh electrode terminal Te7, and the eighth electrode terminal Te8.

The following describes operation of the illumination device1. The illumination device1has four operation modes, namely, a first operation mode in which light from the light source20is emitted without diffusion, a second operation mode in which emission light from the illumination device1is emitted in diffusion in the X direction, a third operation mode in which emission light from the illumination device1is diffused in the Y direction, and a fourth operation mode in which emission light from the illumination device1is emitted in diffusion in each of the X and Y directions.

The following first describes operation of the illumination device1in the first operation mode.FIG.8is a diagram illustrating the irradiation range of emission light from the illumination device1on a virtual plane H orthogonal to the Z direction. An axis A illustrated inFIG.8is the optical axis of the light source20and aligned with in the Z direction.

In the first operation mode, the control device40applies no voltage to the first U electrodes Eu1, the second U electrodes Eu2, the first V electrodes Ev1, and the second V electrodes Ev2. In this case, light from the light source20transmits through the liquid crystal layers53of the plurality of light adjustment panels50without diffusion. The irradiation range of emission light from the illumination device1on the virtual plane H in this case corresponds to a range surrounded by an outline “a” illustrated with a dashed line.

The following describes operation of the illumination device1in the second operation mode. In the second operation mode, the control device40applies voltage to the first U electrodes Eu1and the second U electrodes Eu2of the first light adjustment panel50A, the first U electrodes Eu1and the second U electrodes Eu2of the second light adjustment panel50B, the first V electrodes Ev1and the second V electrodes Ev2of the third light adjustment panel50C, and the first V electrodes Ev1and the second V electrodes Ev2of the fourth light adjustment panel50D.

In this case, a p-polarization component of light from the light source20in the X direction is orthogonal to the first U electrodes Eu1and the second U electrodes Eu2of the first light adjustment panel50A to which voltage is applied. Thus, the p-polarization component of light from the light source20is diffused in the X direction as described above when transmitting through the liquid crystal layer53of the first light adjustment panel50A.

Moreover, the p-polarization component of light from the light source20is rotated through the liquid crystal layer53of each of the first light adjustment panel50A, the second light adjustment panel50B, and the third light adjustment panel50C and becomes orthogonal to the first V electrodes Ev1and the second V electrodes Ev2of the fourth light adjustment panel50D to which voltage is applied. Thus, the p-polarization component of light from the light source20is diffused in the X direction as described above when transmitting through the liquid crystal layer53of the fourth light adjustment panel50D.

In the second operation mode, an s-polarization component of light from the light source20in the Y direction is rotated through the liquid crystal layer53of the first light adjustment panel50A and becomes orthogonal to the first U electrodes Eu1and the second U electrodes Eu2of the second light adjustment panel50B to which voltage is applied. Thus, the s-polarization component of light from the light source20is diffused in the X direction as described above when transmitting through the liquid crystal layer53of the second light adjustment panel50B.

Moreover, the s-polarization component of light from the light source20is rotated through the liquid crystal layer53of each of the second light adjustment panel50B and the third light adjustment panel50C and becomes orthogonal to the first V electrodes Ev1and the second V electrodes Ev2of the third light adjustment panel50C to which voltage is applied. Thus, the s-polarization component of light from the light source20is diffused in the X direction as described above when transmitting through the liquid crystal layer53of the third light adjustment panel50C.

When the p-polarization and s-polarization components of light from the light source20are diffused in the X direction in this manner, the irradiation range of emission light from the illumination device1on the virtual plane H corresponds to a range surrounded by an outline “b” extending in the X direction.

The following describes operation of the illumination device1in the third operation mode. In the third operation mode, the control device40applies voltage to the first V electrodes Ev1and the second V electrodes Ev2of the first light adjustment panel50A, the first V electrodes Ev1and the second V electrodes Ev2of the second light adjustment panel50B, the first U electrodes Eu1and the second U electrodes Eu2of the third light adjustment panel50C, and the first U electrodes Eu1and the second U electrodes Eu2of the fourth light adjustment panel50D.

In this case, the p-polarization component of light from the light source20is diffused in the Y direction as described above when transmitting through the liquid crystal layers53of the first light adjustment panel50A and the fourth light adjustment panel50D. The s-polarization component of light from the light source20is diffused in the Y direction as described above when transmitting through the liquid crystal layers53of the second light adjustment panel50B and the third light adjustment panel50C.

When the p-polarization and s-polarization components of light from the light source20are diffused in the Y direction in this manner, the irradiation range of emission light from the illumination device1on the virtual plane H corresponds to a range surrounded by an outline “c” extending in the Y direction.

The following describes operation of the illumination device1in the fourth operation mode. In the fourth operation mode, the control device40applies voltage to the first U electrodes Eu1, the second U electrodes Eu2, the first V electrodes Ev1, and the second V electrodes Ev2in each of the four light adjustment panels50.

In this case, the p-polarization component of light from the light source20is diffused in each of the X and Y directions as described above when transmitting through the liquid crystal layers53of the first light adjustment panel50A and the fourth light adjustment panel50D. The s-polarization component of light from the light source20is diffused in each of the X and Y directions as described above when transmitting through the liquid crystal layers53of the second light adjustment panel50B and the third light adjustment panel50C.

When the p-polarization and s-polarization components of light from the light source20is diffused in each of the X and Y directions in this manner, the irradiation range of emission light from the illumination device1on the virtual plane H corresponds to a range surrounded by an outline “d” extending in each of the X and Y directions.

In this manner, the illumination device1operates in the above-described four operation modes when electrodes to which voltage is applied are selected in the configuration in which the plurality of light adjustment panels50are disposed. Since each light adjustment panel50includes the first terminal group TG1and the second terminal group TG2, the above-described four operation modes can be achieved by adjusting the orientation of the light adjustment panel50about the Z direction without changing arrangement of components of the light adjustment panel50nor changing arrangement of the flexible printed circuit70. The above-described disposition combination of the plurality of light adjustment panels50and combination of electrodes to which voltage is applied in each operation mode are not limited to those described above.

The following describes conduction examinations executed at manufacturing of each light adjustment panel50. In a first conduction examination among two conduction examinations, it is checked whether the third electrode pad Pe3and the seventh electrode pad Pe7are electrically coupled to each other by the first coupling member B1.

The first conduction examination executes first conduction check that checks whether the first electrode terminal Te1and the second examination terminal Tt2are electrically coupled to each other. Since the light adjustment panel50is configured as described above, the first electrode terminal Te1is electrically coupled to the second examination terminal Tt2through the third wire L3, the third electrode pad Pe3, the first coupling member B1, the seventh electrode pad Pe7, the ninth wire L9, the sixth examination pad Pt6, the second coupling member B2, the second examination pad Pt2, and the sixth wire L6.

Accordingly, it can be checked that the third electrode pad Pe3and the seventh electrode pad Pe7are electrically coupled to each other by the first coupling member B1in a case where it is checked in the first conduction check that the first electrode terminal Te1and the second examination terminal Tt2are electrically coupled to each other.

The first conduction examination also executes second conduction check that checks whether the fifth electrode terminal Te5and the fourth examination terminal Tt4are electrically coupled to each other. Since the light adjustment panel50is configured as described above, the fifth electrode terminal Te5is electrically coupled to the fourth examination terminal Tt4through the third wire L3, the third electrode pad Pe3, the first coupling member B1, the seventh electrode pad Pe7, the ninth wire L9, the eighth examination pad Pt8, the third coupling member B3, the fourth examination pad Pt4, and the eighth wire L8.

Accordingly, it can be checked that the third electrode pad Pe3and the seventh electrode pad Pe7are electrically coupled to each other by the first coupling member B1in a case where it is checked in the second conduction check that the fifth electrode terminal Te5and the fourth examination terminal Tt4are electrically coupled to each other.

Thus, the result of the first conduction examination is non-defective in a case where it is checked in at least one of the first conduction check and the second conduction check that the third electrode pad Pe3and the seventh electrode pad Pe7are electrically coupled to each other by the first coupling member B1.

The third electrode pad Pe3and the seventh electrode pad Pe7are potentially not electrically coupled to each other by the first coupling member B1in a case where it cannot be checked in the first conduction check that the first electrode terminal Te1and the second examination terminal Tt2are electrically coupled to each other and it cannot be checked in the second conduction check that the fifth electrode terminal Te5and the fourth examination terminal Tt4are electrically coupled to each other. In this case, the result of the first conduction examination is defective.

In a second conduction examination, it is checked whether the fourth electrode pad Pe4and the eighth electrode pad Pe8are electrically coupled to each other by the fourth coupling member B4.

The second conduction examination executes third conduction check that checks whether the fourth electrode terminal Te4and the first examination terminal Tt1are electrically coupled to each other. Since the light adjustment panel50is configured as described above, the fourth electrode terminal Te4is electrically coupled to the first examination terminal Tt1through the fourth wire L4, the fourth electrode pad Pe4, the fourth coupling member B4, the eighth electrode pad Pe8, the tenth wire L10, the fifth examination pad Pt5, the second coupling member B2, the first examination pad Pt1, and the fifth wire L5.

Accordingly, it can be checked that the fourth electrode pad Pe4and the eighth electrode pad Pe8are electrically coupled to each other by the fourth coupling member B4in a case where it is checked in the third conduction check that the fourth electrode terminal Te4and the first examination terminal Tt1are electrically coupled to each other.

The second conduction examination also executes fourth conduction check that checks whether the eighth electrode terminal Te8and the third examination terminal Tt3are electrically coupled to each other. Since the light adjustment panel50is configured as described above, the eighth electrode terminal Te8is electrically coupled to the third examination terminal Tt3through the fourth wire L4, the fourth electrode pad Pe4, the fourth coupling member B4, the eighth electrode pad Pe8, the tenth wire L10, the seventh examination pad Pt7, the third coupling member B3, the third examination pad Pt3, and the seventh wire L7.

Accordingly, it can be checked that the fourth electrode pad Pe4and the eighth electrode pad Pe8are electrically coupled to each other by the fourth coupling member B4in a case where it is checked in the fourth conduction check that the eighth electrode terminal Te8and the third examination terminal Tt3are electrically coupled to each other.

Thus, the result of the second conduction examination is non-defective in a case where it is checked in at least one of the third conduction check and the fourth conduction check that the fourth electrode pad Pe4and the eighth electrode pad Pe8are electrically coupled to each other by the fourth coupling member B4.

The fourth electrode pad Pe4and the eighth electrode pad Pe8are potentially not electrically coupled to each other by the fourth coupling member B4in a case where it is cannot be checked in the third conduction check that the fourth electrode terminal Te4and the first examination terminal Tt1are electrically coupled to each other and it cannot be checked in the fourth conduction check that the eighth electrode terminal Te8and the third examination terminal Tt3are electrically coupled to each other. In this case, the result of the second conduction examination is defective.

In this manner, it is possible to check that the first substrate51and the second substrate52are electrically coupled to each other through the first coupling member B1and the fourth coupling member B4, in other words, conduction through the first coupling member B1and the fourth coupling member B4electrically coupling the first substrate51and the second substrate52.

The following describes operation of the discharge resistors R.

The first U electrodes Eu1are electrically coupled to the first V electrodes Ev1through the first discharge resistor R1as described above. Accordingly, the first discharge resistor R1uniformizes distribution of electric charge between the first U electrodes Eu1and the first V electrodes Ev1and solves the potential difference between the electrodes when the light adjustment panel50is not operating.

The first U electrodes Eu1are also electrically coupled to the second V electrodes Ev2through the second discharge resistor R2as described above. Accordingly, the second discharge resistor R2uniformizes distribution of electric charge between the first U electrodes Eu1and the second V electrodes Ev2and solves the potential difference between the electrodes when the light adjustment panel50is not operating.

The first U electrodes Eu1are also electrically coupled to the second U electrodes Eu2through the second discharge resistor R2and the third discharge resistor R3as described above. Accordingly, the second discharge resistor R2and the third discharge resistor R3uniformize distribution of electric charge between the first U electrodes Eu1and the second U electrodes Eu2and solve the potential difference between the electrodes when the light adjustment panel50is not operating.

The second U electrodes Eu2are electrically coupled to the first V electrodes Ev1through the first discharge resistor R1, the second discharge resistor R2, and the third discharge resistor R3as described above. Accordingly, the first discharge resistor R1, the second discharge resistor R2, and the third discharge resistor R3uniformize distribution of electric charge between the second U electrodes Eu2and the first V electrodes Ev1and solves the potential difference between the electrodes when the light adjustment panel50is not operating.

The second U electrodes Eu2are also electrically coupled to the second V electrodes Ev2through the third discharge resistor R3as described above. Accordingly, the third discharge resistor R3uniformizes distribution of electric charge between the second U electrodes Eu2and the second V electrodes Ev2and solves the potential difference between the electrodes when the light adjustment panel50is not operating.

The first V electrodes Ev1are electrically coupled to the second V electrodes Ev2through the first discharge resistor R1and the second discharge resistor R2as described above. Accordingly, the first discharge resistor R1and the second discharge resistor R2uniformize distribution of electric charge between the first V electrodes Ev1and the second V electrodes Ev2and solves the potential difference between the electrodes when the light adjustment panel50is not operating.

Electric charge between two kinds of electrodes among the first U electrodes Eu1, the second U electrodes Eu2, the first V electrodes Ev1, and the second V electrodes Ev2is generated when the light adjustment panel50retains static electricity, for example, at manufacturing of the light adjustment panel50.

In a case where electric charge exists between two kinds of electrodes among the first U electrodes Eu1, the second U electrodes Eu2, the first V electrodes Ev1, and the second V electrodes Ev2, electric charge between the two kinds of electrodes affects the liquid crystal molecules and the transmittance of the light adjustment panel50potentially decreases when the light adjustment panel50is not operating. The appearance of the light adjustment panel50degrades as the transmittance of the light adjustment panel50decreases when the light adjustment panel50is not operating. Accordingly, in the process of manufacturing the light adjustment panel50, it is potentially falsely determined that the light adjustment panel50has a defect even when the light adjustment panel50has no defect.

However, the discharge resistors R consume electric charge between the two kinds of electrodes, which prevents decrease of the transmittance of the light adjustment panel50when the light adjustment panel50is not operating. Thus, in the process of manufacturing the light adjustment panel50, it is possible to prevent false determination that the light adjustment panel50has a defect due to degradation of the appearance of the light adjustment panel50even when the light adjustment panel50has no defect.

Preferable embodiments of the present disclosure are described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. Contents disclosed in the embodiments are merely exemplary, and various kinds of modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Any modification performed as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present disclosure belongs to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

For example, each coupling member B may individually electrically couple two electrode pads Pe facing each other in the Z direction. In this case, the coupling member B is a conductive wire or a conductive bonding agent that is not anisotropic.

Each light adjustment panel50may include no second terminal group TG2. In this case, the light adjustment panel50may include none of the third examination pad Pt3, the fourth examination pad Pt4, the seventh examination pad Pt7, the eighth examination pad Pt8, and the third coupling member B3.

The discharge resistors R may be disposed on the first substrate51.

The light adjustment panel50may include no discharge resistors R. In this case, the first U electrodes Eu1, the second U electrodes Eu2, the first V electrodes Ev1, and the second V electrodes Ev2are disposed in electrical insulation from one another.

Each light adjustment panel50may include none of the second U electrodes Eu2and the second V electrodes Ev2. In this case, the light adjustment panel50may include none of the third electrode terminal Te3, the seventh electrode terminal Te7, the second electrode pad Pe2, the fourth coupling member B4, the sixth electrode pad Pe6, and the third discharge resistor R3that are electrically coupled to the second U electrodes Eu2. In addition, in this case, the light adjustment panel50may include none of the eighth electrode pad Pe8, the fourth electrode pad Pe4, the fourth electrode terminal Te4, the eighth electrode terminal Te8, and the second discharge resistor R2that are electrically coupled to the second V electrodes Ev2.

The first U electrodes Eu1, the second U electrodes Eu2, the first V electrodes Ev1, and the second V electrodes Ev2are not limited to a bar shape but may have a rectangular shape in plan view.

It should be understood that the present disclosure provides any other effects achieved by aspects described above in the embodiments, such as effects that are clear from the description of the present specification or effects that could be thought of by the skilled person in the art as appropriate.

Each first U electrode Eu1corresponds to a “first electrode”, each first V electrode Ev1corresponds to a “second electrode”, and the second U electrode Eu2corresponds to a “third electrode”. The first electrode terminal Te1corresponds to a “first terminal”, the second examination terminal Tt2corresponds to a “second terminal”, the fifth electrode terminal Te5corresponds to a “third terminal”, and the fourth examination terminal Tt4corresponds to a “fourth terminal”.

The third electrode pad Pe3corresponds to a “first conductive portion”, the second examination pad Pt2corresponds to a “second conductive portion”, the seventh electrode pad Pe7corresponds to a “third conductive portion”, the sixth examination pad Pt6corresponds to a “fourth conductive portion”, and the fourth examination pad Pt4corresponds to a “fifth conductive portion”. The eighth examination pad Pt8corresponds to a “sixth conductive portion”, the first electrode pad Pe1corresponds to a “seventh conductive portion”, the fifth electrode pad Pe5corresponds to an “eighth conductive portion”, the second electrode pad Pe2corresponds to a “ninth conductive portion”, and the sixth electrode pad Pe6corresponds to a “tenth conductive portion”.