Liquid crystal light control device

Abstract

A liquid crystal light control device includes: a first liquid crystal cell; a second liquid crystal cell coinciding with the first liquid crystal cell; a third liquid crystal cell coinciding with the second liquid crystal cell; and a fourth liquid crystal cell coinciding with the third liquid crystal cell. The first liquid crystal cell, the second liquid crystal cell, the third liquid crystal cell, and the fourth liquid crystal cell each include: a first substrate provided with a first electrode including a strip-shaped pattern; a second substrate provided with a second electrode including a strip-shaped pattern; and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged in a manner that the long side directions of the strip-shaped patterns of the first electrode and the second electrode cross each other, two of the first liquid crystal cell, the second liquid crystal cell, the third liquid crystal cell, and the fourth liquid crystal cell are arranged such that the long side directions of the strip-shaped patterns of the first electrode are in a direction parallel to a first direction, and the long side directions of the strip-shaped patterns of the first electrode of the other two liquid crystal cells are arranged in a direction parallel to a second direction that crosses the first direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] One embodiment of the present application relates to a device that controls the light distribution of light emitted from a light source using the electro-optical effect of liquid crystals. BACKGROUND

[0002] A technique is known in which the light distribution of light emitted from a light source is controlled using a liquid crystal lens. For example, a lighting device is disclosed in which the spread of light emitted from a light source is controlled by a liquid crystal cell provided with a circular ring electrode in a concentric circular shape (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-230887

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-317879 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] Light changes in refraction angle due to wavelength, and thus, when light emitted from a light source is diffused by passing through a liquid crystal lens, sometimes the pattern of iridescence is visually confirmed at the outline portion of the irradiation region. Such a phenomenon is also called color breakup, and causes a problem of a decrease in the quality of illumination light due to passing through a liquid crystal lens.

[0009] One object of one embodiment of the present application is to provide a liquid crystal light control device in which color breakup is suppressed.

[0010] SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0011] A liquid crystal light control device according to an embodiment of the present application includes: a first liquid crystal cell; a second liquid crystal cell overlapping the first liquid crystal cell; a third liquid crystal cell overlapping the second liquid crystal cell; and a fourth liquid crystal cell overlapping the third liquid crystal cell. The first liquid crystal cell, the second liquid crystal cell, the third liquid crystal cell, and the fourth liquid crystal cell each include: a first substrate provided with a first electrode including a strip-shaped pattern; a second substrate provided with a second electrode including a strip-shaped pattern; and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged so that the long side directions of the strip-shaped patterns of the first electrode and the second electrode cross each other, and two of the first liquid crystal cell, the second liquid crystal cell, the third liquid crystal cell, and the fourth liquid crystal cell are arranged so that the long side directions of the strip-shaped patterns of the first electrode are in a direction parallel to a first direction, and the other two liquid crystal cells are arranged so that the long side directions of the strip-shaped patterns of the first electrode are in a direction parallel to a second direction crossing the first direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a liquid crystal light control device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0013] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is an expanded view showing a liquid crystal light control element constituting the liquid crystal light control device according to the embodiment of the present application.

[0014] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of electrodes of a first liquid crystal cell, a second liquid crystal cell, a third liquid crystal cell, and a fourth liquid crystal cell constituting the liquid crystal light control element according to the embodiment of the present application.

[0015] Figure 4A FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an electrode provided to a first substrate of a liquid crystal cell constituting the liquid crystal light control element according to the embodiment of the present application.

[0016] Figure 4B FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an electrode provided to a second substrate of a liquid crystal cell constituting the liquid crystal light control element according to the embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Figure 5 FIG. 6 is a view showing one example of the cross-sectional structure of a liquid crystal cell constituting the liquid crystal light control element according to the embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Figure 6A FIG. 7 is a view explaining the operation of a liquid crystal cell constituting the liquid crystal light control element according to the embodiment of the present application, showing the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules in a state where no voltage is applied.

[0019] Figure 6Bis a diagram illustrating the operation of a liquid crystal cell of a liquid crystal light control element according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules when a voltage is applied.

[0020] Figure 6C is a diagram illustrating the operation of a liquid crystal cell of a liquid crystal light control element according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows the waveform of a control signal applied to an electrode that drives liquid crystal.

[0021] Figure 7A is a diagram illustrating the operation of a liquid crystal cell of a liquid crystal light control element according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a perspective view showing the arrangement of a first electrode and a second electrode.

[0022] Figure 7B is a diagram illustrating the operation of a liquid crystal cell of a liquid crystal light control element according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules when a voltage is applied to a first electrode.

[0023] Figure 7C is a diagram illustrating the operation of a liquid crystal cell of a liquid crystal light control element according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules when a voltage is applied to a second electrode.

[0024] Figure 8 is a diagram schematically showing a phenomenon in which a first polarization component and a second polarization component are diffused by two liquid crystal cells.

[0025] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a liquid crystal light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 10A is a diagram showing the voltage waveform applied to a liquid crystal cell in a liquid crystal light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 10B is a diagram showing the voltage waveform applied to a liquid crystal cell in a liquid crystal light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 11A is a graph showing the angle dependence of chromaticity (x-axis) of a liquid crystal light control element according to an embodiment of the present invention and a liquid crystal light control element of a reference example.

[0029] 11B is a graph showing the angle dependence of chromaticity (y-axis) of a liquid crystal light control element according to an embodiment of the present invention and a liquid crystal light control element of a reference example.

[0030] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a liquid crystal light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 13 FIG. 2 is a view that explains an operation of a liquid crystal light control device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figure 14 FIG. 3 is a view that explains an operation of a liquid crystal light control device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Figure 15A FIG. 4 is a view that shows a configuration of a plurality of liquid crystal cells configuring a liquid crystal light control element according to an embodiment of the present application, and shows a state in which the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell are rotated by 90 degrees.

[0034] Figure 15B FIG. 5 is a view that shows a configuration of a plurality of liquid crystal cells configuring a liquid crystal light control element according to an embodiment of the present application, and shows a state in which the first liquid crystal cell and the third liquid crystal cell are rotated by 90 degrees.

[0035] Figure 16A FIG. 6 is a view that shows a configuration of a plurality of liquid crystal cells configuring a liquid crystal light control element according to an embodiment of the present application, and shows a state in which the first liquid crystal cell to the fourth liquid crystal cell are each rotated by 90 degrees.

[0036] Figure 16B FIG. 7 is a view that shows a configuration of a plurality of liquid crystal cells configuring a liquid crystal light control element according to an embodiment of the present application, and shows a state after the first liquid crystal cell and the third liquid crystal cell are inverted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present application can be implemented in various different ways, and is not construed as being limited to the description of the embodiment exemplified below. In order to more clearly describe the present application, in the drawings, there are cases in which the width, thickness, shape, and the like of each portion are shown only schematically compared to the actual ones, but this is only one example, and does not limit the explanation of the present application. Furthermore, in the present specification and each drawing, the same reference numerals (or reference numerals in which a, b, and the like are added after the numbers) are assigned to elements that are the same as those described previously in the drawings that have already appeared, and detailed description is sometimes appropriately omitted. Also, the words "first" and "second" are assigned to each element in order to facilitate the identification of each element, and do not have a meaning beyond the scope thereof unless specifically described.

[0038] In this specification, the term "above (or below)" a component or region, unless otherwise specified, includes not only the case where it is directly above (or directly below) another component or region, but also the case where it is above (or below) another component or region, that is, it also includes the case where it is above (or below) another component or region and includes other constituent elements in between.

[0039] Figure 1 This diagram shows a perspective view of a liquid crystal light control device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The liquid crystal light control device 100 includes a liquid crystal light control element 102 and a circuit board 104. The liquid crystal light control element 102 includes a plurality of liquid crystal cells. In this embodiment, the liquid crystal light control element 102 includes at least four liquid crystal cells.

[0040] Figure 1 The liquid crystal light control element 102 is shown as being composed of a first liquid crystal unit 10, a second liquid crystal unit 20, a third liquid crystal unit 30, and a fourth liquid crystal unit 40. The first liquid crystal unit 10, the second liquid crystal unit 20, the third liquid crystal unit 30, and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40 are flat panels arranged such that the flat surfaces of each liquid crystal unit overlap. Transparent adhesive layers (not shown) are provided between the first liquid crystal unit 10 and the second liquid crystal unit 20, between the second liquid crystal unit 20 and the third liquid crystal unit 30, and between the third liquid crystal unit 30 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40. The liquid crystal light control element 102 has a structure in which adjacent liquid crystal units are bonded to each other through the transparent adhesive layers.

[0041] The circuit board 104 includes a circuit for driving the liquid crystal light control element 102. A first liquid crystal cell 10 is connected to the circuit board 104 via a first flexible wiring substrate F1, a second liquid crystal cell 20 is connected to the circuit board 104 via a second flexible wiring substrate F2, a third liquid crystal cell 30 is connected to the circuit board 104 via a third flexible wiring substrate F3, and a fourth liquid crystal cell 40 is connected to the circuit board 104 via a fourth flexible wiring substrate F4. The circuit board 104 outputs control signals to each liquid crystal cell via the flexible wiring substrates to control the orientation state of the liquid crystal.

[0042] exist Figure 1 In the liquid crystal light control device 100 shown, a light source unit 106 is disposed on the back side of the liquid crystal light control element 102. The liquid crystal light control device 100 is configured such that light emitted from the light source unit 106 passes through the liquid crystal light control element 102 and exits towards the front side of the drawing. In the liquid crystal light control element 102, a first liquid crystal cell 10, a second liquid crystal cell 20, a third liquid crystal cell 30, and a fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are disposed sequentially from the light source unit 106 side.

[0043] The light source section 106 includes a white light source, and an optical element such as a lens can be provided between the white light source and the liquid crystal light control element 102 as needed. The white light source is a light source that emits light close to natural light, and can also be a light source that emits light after adjustment, which is called day white, bulb color, and the like. The liquid crystal light control device 100 has a function of controlling the diffusion direction of light emitted from the light source section 106 by the liquid crystal light control element 102. The liquid crystal light control element 102 has a function of forming the light emitted from the light source section 106 into a four-corner shape, a cross shape, a line shape, and the like.

[0044] Figure 2 An expanded view of the liquid crystal light control element 102 is shown. Figure 1 An expanded view of the liquid crystal light control element 102 is shown. The liquid crystal light control element 102 includes a first liquid crystal cell 10, a second liquid crystal cell 20, a third liquid crystal cell 30, and a fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0045] The first liquid crystal cell 10 includes a first substrate S11 and a second substrate S12. The first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 are arranged opposite each other with a gap therebetween. A liquid crystal layer, not shown, is provided in the gap portion of the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12. A first flexible wiring substrate F1 is connected to the first substrate S11.

[0046] The second liquid crystal cell 20 includes a first substrate S21, a second substrate S22, and a second flexible wiring substrate F2, and has the same configuration as the first liquid crystal cell 10. The third liquid crystal cell 30 includes a first substrate S31, a second substrate S32, and a third flexible wiring substrate F3, and has the same configuration as the first liquid crystal cell 10. The fourth liquid crystal cell 40 includes a first substrate S41, a second substrate S42, and a fourth flexible wiring substrate F4, and has the same configuration as the first liquid crystal cell 10.

[0047] A first transparent adhesive layer TA1 is provided between the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20. The first transparent adhesive layer TA1 transmits visible light and adheres the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first substrate S21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20. A second transparent adhesive layer TA2 is provided between the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the third liquid crystal cell 30. The second transparent adhesive layer TA2 transmits visible light and adheres the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the first substrate S31 of the third liquid crystal cell 30. A third transparent adhesive layer TA3 is provided between the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40. The third transparent adhesive layer TA3 transmits visible light and adheres the second substrate S32 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the first substrate S41 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0048] The first transparent adhesive layer TA1, the second transparent adhesive layer TA2, and the third transparent adhesive layer TA3 preferably have high transmittance and a refractive index close to that of the first substrate S11, S21, S31, S41 and the second substrate S12, S22, S23, S24. As the first transparent adhesive layer TA1, the second transparent adhesive layer TA2, and the third transparent adhesive layer TA3, an optically elastic resin such as an adhesive material including an acrylic resin having light transmittance can be used. Further, in the liquid crystal light control element 102, the temperature rises due to heat radiated from the light source portion 106, and therefore, the thermal expansion coefficients of the first transparent adhesive layer TA1, the second transparent adhesive layer TA2, and the third transparent adhesive layer TA3 preferably have values close to the thermal expansion coefficients of the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0049] However, the thermal expansion coefficients of the first transparent adhesive layer TA1, the second transparent adhesive layer TA2, and the third transparent adhesive layer TA3 are higher than those of the glass substrate in many cases, and therefore, stress relaxation at the time of temperature rise needs to be considered. In order to relax thermal stress at the time of temperature rise, the thicknesses of the first transparent adhesive layer TA1, the second transparent adhesive layer TA2, and the third transparent adhesive layer TA3 are preferably thicker than the cell gaps (thicknesses of the liquid crystal layers) of the respective liquid crystal cells (the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40).

[0050] As described later, the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 have substantially the same structure. The liquid crystal light control element 102 according to the present embodiment has a structure in which the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are overlapped with the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 in a state of being rotated by 90 degrees. In other words, the liquid crystal light control element 102 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of liquid crystal cells, including a structure in which at least one liquid crystal cell and another liquid crystal cell (overlapping) adjacent to the at least one liquid crystal cell are arranged in a state of being rotated within a range of 90 ± 10 degrees. Note that the above-mentioned rotation angle of the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 can be set within a range of 90 degrees ± 10 degrees.

[0051] In Figure 2In the case where the arrangement of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 is taken as a reference, the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are arranged in a state of being rotated by 90 degrees. On the other hand, in the case where the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are taken as a reference, it can be said that the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are arranged in a state of being rotated by 90 degrees. By overlapping a plurality of liquid crystal cells having the same electrode pattern, and rotating a part of the liquid crystal cells, it is possible to impart a change to the electrode arrangement, and it is possible to impart a change to the diffusion of light through the stacked liquid crystal cells. Details thereof will be described below.

[0052] Figure 3 FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the electrodes provided in the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, respectively.

[0053] The first liquid crystal cell 10 includes a first substrate S11 and a second substrate S12, and a first liquid crystal layer LC1 between the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12. In the first substrate S11, a first electrode E11 is provided on the surface on the side opposite to the first liquid crystal layer LC1, and in the second substrate S12, a second electrode E12 is provided on the surface on the side opposite to the first liquid crystal layer LC1. The first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 are arranged in opposition to each other with the first liquid crystal layer LC1 interposed therebetween. Note that, as described above, it is also possible that the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 are arranged in opposition to each other, and the surface on the side opposite to the inner surface is defined as the outer surface. In this case, the first electrode E11 is provided on the inner surface of the first substrate, and the second electrode E12 is provided on the inner surface of the second substrate.

[0054] The first electrode E11 includes a plurality of first strip electrodes E11A formed in a strip shape, and a plurality of second strip electrodes E11B formed in a strip shape. The second electrode E12 includes a plurality of third strip electrodes E12A formed in a strip shape, and a plurality of fourth strip electrodes E12B formed in a strip shape. The plurality of first strip electrodes E11A and the plurality of second strip electrodes E11B are arranged alternately, and the plurality of third strip electrodes E12A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E12B are arranged alternately.

[0055] In the case where the arrangement of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 is taken as a reference, the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are arranged in a state of being rotated by 90 degrees. On the other hand, in the case where the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are taken as a reference, it can be said that the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are arranged in a state of being rotated by 90 degrees. By overlapping a plurality of liquid crystal cells having the same electrode pattern, and rotating a part of the liquid crystal cells, it is possible to impart a change to the electrode arrangement, and it is possible to impart a change to the diffusion of light through the stacked liquid crystal cells. Details thereof will be described below. Figure 3In the present embodiment, the X, Y, Z axial directions are shown for the purpose of illustration. The first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are arranged in the Z axial direction. In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the long side directions of the plurality of first strip electrodes E11A and the plurality of second strip electrodes E11B are arranged in a direction parallel to the Y axial direction, and the long side directions of the plurality of third strip electrodes 12A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E12B are arranged in a direction parallel to the X axial direction. That is, the plurality of first strip electrodes E11A and the plurality of second strip electrodes E11B are arranged in a direction crossing the plurality of third strip electrodes E12A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E12B. The long side directions of the plurality of first strip electrodes E11A and the plurality of second strip electrodes E11B and the long side directions of the plurality of third strip electrodes E12A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E12B can be arranged in a range of 90 degrees ± 10 degrees, for example, and are preferably arranged orthogonally (90 degrees). In the present embodiment, the long side directions are orthogonal to each other.

[0056] The second liquid crystal cell 20 includes a first substrate S21 and a second substrate S22, and a second liquid crystal layer LC2 between the first substrate S21 and the second substrate S22. In the first substrate S21, a first electrode E21 is provided on a surface on the side opposite the second liquid crystal layer LC2, and in the second substrate S22, a second electrode E22 is provided on a surface on the side opposite the second liquid crystal layer LC2. The first electrode E21 includes a plurality of first strip electrodes E21A formed in a strip shape and a plurality of second strip electrodes E21B formed in a strip shape, and the second electrode E22 includes a plurality of third strip electrodes E22A formed in a strip shape and a plurality of fourth strip electrodes E22B formed in a strip shape.

[0057] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the plurality of first strip electrodes 21A and the plurality of second strip electrodes E21B are alternately arranged, and the plurality of third strip electrodes 22A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E22B are alternately arranged. In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the long side directions of the plurality of first strip electrodes 21A and the plurality of second strip electrodes E21B are arranged in a direction parallel to the Y axial direction, and the long side directions of the plurality of third strip electrodes 22A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E22B are arranged in a direction parallel to the X axial direction. That is, the plurality of first strip electrodes E21A and the plurality of second strip electrodes E21B are arranged in a direction crossing the plurality of third strip electrodes E22A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E22B. The long side directions of the plurality of first strip electrodes E21A and the plurality of second strip electrodes E21B and the long side directions of the plurality of third strip electrodes E22A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E22B can be arranged in a range of 90 degrees ± 10 degrees, for example, and are preferably arranged orthogonally (90 degrees). In the present embodiment, the long side directions are orthogonal to each other.

[0058] The third liquid crystal cell 30 includes a first substrate S31 and a second substrate S32, and a third liquid crystal layer LC3 between the first substrate S31 and the second substrate S32. In the first substrate S31, a first electrode E31 is provided on a side face opposite to the third liquid crystal layer LC3, and in the second substrate S32, a second electrode E32 is provided on a side face opposite to the third liquid crystal layer LC3. The first electrode E31 includes a plurality of first strip electrodes E31A formed in a strip shape and a plurality of second strip electrodes E31B formed in a strip shape, and the second electrode E32 includes a plurality of third strip electrodes E32A formed in a strip shape and a plurality of fourth strip electrodes E32B formed in a strip shape.

[0059] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the plurality of first strip electrodes 31A and the plurality of second strip electrodes E31B are alternately arranged, and the plurality of third strip electrodes 32A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E32B are alternately arranged. In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the long side directions of the plurality of first strip electrodes 31A and the plurality of second strip electrodes E31B are arranged in a direction parallel to the X-axis direction, and the long side directions of the plurality of third strip electrodes 32A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E32B are arranged in a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction. That is, the plurality of first strip electrodes E31A and the plurality of second strip electrodes E31B are arranged in a cross direction with the plurality of third strip electrodes E32A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E32B. The long side directions of the plurality of first strip electrodes E31A and the plurality of second strip electrodes E31B and the long side directions of the plurality of third strip electrodes E32A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E32B are, for example, arranged in a cross direction within a range of 90 degrees ± 10 degrees, and preferably arranged in a right angle (90 degrees). In the present embodiment, these long side directions are orthogonal to each other.

[0060] The fourth liquid crystal cell 40 includes a first substrate S41 and a second substrate S42, and a fourth liquid crystal layer LC4 between the first substrate S41 and the second substrate S42. In the first substrate S41, a first electrode E41 is provided on a side face opposite to the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4, and in the second substrate S42, a second electrode E42 is provided on a side face opposite to the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4. The first electrode E41 includes a plurality of first strip electrodes E41A formed in a strip shape and a plurality of second strip electrodes E41B formed in a strip shape, and the second electrode E42 includes a plurality of third strip electrodes E42A formed in a strip shape and a plurality of fourth strip electrodes E42B formed in a strip shape. In the present embodiment, these long side directions are orthogonal to each other.

[0061] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the plurality of first strip electrodes 41A and the plurality of second strip electrodes E41B are alternately arranged, and the plurality of third strip electrodes 42A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E42B are alternately arranged. In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the long side directions of the plurality of first strip electrodes 41A and the plurality of second strip electrodes E41B are arranged in a direction parallel to the X-axis direction, and the long side directions of the plurality of third strip electrodes 42A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E42B are arranged in a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction. That is, the plurality of first strip electrodes E41A and the plurality of second strip electrodes E41B are arranged so as to cross the plurality of third strip electrodes E42A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E42B. The long side directions of the plurality of first strip electrodes E41A and the plurality of second strip electrodes E41B and the long side directions of the plurality of third strip electrodes E42A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E42B are arranged so as to cross each other, for example, within a range of 90 degrees ± 10 degrees, and preferably are arranged so as to be orthogonal (90 degrees). In the present embodiment, the long side directions are orthogonal to each other.

[0062] As is clear from the above description, in the liquid crystal light control element 102, the first strip electrodes E11A and the second strip electrodes E11B of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first strip electrodes E21A and the second strip electrodes E21B of the second liquid crystal cell 20 are arranged so that the long side directions are in the same direction, and the first strip electrodes E31A and the second strip electrodes E31B of the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the first strip electrodes E41A and the second strip electrodes E41B of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are arranged so that the long side directions are in the same direction. In addition, the first strip electrodes E11A and the second strip electrodes E11B of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first strip electrodes E21A and the second strip electrodes E21B of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the first strip electrodes E31A and the second strip electrodes E31B of the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the first strip electrodes E41A and the second strip electrodes E41B of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are arranged so that the long side directions cross each other. In the present embodiment, the crossing angle is 90 degrees.

[0063] Similarly, in the liquid crystal light control element 102, the third strip electrode E12A and the fourth strip electrode E12B of the first liquid crystal unit 10 are configured with the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B of the second liquid crystal unit 20 having the same long side direction, and the third strip electrode E32A and the fourth strip electrode E32B of the third liquid crystal unit 30 are configured with the third strip electrode E42A and the fourth strip electrode E42B of the fourth liquid crystal unit 40 having the same long side direction. Furthermore, the third strip electrode E12A and the fourth strip electrode E12B of the first liquid crystal unit 10, the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B of the second liquid crystal unit 20, the third strip electrode E32A and the fourth strip electrode E32B of the third liquid crystal unit 30, and the third strip electrode E42A and the fourth strip electrode E42B of the fourth liquid crystal unit 40 are configured with their long sides intersecting. The intersection angle is preferably within the range of 90 degrees ± 10 degrees, and more preferably orthogonal (90 degrees). In this embodiment, the intersection angle is 90 degrees.

[0064] That is, in the liquid crystal light control element 102 according to this embodiment, the long side direction of the strip pattern of the first electrode E11, E21 of the first liquid crystal unit 10 and the second liquid crystal unit 20 is parallel to the Y-axis direction, and the long side direction of the strip pattern of the first electrode E31, E41 of the third liquid crystal unit 30 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40 is parallel to the X-axis direction. In other words, the long side direction of the strip pattern of the first electrode E11, E21 of the first liquid crystal unit 10 and the second liquid crystal unit 20 is intersected with the long side direction of the strip pattern of the first electrode E31, E41 of the third liquid crystal unit 30 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40. As described above, the intersection angle is preferably within the range of 90 degrees ± 10 degrees, and more preferably orthogonal (90 degrees). In this embodiment, the intersection angle is 90 degrees.

[0065] The first electrodes E11 and E12 disposed in the first liquid crystal cell 10, the first electrodes E21 and E22 disposed in the second liquid crystal cell 20, the first electrodes E31 and E32 disposed in the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the first electrodes E41 and E42 disposed in the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 have approximately the same size when viewed from above. Although Figure 3 Although not shown in the figure, the light source unit (106) is disposed on the lower side of the first liquid crystal cell 10. Light emitted from the light source unit (106) and incident on the liquid crystal light control element 102 passes through the entire first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 and is emitted out.

[0066] The first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 have substantially the same configuration, but a more specific description will be given below with the first liquid crystal cell 10 as a representative.

[0067] Figure 4A A plan view of the first substrate Sll is shown in FIG. 1A. Figure 4B A plan view of the second substrate S12 is shown in FIG. 1B. Note that Figure 4B is a plan view as viewed from the inner face side of the second substrate S12.

[0068] As Figure 4A shown in FIG. 2A, the first electrode E11 is provided on the first substrate Sll. The first electrode E11 includes a plurality of first strip-shaped electrodes E11A and a plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E11B. The plurality of first strip-shaped electrodes E11A and the plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E11B have a strip-shaped pattern. The strip-shaped pattern of the plurality of first strip-shaped electrodes E11A and the strip-shaped pattern of the plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E11B are alternately arranged at a predetermined interval in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.

[0069] The plurality of first strip-shaped electrodes E11A are each connected to the first power supply line PL11, and the plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E11B are each connected to the second power supply line PL12. The first power supply line PL11 is connected to the first connection terminal T11, and the second power supply line PL12 is connected to the second connection terminal T12. The first connection terminal T11 and the second connection terminal T12 are provided along one side of the end portion of the first substrate Sll. On the first substrate Sll, a third connection terminal T13 is provided adjacent to the first connection terminal T11, and a fourth connection terminal T14 is provided adjacent to the second connection terminal T12. The third connection terminal T13 is connected to a fifth power supply line PL15. The fifth power supply line PL15 is connected to a first power supply terminal PT11 provided at a predetermined position in the plane of the first substrate Sll. The fourth connection terminal T14 is connected to a sixth power supply line PL16. The sixth power supply line PL16 is connected to a second power supply terminal PT12 provided at a predetermined position in the plane of the first substrate Sll.

[0070] The plurality of first strip-shaped electrodes E11A are each connected to the first power supply line PL11, and the plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E11B are each connected to the second power supply line PL12. The first power supply line PL11 is connected to the first connection terminal T11, and the second power supply line PL12 is connected to the second connection terminal T12. The first connection terminal T11 and the second connection terminal T12 are provided along one side of the end portion of the first substrate Sll. On the first substrate Sll, a third connection terminal T13 is provided adjacent to the first connection terminal T11, and a fourth connection terminal T14 is provided adjacent to the second connection terminal T12. The third connection terminal T13 is connected to a fifth power supply line PL15. The fifth power supply line PL15 is connected to a first power supply terminal PT11 provided at a predetermined position in the plane of the first substrate Sll. The fourth connection terminal T14 is connected to a sixth power supply line PL16. The sixth power supply line PL16 is connected to a second power supply terminal PT12 provided at a predetermined position in the plane of the first substrate Sll. Figure 4AAs shown in FIG. 1, the first electrode E11 is provided on the first substrate S11. The first electrode E11 includes a plurality of first strip electrodes E11A and a plurality of second strip electrodes E11B. The plurality of first strip electrodes E11A and the plurality of second strip electrodes E11B have a strip-like pattern. The strip-like pattern of the plurality of first strip electrodes E11A and the strip-like pattern of the plurality of second strip electrodes E11B are alternately arranged at a predetermined interval in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 1, the first electrode E11 is provided on the first substrate S11. The first electrode E11 includes a plurality of first strip electrodes E11A and a plurality of second strip electrodes E11B. The plurality of first strip electrodes E11A and the plurality of second strip electrodes E11B have a strip-like pattern. The strip-like pattern of the plurality of first strip electrodes E11A and the strip-like pattern of the plurality of second strip electrodes E11B are alternately arranged at a predetermined interval in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction. Figure 4B As shown in FIG. 1, the second electrode E12 is provided on the second substrate S12. The second electrode E12 includes a plurality of third strip electrodes E12A and a plurality of fourth strip electrodes E12B. The plurality of third strip electrodes E12A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E12B have a strip-like pattern. The strip-like pattern of the plurality of third strip electrodes E12A and the strip-like pattern of the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E12B are alternately arranged at a predetermined interval in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.

[0072] The plurality of third strip electrodes E12A are connected to the third power supply line PL13, and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E12B are connected to the fourth power supply line PL14. The third power supply line PL13 is connected to the third power supply terminal PT13, and the fourth power supply line PL14 is connected to the fourth power supply terminal PT14. The third power supply terminal PT13 is provided at a position corresponding to the first power supply terminal PT11 of the first substrate S11, and the fourth power supply terminal PT14 is provided at a position corresponding to the second power supply terminal PT12 of the first substrate S11.

[0073] The plurality of third strip electrodes E12A are connected to the third power supply line PL13, and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E12B are connected to the fourth power supply line PL14. The third power supply line PL13 is connected to the third power supply terminal PT13, and the fourth power supply line PL14 is connected to the fourth power supply terminal PT14. The third power supply terminal PT13 is provided at a position corresponding to the first power supply terminal PT11 of the first substrate S11, and the fourth power supply terminal PT14 is provided at a position corresponding to the second power supply terminal PT12 of the first substrate S11. Figure 4B As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of third strip electrodes E12A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E12B are alternately arranged. The plurality of third strip electrodes E12A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E12B are electrically separated. When different voltage levels are applied to the plurality of third strip electrodes E12A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E12B, respectively, an electric field is generated between the two electrodes due to the potential difference. That is, a horizontal electric field can be generated by the plurality of third strip electrodes E12A and the plurality of fourth strip electrodes E12B.

[0074] The first connection terminal T11, the second connection terminal T12, the third connection terminal T13, and the fourth connection terminal T14 provided to the first substrate S11 are terminals to be connected to the flexible wiring substrate. In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the first power supply terminal PT11 and the third power supply terminal PT13 are electrically connected by a conductive material, and the second power supply terminal PT12 and the fourth power supply terminal PT14 are electrically connected by a conductive material.

[0075] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the first liquid crystal cell 10 is shown. Figure 5 The cross-sectional structure of the first liquid crystal cell 10 shown corresponds to Figure 4A The first substrate S11 shown and Figure 4B The cross-sectional structure corresponding to the A1-A2 line of the second substrate S12 shown.

[0076] The first liquid crystal cell 10 has an effective area AA in which incident light can be polarized and scattered. The first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 are disposed in the effective area AA. The first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 are bonded by a sealing material SE provided outside the effective area AA. A gap in which the first liquid crystal layer LC1 is enclosed is provided between the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12. The first liquid crystal layer LC1 is enclosed between the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 by the sealing material SE.

[0077] The first substrate S11 has the first electrode E11, the first power supply terminal PT11, and has a structure in which the first alignment film AL11 is provided on the first electrode E11. The first electrode E11 includes a first strip-shaped electrode E11A and a second strip-shaped electrode E11B. The first power supply terminal PT11 has a structure continuous from the fifth power supply line PL15 and is disposed outside the sealing material SE.

[0078] The second substrate S12 has the second electrode E12, the third power supply terminal PT13, and has a structure in which the second alignment film AL12 is provided on the second electrode E12. The second electrode E12 includes a third strip-shaped electrode E12A and a fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B. The third power supply terminal PT13 has a structure continuous from the third power supply line PL13 and is disposed outside the sealing material SE.

[0079] The first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 are arranged so as to cross in the long side direction of the electrode pattern in a band shape. That is, the first and second band-shaped electrodes E11A and E11B are arranged so as to cross the third and fourth band-shaped electrodes E12A and E12B in the long side direction. In the present embodiment, the first and second band-shaped electrodes E11A and E11B cross the third and fourth band-shaped electrodes E12A and E12B at an angle of 90 degrees. Note that, as described above, the crossing angle of the first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 can be set within a range of 90 degrees ± 10 degrees, for example.

[0080] The first power supply terminal PT11 opposes the third power supply terminal PT13 and is arranged so as to oppose the region outside the sealing material SE. The first conductive member CP11 is arranged between the first power supply terminal PT11 and the third power supply terminal PT13 and electrically connects the two. The first conductive member CP11 can be formed of a conductive paste material, such as silver paste or carbon paste. Note that, although not shown in the drawings, the second power supply terminal PT12 and the fourth power supply terminal PT14 are also electrically connected by a conductive member. Figure 5

[0081] The first and second substrates S11 and S12 are substrates having light transmissivity, such as glass substrates or resin substrates. The first and second electrodes E11 and E12 are transparent electrodes formed of transparent conductive materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). The power supply lines (first to sixth power supply lines PL11 to PL16), the connection terminals (first to fourth connection terminals T11 to T14), and the power supply terminals (first to fourth power supply terminals PT11 to PT14) are formed of metal materials such as aluminum, titanium, molybdenum, or tungsten. Note that the power supply lines (first to sixth power supply lines PL11 to PL16) can also be formed of the same transparent conductive film as the first and second electrodes E11 and E12. The alignment films AL1 and AL2 are formed of horizontal alignment films having an alignment restricting force that is substantially parallel to the main plane of the substrate. The first liquid crystal layer LC1 uses, for example, a twisted nematic (TN) liquid crystal. Note that, although not shown in the drawings, a spacer for maintaining the interval between the first and second substrates S11 and S12 constant can also be provided. Figure 5 ​​

[0082] Then, the electro-optical action in the first liquid crystal cell 10 is described with reference to Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 6C , Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C , and Figure 8 . Note that in FIGS. 6 to Figure 8 , only components necessary for the description are shown.

[0083] Figure 6A A cross-sectional schematic structure of a part of the first liquid crystal cell 10 is shown. Figure 6B A first strip-shaped electrode E11A and a second strip-shaped electrode E11B provided in the first substrate S11, a first alignment film AL11, a second alignment film AL12 provided in the second substrate S12, and a first liquid crystal layer LC1 are shown. In Figure 6A , a third strip-shaped electrode E12A and a fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B are omitted for simplicity of the description.

[0084] Figure 6A A case where the alignment processing direction of the first alignment film AL11 is different from that of the second alignment film AL12 is shown. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4A , in the first alignment film AL11, alignment processing is performed in a direction ALD1 crossing the long side direction of the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B at an angle of 90 degrees, and as shown in Figure 4B , in the second alignment film AL12, alignment processing is performed in a direction ALD2 crossing the long side direction of the third strip-shaped electrode E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B at an angle of 90 degrees. Thus, in the first liquid crystal cell 10 shown in Figure 6A , the first alignment film AL11 is subjected to alignment processing in the left-right direction of the paper, and the second alignment film AL12 is subjected to alignment processing in the normal direction of the paper. Note that as the alignment processing, either rubbing processing or photo-alignment processing can be used. Further, the alignment direction of the alignment film can be set within a range of 90 degrees ± 10 degrees with respect to the extension direction of the strip-shaped electrode.

[0085] A TN liquid crystal is used as the first liquid crystal layer LC1. Since the alignment direction ALD1 of the first alignment film AL11 is orthogonal to the alignment direction ALD2 of the second alignment film AL12, the liquid crystal molecules of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 are oriented in such a manner that the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is twisted by 90 degrees from the first alignment film AL11 to the second alignment film AL12 in a state where the liquid crystal molecules are not subjected to the action of an external electric field. Figure 6AA state in which no voltage is applied to the first and second strip electrodes E11A and E11B is shown, and a state in which the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is twisted by 90 degrees and is oriented is shown.

[0086] Note that Figure 6A An example in which the liquid crystal layer LC1 is formed of a positive twisted nematic liquid crystal (TN liquid crystal) and the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules is oriented in the same direction as the orientation direction of the alignment film is shown, but a negative liquid crystal can be used by rotating the orientation direction of the alignment film by 90 degrees, that is, by making the orientation direction of each of the alignment films AL11 and AL12 along the extension direction of the strip electrodes E11A and E12A of each of the substrates S11 and S12. It is preferable that a chiral agent that imparts twist to the liquid crystal molecules be included in the liquid crystal.

[0087] Figure 6B A state in which a low-level voltage VL is applied to the first strip electrode E11A and a high-level voltage VH is applied to the second strip electrode E11B is shown. In this state, a lateral electric field is generated between the first and second strip electrodes E11A and E11B. As shown in Figure 6B the first substrate S11 side is affected by the lateral electric field, and the orientation direction is changed. For example, the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S11 side are oriented so that the long axis direction is oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of the electric field.

[0088] The values of the low-level voltage VL and the high-level voltage VH applied to the first and second strip electrodes E11A and E11B are appropriately set. For example, 0 V is applied as the low-level voltage VL1, and a voltage of 5 to 30 V is applied as the high-level voltage VH1. The low-level voltage VL and the high-level voltage VH are alternately applied to the first and second strip electrodes E11A and E11B. For example, as shown in Figure 6C the low-level voltage VL is applied to the first strip electrode E11A and the high-level voltage VH is applied to the second strip electrode E11B for a certain fixed period, and in the next fixed period, the voltages are applied so as to periodically change in a manner in which the levels of the voltages between the two electrodes are synchronized, so that the high-level voltage VH is applied to the first strip electrode E11A and the low-level voltage VL is applied to the second strip electrode E11B.

[0089] By alternately applying the low-level voltage VL and the high-level voltage VH to the first and second strip electrodes E11A and E11B, an alternating electric field is generated, and the degradation of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 is suppressed. Note that the frequency of the voltages applied to the first and second strip electrodes E11A and E11B can be, for example, 15 to 100 Hz, as long as the liquid crystal molecules can follow the change in the electric field.

[0090] Figure 7A This is a partial perspective view of the first liquid crystal cell 10, showing the configuration of the first strip electrode E11A, the second strip electrode E11B, the third strip electrode E12A, the fourth strip electrode E12B, and the first liquid crystal layer LC1. Figure 7B and Figure 7C A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first liquid crystal cell 10 is shown. Figure 7B Only the view from side A shown in the figure is shown. Figure 7A The cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first liquid crystal unit 10 shown is shown below. Figure 7C Only the view from side B shown in the figure is shown. Figure 7A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the first liquid crystal unit 10. It should be noted that... Figure 7B and Figure 7C This illustrates a case where the orientation treatment direction of the first orientation film AL11 is different from that of the second orientation film AL12.

[0091] like Figure 7A and Figure 7C As shown, the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are arranged with a center-to-center distance W, and the third strip electrode E12A and the fourth strip electrode E12B are also arranged with a center-to-center distance W. This center-to-center distance W is relative to... Figure 7A The width 'a' of the first strip electrode E11A and the distance 'b' between the end of the first strip electrode E11A and the end of the second strip electrode E11B have a relationship of W = a + b. Furthermore, the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are separated from the third strip electrode E12A and the fourth strip electrode E12B, and are arranged opposite each other in an orthogonal configuration. The first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 are arranged opposite each other with a distance 'D', which substantially corresponds to the thickness of the liquid crystal layer LC1. In reality, the first strip electrode E11A and the first alignment film AL11 are disposed on the first substrate S11, and the third strip electrode E12A and the second alignment film AL12 are disposed on the second substrate S12. However, the thickness of these electrodes and alignment films is sufficiently small compared to the size of the distance 'D'; therefore, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer LC1 can be considered to be the same as the distance 'D'.

[0092] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the spacing D between the strip electrodes and the first liquid crystal layer LC1 is preferably the same as or greater than the center-to-center distance W between the strip electrodes. That is, the spacing D is preferably at least one time the center-to-center distance W. For example, the spacing D is preferably at least twice the center-to-center distance W between the strip electrodes. When the width of the first strip electrode E11A is 5 μm, the width a of both the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B is 5 μm, and the spacing b between the end of the first strip electrode E11A and the end of the second strip electrode E11B is 5 μm, the center-to-center distance W between the strip electrodes is 10 μm. Therefore, the spacing D is preferably 10 μm or greater.

[0093] Because the center-to-center distance W of the strip electrodes has such a relationship with the aforementioned interval D, the electric fields generated by the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are designed to be independent of the electric fields generated by the third strip electrode E12A and the fourth strip electrode E12B. That is, as... Figure 7B As shown, by using the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B, the orientation of liquid crystal molecules located near them can be controlled without being affected by the third strip electrode E12A and the fourth strip electrode E12B, such as... Figure 7C As shown, the orientation of liquid crystal molecules located near the third strip electrode E12A and the fourth strip electrode E12B can be controlled without being affected by the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B.

[0094] However, it is known that the refractive index of liquid crystals changes depending on their orientation. For example... Figure 6A As shown, in the off-state where no electric field is applied to the first liquid crystal layer LC1, the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules is horizontally aligned on the surface of the substrate, and is oriented with a 90-degree twist from the first substrate S11 side to the second substrate S12 side. The liquid crystal layer LC1 has a substantially uniform refractive index distribution in this alignment state. Therefore, the first polarization component PL1 and the second polarization component PL2 (refer to the first polarization component PL1) of the light incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10 are orthogonal to each other. Figure 8 Although optical rotation is influenced by the initial orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, it passes through the first liquid crystal layer LC1 with almost no refraction (or scattering). Here, the first polarization component PL1 corresponds, for example, to P-polarization in natural light, and the second polarization component corresponds, for example, to S-polarization.

[0095] On the other hand, such as Figure 6B As shown, in the ON state, where a voltage is applied to the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B, forming an electric field, and given that the first liquid crystal layer LC1 has positive dielectric anisotropy, the liquid crystal molecules are oriented along the electric field with their long axes aligned. As a result, as...Figure 6B As shown in FIG. 1, in the first liquid crystal layer LC1, a region in which liquid crystal molecules rise substantially perpendicularly above the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, a region in which liquid crystal molecules are tilted in the distribution of the electric field between the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, a region in which the initial orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is maintained compared to the region apart from the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, and the like are formed.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 1, in the first liquid crystal layer LC1, a region in which liquid crystal molecules rise substantially perpendicularly above the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, a region in which liquid crystal molecules are tilted in the distribution of the electric field between the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, a region in which the initial orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is maintained compared to the region apart from the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, and the like are formed. Figure 6B As shown in FIG. 1, in the first liquid crystal layer LC1, a region in which liquid crystal molecules rise substantially perpendicularly above the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, a region in which liquid crystal molecules are tilted in the distribution of the electric field between the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, a region in which the initial orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is maintained compared to the region apart from the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, and the like are formed. Figure 6A Figure 6B As shown in FIG. 1, in the first liquid crystal layer LC1, a region in which liquid crystal molecules rise substantially perpendicularly above the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, a region in which liquid crystal molecules are tilted in the distribution of the electric field between the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, a region in which the initial orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is maintained compared to the region apart from the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, and the like are formed. Figure 6B As shown in FIG. 1, in the first liquid crystal layer LC1, a region in which liquid crystal molecules rise substantially perpendicularly above the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, a region in which liquid crystal molecules are tilted in the distribution of the electric field between the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, a region in which the initial orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is maintained compared to the region apart from the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, and the like are formed.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 1, in the first liquid crystal layer LC1, a region in which liquid crystal molecules rise substantially perpendicularly above the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, a region in which liquid crystal molecules are tilted in the distribution of the electric field between the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, a region in which the initial orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is maintained compared to the region apart from the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, and the like are formed. Figure 7C As shown in FIG. 1, in the first liquid crystal layer LC1, a region in which liquid crystal molecules rise substantially perpendicularly above the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, a region in which liquid crystal molecules are tilted in the distribution of the electric field between the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, a region in which the initial orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is maintained compared to the region apart from the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, and the like are formed.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 1, in the first liquid crystal layer LC1, a region in which liquid crystal molecules rise substantially perpendicularly above the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, a region in which liquid crystal molecules are tilted in the distribution of the electric field between the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, a region in which the initial orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is maintained compared to the region apart from the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, and the like are formed. Figure 7B Figure 7C As shown in FIG. 1, in the first liquid crystal layer LC1, a region in which liquid crystal molecules rise substantially perpendicularly above the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, a region in which liquid crystal molecules are tilted in the distribution of the electric field between the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, a region in which the initial orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is maintained compared to the region apart from the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, and the like are formed.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 1, in the first liquid crystal layer LC1, a region in which liquid crystal molecules rise substantially perpendicularly above the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, a region in which liquid crystal molecules are tilted in the distribution of the electric field between the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, a region in which the initial orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is maintained compared to the region apart from the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, and the like are formed.​​

[0100] Figure 8 The phenomenon that the first polarization component PL1 and the second polarization component PL2 are diffused by the liquid crystal layer is schematically shown. Figure 8 The state in which the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are stacked is shown, and for simplicity, only the first substrate S11, S21, the second substrate S12, S22, the first strip-shaped electrode E11A, E21A, and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, E21B, and the first liquid crystal layer LC1, the second liquid crystal layer LC2 of each liquid crystal cell are shown. For example, the first transparent adhesive layer TA1 provided between the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 is omitted. Note that the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first strip-shaped electrode E21A and the second strip-shaped electrode E21B of the second liquid crystal cell 20 are arranged in the same direction. Further, the alignment direction ALD1 of the alignment film (not shown) on the first substrate S11 side of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first substrate S21 side of the second liquid crystal cell 20 is in the left-right direction of the paper, and the alignment direction ALD2 of the alignment film (not shown) on the second substrate S12 side of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second substrate S22 side of the second liquid crystal cell 20 is in the normal direction of the paper.

[0101] In the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, Figure 8 In the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, the polarization direction of the first polarization component PL1 is parallel to the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S11 side of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 and the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S12 side of the second liquid crystal layer LC2 (the direction in which the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules is aligned in the absence of an electric field). In addition, the polarization direction of the second polarization component PL2 is orthogonal to the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S11 side of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 and the first substrate S21 side of the second liquid crystal layer LC2.

[0102] In the case where a voltage is applied to the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B of the first liquid crystal cell 10, a region in which the liquid crystal molecules vertically rise, a region in which the liquid crystal molecules are tilted in alignment along the distribution of the electric field, a region in which the initial alignment state is maintained, and the like are formed in the first liquid crystal layer LC1. Likewise, in the state where a voltage is applied to the first strip-shaped electrode E21A and the second strip-shaped electrode E21B of the second liquid crystal cell 20, a region in which the liquid crystal molecules vertically rise, a region in which the liquid crystal molecules are tilted in alignment along the distribution of the electric field, a region in which the initial alignment state is maintained, and the like are formed in the second liquid crystal layer LC2.

[0103] The first polarization component PL1 is diffused in the first liquid crystal layer LC1 and is 90 degrees optically rotated, and is not diffused in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 and is 90 degrees optically rotated. The second polarization component PL2 is not diffused in the first liquid crystal layer LC1 and is 90 degrees optically rotated, and is diffused in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 and is 90 degrees optically rotated. That is, the first polarization component PL1 incident on the first substrate S11 is diffused in the first liquid crystal layer LC1 and is optically rotated in the first liquid crystal layer LC1 and the second liquid crystal layer LC2. The second polarization component PL2 incident on the first substrate S11 is diffused in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 and is optically rotated in the first liquid crystal layer LC1 and the second liquid crystal layer LC2. Here, the optical rotation refers to a phenomenon in which a linear polarization component (for example, the first polarization component PL1 and the second polarization component PL2 described above) is rotated in its polarization axis along the twisted orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the process of passing through the liquid crystal layer.

[0104] To Figure 8 Further detailed explanation will be given. The first electrode E11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second electrode E12 are orthogonal to each other, and the first electrode E21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the second electrode E22 are orthogonal to each other. In addition, the extension direction of the first electrode E11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 coincides with the extension direction of the first electrode E21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20. In addition, light including the first polarization component PL1 (polarization component in the X-axis direction) and the second polarization component PL2 (polarization component in the Y-axis direction) is incident from a direction perpendicular to the first substrate S11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and is emitted from the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20.

[0105] The liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer LC1 on the first substrate S11 side of the first liquid crystal cell 10 are oriented with their long axes in the X-axis direction, and therefore, if a transverse electric field is generated between the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in a convex arc shape toward the X-axis direction as described with reference to FIG. 6. Figure 7B In addition, the liquid crystal molecules of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 on the second substrate S12 side of the first liquid crystal cell 10 are oriented with their long axes in the Y-axis direction, and therefore, if a transverse electric field is generated between the third strip-shaped electrode E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B (not shown), the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in a convex arc shape toward the Y-axis direction as described with reference to FIG. 7. Figure 7C By the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, a refractive index distribution depending on the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is formed on the first substrate S11 side and the second substrate S12 side.

[0106] The first polarization component PL1 incident to the first liquid crystal cell 10 in parallel with the X axis is optically rotated when passing through the first liquid crystal layer LC1 to become a polarization component in parallel with the Y axis on the second substrate S12 side. That is, the first polarization component PL1 has a polarization axis in the X axis direction on the first substrate S11 side, but the polarization axis gradually changes during the passage through the first liquid crystal layer LC1 in the thickness direction to become a polarization axis in the Y axis direction on the second substrate S12 side, and is emitted from the second substrate S12 side.

[0107] Here, the first polarization component PL1 incident to the first liquid crystal cell 10 from the first substrate S11 side has a polarization axis on the first substrate S11 side in parallel with the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 on the first substrate S11 side, and thus spreads in the X axis direction in correspondence with the change in the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules. Further, the first polarization component PL1 changes the polarization axis from the X axis direction to the Y axis direction by passing through the first liquid crystal layer LC1, and thus spreads in the Y axis direction in correspondence with the change in the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S12 side. That is, the first polarization component PL1 having a polarization axis in the X axis direction before being incident to the first liquid crystal cell 10 changes the polarization axis from the X axis direction to the Y axis direction during the passage through the first liquid crystal cell 10, and spreads in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction.

[0108] In this regard, the second polarization component PL2 incident to the first liquid crystal cell 10 from the first substrate S11 side is affected by the first liquid crystal layer LC1 during the period from the incidence to the first substrate S11 to the emission from the second substrate S12, and thus changes the polarization axis from the Y axis direction to the X axis direction. Here, the second polarization component PL2 on the first substrate S11 side does not spread by passing through the first liquid crystal layer LC1 because the polarization axis is orthogonal to the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 on the first substrate S11 side, and thus is not affected by the refractive index distribution caused by the liquid crystal molecules. Further, the second polarization component PL2 changes the polarization axis from the Y axis direction to the X axis direction in the first liquid crystal layer LC1, and thus the polarization axis on the second substrate S12 side is also orthogonal to the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 on the second substrate S12 side, and thus does not spread by passing through the first liquid crystal layer LC1. That is, the second polarization component PL2 having a polarization axis in the Y axis direction incident to the first liquid crystal cell 10 does not spread by the first liquid crystal layer LC1 although the polarization axis changes from the Y axis direction to the X axis direction during the passage through the first liquid crystal cell 10, and is emitted from the second substrate S12 side.

[0109] The second liquid crystal layer LC2 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 also has the same refractive index distribution as the first liquid crystal layer LC1 of the first liquid crystal cell 10. Therefore, in the second liquid crystal cell 20, the same phenomenon as in the first liquid crystal cell 10 is also substantially generated. On the other hand, since the polarization axes of the initial first polarization component PL1 and the second polarization component PL2 are replaced by passing through the first liquid crystal cell 10, the polarization components affected by the refractive index distribution of the second liquid crystal layer LC2 are also replaced. That is, during the passage through the second liquid crystal cell 20, the initial first polarization component PL1 changes its polarization axis from the Y axis to the X axis direction again, but does not spread. On the other hand, the initial second polarization component PL2 changes its polarization axis from the X axis to the Y axis direction again, and spreads due to the influence of the refractive index distribution of the second liquid crystal layer LC2.

[0110] As is clear from the above, by laminating two liquid crystal cells having the same structure, the polarization direction of the incident light is changed twice, and the polarization direction is not changed before and after passing through the two liquid crystal cells. On the other hand, by forming a refractive index distribution on the upper and lower sides of the liquid crystal layer by the horizontal electric field, the transmitted light can be spread in a specific direction. More specifically, the first liquid crystal cell 10 can spread the light of the first polarization component PL1 in the X axis direction, the Y axis direction, or both the X axis and Y axis directions, and the second liquid crystal cell 20 can spread the light of the second polarization component PL2 in the X axis direction, the Y axis direction, or both the X axis and Y axis directions.

[0111] As described above, by laminating two liquid crystal cells having the same structure, the polarization direction of the incident light is changed twice, and the polarization direction is not changed before and after passing through the two liquid crystal cells. On the other hand, by forming a refractive index distribution on the upper and lower sides of the liquid crystal layer by the horizontal electric field, the transmitted light can be spread in a specific direction. More specifically, the first liquid crystal cell 10 can spread the light of the first polarization component PL1 in the X axis direction, the Y axis direction, or both the X axis and Y axis directions, and the second liquid crystal cell 20 can spread the light of the second polarization component PL2 in the X axis direction, the Y axis direction, or both the X axis and Y axis directions.

[0112] Thus, of the incident light that passes through the first liquid crystal layer LC1 and the second liquid crystal layer LC2, the first polarization component PL1 is diffused by the first liquid crystal layer LC1, and the second polarization component PL2 is diffused by the second liquid crystal layer LC2. Further, the incident light that passes through the first liquid crystal layer LC1 and the second liquid crystal layer LC2 is each rotated by 90 degrees by the first liquid crystal layer LC1 and the second liquid crystal layer LC2. In other words, of the incident light that includes the first polarization component PL1 and the second polarization component PL2, the first polarization component PL1 is diffused by the first liquid crystal cell 10, and the second polarization component PL2 is diffused by the second liquid crystal cell 20. That is, by overlapping the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, scattering of a specific polarization component can be individually controlled, and the light distribution of the light emitted from the light source can be controlled.

[0113] However, it is known that light is refracted at the boundary surface of different media, but the angle of refraction changes depending on the wavelength of the light. In the case where light is incident to a liquid crystal layer in which a refractive index distribution is formed, the angle of refraction differs for each wavelength, and depending on the kind of light source, the distance from the object to be irradiated, color irregularity can sometimes be visually confirmed at the peripheral portion of the light distribution pattern formed by making the light pass through the liquid crystal light control element 102.

[0114] In view of this, as shown in Figure 3 , in the liquid crystal light control element 102 according to the present embodiment, by overlapping four liquid crystal cells in the optical path of the light source, and by arranging at least two of the four liquid crystal cells to be rotated by 90 degrees with respect to the other liquid crystal cells, color irregularity is suppressed. Specifically, in the liquid crystal light control element 102, in at least one set of adjacent overlapping liquid crystal cells, the long side direction of the electrodes having a strip-shaped pattern is arranged to face in different directions, so as to suppress color irregularity. Hereinafter, the configuration of each liquid crystal cell will be described in detail based on the electrode configuration and operation of each liquid crystal cell.

[0115] Figure 9 The arrangement of the strip-shaped electrodes in each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal light control element 102, and the manner in which the polarization state and scattering of the incident light are controlled by each liquid crystal cell will be described. The arrangement of each electrode in the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 is the same as the structure shown in Figure 3 . Specifically, in the first liquid crystal cell 10, Figure 9In the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in each of the substrates (S11, S12, S21, S22) of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 is the same, the long side direction of the strip electrodes (E11A, E11B, E21A, E21B) in the first electrodes E11, E21 is the same, and the long side direction of the strip electrodes (E12A, E12B, E22A, E22B) in the second electrodes E12, E22 that cross these electrodes is the same. Further, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in each of the substrates (S31, S32, S41, S42) of the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 is the same, the long side direction of the strip electrodes (E31A, E31B, E41A, E41B) in the first electrodes E31, E41 is the same, and the long side direction of the strip electrodes (E32A, E32B, E42A, E42B) in the second electrodes E32, E42 that cross these electrodes is the same. In addition, the long side direction of the strip electrodes (E11A, E11B, E21A, E21B) in the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 crosses the long side direction of the strip electrodes (E31A, E31B, E41A, E41B) in the first electrodes E31, E41 in the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 at an angle of 90 degrees.

[0116] Note that, in the embodiment shown, Figure 9 In the embodiment shown, the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are stacked in a state in which the respective first electrodes E11, E21 are oriented in the same direction, and the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are stacked in a state in which the respective first electrodes E31, E41 are oriented in the same direction, but the orientation of the first electrodes E31, E41 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 is rotated 90 degrees relative to the orientation of the first electrodes E11, E21 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20. Further, the first electrodes (E11, E21, E31, E41) and the second electrodes (E12, E22, E32, E42) of each liquid crystal cell are orthogonal in the respective extension directions. The same applies to the embodiment described later. Note that, a configuration in which the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are stacked in a state in which they are rotated 90 degrees ± 10 degrees relative to the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 can also be employed. Further, a configuration in which the extension directions of the first electrodes (E11, E21, E31, E41) and the second electrodes (E12, E22, E32, E42) of each liquid crystal cell are set in the range of 90 degrees ± 10 degrees can also be employed. Figures 12 to 14 The same applies to the embodiment shown. Note that, a configuration in which the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are stacked in a state in which they are rotated 90 degrees ± 10 degrees relative to the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 can also be employed. Further, a configuration in which the extension directions of the first electrodes (E11, E21, E31, E41) and the second electrodes (E12, E22, E32, E42) of each liquid crystal cell are set in the range of 90 degrees ± 10 degrees can also be employed.

[0117] As Figure 9As shown, the second electrode E12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first electrode E41 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are arranged in the same orientation, enabling the second polarization component PL2 to diffuse in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the first electrode E11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second electrode E42 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are arranged in the same orientation, enabling the second polarization component PL2 to diffuse in the X-axis direction. The same applies to the diffusion of the first polarization component PL1: the second electrode E22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the first electrode E31 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 are arranged in the same orientation, enabling the first polarization component PL1 to diffuse in the Y-axis direction; the first electrode E21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the second electrode E32 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 are arranged in the same direction, enabling the first polarization component PL1 to diffuse in the X-axis direction.

[0118] In the liquid crystal light control element 102, a first liquid crystal unit 10, a second liquid crystal unit 20, a third liquid crystal unit 30, and a fourth liquid crystal unit 40 are arranged sequentially from the light incident side. The light incident on the liquid crystal light control element 102 includes a first polarization component PL1 and a second polarization component PL2 orthogonal to the first polarization component PL1.

[0119] In order to control the polarization and scattering state of the incident light, the liquid crystal light control element 102 inputs control signals to each liquid crystal cell. Figure 10A This shows an example of the waveform of the control signal applied to the electrodes of each liquid crystal cell. Input is given to each liquid crystal cell. Figure 10A The control signal is any one of the control signals A, B, and E shown. In control signals A and B, VL1 refers to a low-level voltage, and VH1 refers to a high-level voltage. For example, VL1 is 0V or -15V, and VH1 is 30V (relative to 0V) or 15V (relative to -15V). Control signal A is synchronized with control signal B. When control signal A is at the level of VL1, control signal B is at the level of VH1; when control signal A changes to the level of VH1, control signal B changes to the level of VL1. The period of control signals A and B is approximately 15–100Hz. On the other hand, control signal E is a constant voltage signal. For example, control signal E is the intermediate voltage between VL1 and VH1. When VL1 = -15V and VH1 = +15V, VE = 0V.

[0120] Below, examples are shown of how a four-corner light distribution pattern, a cross light distribution pattern, and a line light distribution pattern are formed by a liquid crystal light control element 102 according to such a control signal.

[0121] (1) Four-corner light distribution pattern

[0122] The liquid crystal light control device 100 can perform various controls of the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the light source section (106) by selection of the control signals applied to the respective liquid crystal cells of the liquid crystal light control element 102. As one example, Figure 9 A case where the light emitted from the light source section (106) is controlled to a quadrangular light distribution pattern is shown.

[0123] Table 1 shows the control signals applied to the respective liquid crystal cells in the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown in Figure 9 Note that the control signals A and B shown in Table 1 correspond to the control signals shown in Figure 10A

[0124] [Table 1]

[0125]

[0126] In the example shown in Figure 9 , the control signal A is input to the first strip-shaped electrode El IA of the first liquid crystal cell 10, the control signal B is input to the second strip-shaped electrode El IB, the control signal A is input to the third strip-shaped electrode E12A, and the control signal B is input to the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B. As shown in Table 1, the control signals A and B are also input to the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 in the same manner as the first liquid crystal cell 10. That is, in the example shown in Figure 9 , the control signals A and B are alternately applied to all the electrodes arranged alternately on the respective substrates, and the electric field is generated between any electrodes.

[0127] In Figure 9 , the alignment direction defined by the alignment film formed on each substrate is in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped electrode as shown by the arrow in the drawing. The liquid crystal layer is formed of a positive type liquid crystal, and in an initial state where no control signal is input to the respective liquid crystal cells, the long axis direction of the liquid crystal is aligned in a direction crossing (orthogonal to) the strip-shaped electrode. Note that in the present embodiment, the alignment direction of the alignment film is set to a direction of 90 degrees with respect to the extension direction of the strip-shaped electrode, but it can be set to a direction of 90 degrees ± 10 degrees.

[0128] In the operation of the liquid crystal light control element 102, the control signals shown in Table 1 are input to the respective strip-shaped electrodes of the respective liquid crystal cells. When the control signals shown in Table 1 are input to the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, as shown in Figure 7A and Figure 7B , the liquid crystal molecules are affected by the transverse electric field in each liquid crystal cell, and the alignment state is changed. The liquid crystal molecules are inserted Figure 9 ​indicates how each polarization component changes when light containing the first polarization component PL1 and the second polarization component PL2 passes through each liquid crystal cell. Note that in the following description, the direction identical to the first polarization direction is set as the Y-axis direction, and the direction identical to the second polarization direction is set as the X-axis direction.

[0129] In Figure 9 In the first liquid crystal cell 10, if attention is paid to the first polarization component PL1, the polarization direction of the first polarization component PL1 incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10 is in a direction (orthogonal direction) intersecting the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S11 side of the first liquid crystal layer LC1. Therefore, although the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S11 side change the refractive index distribution due to the electric field generated by the first electrode E11, the first polarization component PL1 is not diffused and directly heads for the second substrate S12 side. Further, this first polarization component PL1 is optically rotated by 90 degrees along with the twisted alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the process of making the first liquid crystal layer LC1 face the second substrate S12 side from the first substrate S11 side. Thus, the first polarization component PL1 is converted into the second polarization component PL2. Further, the polarization direction of the second polarization component PL2 is in a direction intersecting the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S12 side. Therefore, although the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S12 side change the refractive index distribution due to the electric field generated by the second electrode E12, the second polarization component PL2 is not affected by it and directly transmits. That is, the first polarization component PL1 is converted into the second polarization component PL2 in the process of passing through the first liquid crystal cell 10, and on the other hand, is emitted from the second substrate S12 side without being diffused or the like.

[0130] In addition, the second polarization component PL2 is incident to the second liquid crystal cell 20. The polarization direction of the second polarization component PL2 is in a direction parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S21 side of the second liquid crystal layer LC2. Here, the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S21 side change the refractive index distribution due to the electric field generated by the first electrode E21, and thus the second polarization component PL2 spreads in the X-axis direction. In addition, the second polarization component PL2 after the spreading is rotated by 90 degrees with the twist alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the process of passing from the first substrate S21 side to the second substrate S22 side of the second liquid crystal layer LC2. Thus, the second polarization component PL2 is again converted into the first polarization component PL1. In addition, the polarization direction of the first polarization component PL1 is parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S22 side. Here, the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S22 side change the refractive index distribution due to the electric field generated by the second electrode E22, and thus the first polarization component further spreads in the Y-axis direction due to the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules and is then emitted. That is, the second polarization component PL2 incident to the second liquid crystal cell 20 spreads in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction while being converted into the first polarization component PL1 in the process of passing through the second liquid crystal cell 20.

[0131] Thus, in the incident light, the first polarization component PL1 is converted into the second polarization component PL2 once and then converted into the first polarization component PL1 from the incidence to the first liquid crystal cell 10 until the emission from the second liquid crystal cell 20, and spreads in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction once by the second liquid crystal cell 20.

[0132] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the long side direction of the first electrode E31 crosses the first electrode E11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first electrode E21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 at an angle of 90 degrees, and the long side direction of the second electrode E32 crosses the second electrode E12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second electrode E22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 at an angle of 90 degrees. In addition, the same applies to the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, in which the long side direction of the first electrode E41 crosses the first electrode E11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first electrode E21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 at an angle of 90 degrees, and the long side direction of the second electrode E42 crosses the second electrode E12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second electrode E22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 at an angle of 90 degrees. Thus, in these third and fourth liquid crystal cells, the phenomena occurring in the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are reversed for each polarization component. Note that, as described above, the crossing angle can be set within a range of 90 ± 10 degrees.

[0133] That is, when the first polarized component PL1, which has once diffused in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively, through the second liquid crystal cell 20, is incident on the third liquid crystal cell 30, the polarization direction of the first polarized component PL1 becomes a direction parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S31 side of the third liquid crystal layer LC3. Here, the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S31 side change the refractive index distribution due to the electric field generated by the first electrode E31, and thus the first polarized component PL1 diffuses in the X-axis direction. Further, the first polarized component PL1, after diffusing, rotates by 90 degrees in the process of making the third liquid crystal layer LC3 from the first substrate S31 side toward the second substrate S32 side, along with the twisted alignment of the liquid crystal molecules. Thus, the first polarized component PL1 is converted into the second polarized component PL2 again. Further, the polarization direction of the second polarized component PL2 is parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S32 side. Here, the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S32 side change the refractive index distribution due to the electric field generated by the second electrode E32, and thus the second polarized component PL2 further diffuses in the Y-axis direction due to the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules, and is then emitted. That is, the first polarized component PL1, which is incident on the third liquid crystal cell 30, diffuses in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction again while being converted into the second polarized component PL2 in the process of passing through the third liquid crystal cell 30.

[0134] The polarization direction of the second polarized component PL2, which is emitted from the third liquid crystal cell 30 and is incident on the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, is in a direction crossing the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S41 side of the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4. Thus, although the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S41 side change the refractive index distribution due to the electric field generated by the first electrode E41, the second polarized component PL2 is not diffused but directly goes toward the second substrate S42 side. Further, the second polarized component PL2, in the process of making the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4 from the first substrate S41 side toward the second substrate S42 side, rotates by 90 degrees along with the twisted alignment of the liquid crystal molecules. Thus, the second polarized component PL2 is converted into the first polarized component PL1. Further, the polarization direction of the first polarized component PL1 is in a direction crossing the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S42 side. Thus, although the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S42 side change the refractive index distribution due to the electric field generated by the second electrode E12, the first polarized component PL1 is not affected by it but directly transmits. That is, the second polarized component PL2, in the process of passing through the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, is converted into the first polarized component PL1, and on the other hand, transmits the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 without being diffused or the like.

[0135] Thus, the first polarization component PL1 incident on the third liquid crystal cell 30 is first transformed into the second polarization component PL2 and then back into the first polarization component PL1 until it is emitted from the fourth liquid crystal cell 40. Furthermore, it diffuses once in the X-axis direction and once in the Y-axis direction through the third liquid crystal cell 30.

[0136] Therefore, the first polarization component PL1 emitted from the light source diffuses twice in the X-axis direction and twice in the Y-axis direction during the period from its incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10 until its emission from the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0137] It should be noted that, in Figure 9 In the diagram, "transmission" indicates that the polarization component passes directly through without diffusion or optical rotation. "Optical rotation" indicates that the polarization component changes its polarization direction by 90 degrees. "Diffusion" indicates that the polarization component diffuses due to the influence of the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules. Therefore, in the diagram, "transmission" at the first electrode, for example, means that the aforementioned "transmission" phenomenon occurs near the first electrode of the liquid crystal layer. Furthermore, "optical rotation" in the liquid crystal layer means that the polarization component changes its polarization direction by 90 degrees as the liquid crystal layer moves from the first substrate side to the second substrate side. Regarding... Figures 12 to 14 The same situation applies.

[0138] On the other hand, in the second polarization component PL2, its polarization direction is parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S11 side of the first liquid crystal layer LC1. Therefore, due to the electric field generated by the first electrode E11, the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S11 side have a refractive index distribution, and under its influence, the second polarization component PL2 is diffused. In addition, as the first liquid crystal layer LC1 moves from the first substrate S11 side to the second substrate S12 side, the second polarization component PL2 rotates 90 degrees due to the twisting orientation of the liquid crystal molecules. Thus, the second polarization component PL2 is transformed into the first polarization component PL1. Furthermore, the polarization direction of the first polarization component PL1 is parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S12 side. Due to the change in the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S12 side caused by the electric field generated by the second electrode E12, the first polarization component PL1, transformed by the first liquid crystal layer LC1, diffuses in the Y-axis direction due to the refractive index distribution formed by the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S12 side. That is, the second polarization component PL2 incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10 is transformed into the first polarization component PL1 during the process of passing through the first liquid crystal cell 10, and diffuses in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0139] In addition, the first polarization component PL1 emitted from the second substrate S12 side of the first liquid crystal cell 10 is incident to the second liquid crystal cell 20. The polarization direction of the first polarization component PL1 incident to the second liquid crystal cell 20 is in a direction (orthogonal direction) crossing the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S21 side of the second liquid crystal layer LC2. Therefore, although the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S21 side change the refractive index distribution due to the electric field generated by the first electrode E21, the first polarization component PL1 is not diffused but directly heads toward the second substrate S22 side. Further, the first polarization component PL1 is optically rotated by 90 degrees along with the twisted alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the process of making the second liquid crystal layer LC2 from the first substrate S21 side toward the second substrate S22 side. Thereby, the first polarization component PL1 is converted into the second polarization component PL2. Further, the polarization direction of the second polarization component PL2 is in a direction crossing the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S22 side. Therefore, although the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S22 side change the refractive index distribution due to the electric field generated by the second electrode E22, the second polarization component PL2 is not affected thereby but directly transmits. That is, the first polarization component PL1 incident to the second liquid crystal cell 20 is converted into the second polarization component PL2 in the process of passing through the second liquid crystal cell 20, but transmits without being diffused.

[0140] The second polarization component PL2 which is optically rotated by 90 degrees by the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 respectively, and which is diffused once by the first liquid crystal cell 10 in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction respectively, is incident to the third liquid crystal cell 30. The polarization direction of the second polarization component PL2 incident to the third liquid crystal cell 30 is in a direction (orthogonal direction) crossing the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S31 side of the third liquid crystal layer LC3. Therefore, although the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S31 side change the refractive index distribution due to the electric field generated by the first electrode E31, the second polarization component PL2 is not diffused but directly heads toward the second substrate S32 side. Further, the second polarization component PL2 is optically rotated by 90 degrees along with the twisted alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the process of making the third liquid crystal layer LC3 from the first substrate S31 side toward the second substrate S32 side. Thereby, the second polarization component PL2 is converted into the first polarization component PL1. Further, the polarization direction of the first polarization component PL1 is in a direction crossing the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S32 side. Therefore, although the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S32 side change the refractive index distribution due to the electric field generated by the second electrode E32, the first polarization component PL1 is not affected thereby but directly transmits. That is, although the second polarization component PL2 incident to the third liquid crystal cell 30 is converted into the first polarization component PL1 in the process of passing through the third liquid crystal cell 30, it transmits without being diffused.

[0141] When the first polarized component PL1, which has been diffused once in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction respectively through the third liquid crystal cell 30 and which has been rotated by 90 degrees by the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, and the third liquid crystal cell 30 respectively, is incident on the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the polarization direction of the first polarized component PL1 becomes a direction parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S41 side of the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4. The liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S41 side of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 change the refractive index distribution due to the electric field generated by the first electrode E41, and thus the first polarized component PL1 is diffused in the X-axis direction. Further, the first polarized component PL1 after the diffusion is rotated by 90 degrees in the process of making the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4 turn from the first substrate S41 side toward the second substrate S42 side, along with the twisted alignment of the liquid crystal molecules. Thus, the first polarized component PL1 is converted into the second polarized component PL2 again. The polarization direction of the second polarized component PL2 is parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S42 side. Here, the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S42 side change the refractive index distribution due to the electric field generated by the second electrode E42, and thus the second polarized component PL2 is further diffused in the Y-axis direction by the influence of the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules, and is emitted from the second substrate S42 side.

[0142] Thus, the second polarized component PL2, which is incident on the third liquid crystal cell 30, is converted into the first polarized component PL1 once and then converted into the second polarized component PL2 again until it is emitted from the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, and is diffused once in the X-axis direction and once in the Y-axis direction in the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0143] Thus, the second polarized component PL2, which is incident on the third liquid crystal cell 30, is converted into the first polarized component PL1 once and then converted into the second polarized component PL2 again until it is emitted from the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, and is diffused once in the X-axis direction and once in the Y-axis direction in the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0144] Note that, Figure 9 (diffused light 1X) shown in the table of the above (1) indicates that the polarized component is diffused once in the X-axis direction until the position, and (diffused light 1X1Y) indicates that the polarized component is diffused once in the X-axis direction and also diffused once in the Y-axis direction until the position. The same applies to the others.

[0145] Figure 11A and Figure 11B are graphs showing the angle dependence of the chromaticity of the liquid crystal light control element. Figure 11A shows the angle dependence of the value of the x coordinate within the chromaticity coordinate, Figure 11B shows the angle dependence of the y coordinate. Figure 11A and Figure 11BThe angle dependency of the chromaticity of the element (A) is shown. The element (A) is a liquid crystal light control element 102 as related to the present embodiment, and four liquid crystal cells are used, with the third and fourth liquid crystal cells being rotated by 90 degrees. Further, in each of the graphs, the characteristics of an element (B) composed of two liquid crystal cells are shown as a reference.

[0146] As shown in Figure 11A and Figure 11B , in the reference example, the characteristics of the element (B) composed of two liquid crystal cells, the values of the x coordinate and the y coordinate, and the change in the angle all greatly change, and the angle dependency of the chromaticity greatly appears. In view of this, a case where the angle dependency of the chromaticity of the element (A) is further improved is shown, in which the liquid crystal cells are provided in four pieces, and the third and fourth liquid crystal cells are rotated by 90 degrees as in the liquid crystal light control element 102 of the present embodiment. That is, according to the configuration of the liquid crystal light control element 102 as related to the present embodiment, color breakup can be suppressed.

[0147] In this way, by providing the electrodes disposed on the light incident side and sandwiching the liquid crystal layer, and the electrodes disposed on the opposite side of the light incident side, one polarization component is diffused at least twice in the same direction, and thus color breakup can be prevented.

[0148] Based on such a viewpoint, when forming a quadrangular light distribution pattern, the control signals of the same voltage level can not be input to the electrodes of all the liquid crystal cells, and the control signals can be made different in each group unit of the group of the second electrodes E12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first electrodes E41 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 that diffuse the second polarization component PL2 in the Y axis direction, the group of the first electrodes E11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second electrodes E42 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 that diffuse the second polarization component PL2 in the X axis direction, the group of the second electrodes E22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the first electrodes E31 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 that diffuse the first polarization component PL1 in the Y axis direction, and the group of the first electrodes E21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the second electrodes E32 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 that diffuse the first polarization component PL1 in the X axis direction.

[0149] Table 2 shows an example in which the voltage levels of the control signals are made the same in each group unit as described above, and different voltage levels of the control signals are input to the first electrodes and the second electrodes of one liquid crystal cell. Note that the control signals A, B, C, D, and E of Table 2 correspond to the control signals shown in Figure 10B . Note that in Figure 10BIn this case, the voltage levels of the control signals A, B, C, D, E have a relationship of VH1 > VH2 > VE > VL2 > VL1. For example, in a case where VL1 = -15 V and VH1 = 15 V, it is possible to set the voltages of VL2 = -12 V and VH2 = 12 V.

[0150] [Table 2]

[0151]

[0152] According to the combination of the control signals shown in Table 2, the sizes at which each polarization component spreads in the Y-axis direction and the X-axis direction are made different, and thus it is possible to make the quadrangular light distribution pattern change. For example, by adjusting the voltage levels of the control signals A, B, C, D, it is possible to form a square-shaped light distribution pattern, a rectangular light distribution pattern.

[0153] When the same pattern of control signals shown in Table 1 is applied to each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal light control element 102 having such a configuration of liquid crystal cells, as described above, the first polarization component PL1 and the second polarization component PL2 spread equally in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and thus it is possible to form a quadrangular light distribution pattern. Furthermore, as described later, it is possible to prevent color confusion in the light distribution pattern.

[0154] (2) Cross-shaped light distribution pattern

[0155] Figure 12 One example of controlling the light emitted from the light source section 106 to a cross-shaped light distribution pattern is shown. Figure 12 The configuration of each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown in Figure 9 is the same as that shown in

[0156] Table 3 shows the control signals applied to each liquid crystal cell in the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown in Figure 12 It should be noted that the control signals A, B, C shown in Table 3 correspond to the control signals shown in Figure 10A

[0157] [Table 3]

[0158]

[0159] ​As shown in Table 3, in the case of forming a cross-shaped light distribution pattern, control signals that generate a horizontal electric field are input to the first electrode E11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second electrode E22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20, the first electrode E31 of the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the second electrode E42 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, and control signals that are constant voltages E and control to be in a state where a horizontal electric field is not generated are input to the second electrode E12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10, the first electrode E21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20, the second electrode E32 of the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the first electrode E41 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40. Note that "transmission", "diffusion", and "rotation" in the table correspond to "transmission", "diffusion", and "rotation" mentioned in the description of Figure 9 . Furthermore, in the driving of Figure 12 , there is a configuration in which the same potential is supplied to electrodes located on the same substrate, but in a state where the same potential is supplied, no potential is generated between the electrodes, and no electric field is generated in the liquid crystal layer. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules on the side of the substrate do not change the orientation state from the initial orientation. Therefore, the polarization component that passes through the liquid crystal layer in such a no-electric-field state passes through without being diffused. This case is also included in "transmission".

[0160] In Figure 12 , first, attention is directed to the first polarization component PL1. The polarization direction of the first polarization component PL1 that is incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10 is in a direction that crosses the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S11 side of the first liquid crystal layer LC1, and the first electrode E11 on the first substrate S11 side is formed with an electric field (in Figure 12 , the electrode formed with an electric field is shown by a hatched line. The same applies below in Figure 13 and Figure 14 .) In the relevant conditions, the first polarization component PL1 is transmitted through the first liquid crystal layer LC1 on the first substrate S11 side without being diffused. Furthermore, the first polarization component PL1 is rotated by 90 degrees in the process of passing through the first liquid crystal layer LC1 and is converted into the second polarization component PL2. Furthermore, the polarization direction of the second polarization component PL2 is in a direction that crosses the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S12 side, and the second electrode E12 on the second substrate S12 side is not formed with an electric field (in Figure 12 , the electrode not formed with an electric field is shown by a white outline. The same applies below in Figure 13 and Figure 14 .) In the relevant conditions, the second polarization component PL2 is transmitted through the first liquid crystal layer LC1 on the second substrate S12 side without being diffused and is emitted toward the second liquid crystal cell 20.

[0161] The polarization direction of the second polarization component PL2 incident to the second liquid crystal cell 20 is in a direction parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S21 side of the second liquid crystal layer LC2, and the first electrode E21 on the first substrate S21 side is not formed with an electric field. Under the relevant conditions, the second polarization component PL2 is transmitted through the second liquid crystal layer LC2 on the first substrate S21 side without diffusion. Further, the second polarization component PL2 is optically rotated by 90 degrees in the process of passing through the second liquid crystal layer LC2, and is converted to the first polarization component PL1 again. Further, the polarization direction of the first polarization component PL1 is in a direction parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S22 side, and the second electrode E22 on the second substrate S22 side is formed with an electric field. Under the relevant conditions, the first polarization component PL1 is diffused toward the Y-axis direction, and then emitted toward the third liquid crystal cell 30.

[0162] The polarization direction of the first polarization component PL1 incident to the third liquid crystal cell 30 is in a direction parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S31 side of the third liquid crystal layer LC3, and the first electrode E31 on the first substrate S31 side is formed with an electric field. Under the relevant conditions, the first polarization component PL1 is diffused toward the Y-axis direction, and toward the second substrate S32 side. Further, the first polarization component PL1 is optically rotated by 90 degrees in the process of passing through the third liquid crystal layer LC3, and is converted to the second polarization component PL2 again. Further, the polarization direction of the second polarization component PL2 is in a direction parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S32 side, and the second electrode E32 on the second substrate S32 side is not formed with an electric field. Under the relevant conditions, the second polarization component PL2 is transmitted through the third liquid crystal layer LC3 on the second substrate S32 side without diffusion, and is emitted toward the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0163] The polarization direction of the second polarization component PL2 incident to the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 is in a direction intersecting the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S41 side of the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4, and the first electrode E41 on the first substrate S41 side is not formed with an electric field. Under the relevant conditions, the second polarization component PL2 is transmitted through the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4 on the first substrate S41 side without diffusion. Further, the second polarization component PL2 is optically rotated by 90 degrees in the process of passing through the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4, and is converted to the first polarization component PL1 again. Further, the polarization direction of the first polarization component PL1 is in a direction intersecting the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S42 side, and the second electrode E42 on the second substrate S42 side is not formed with an electric field. Under the relevant conditions, the first polarization component PL1 is emitted from the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 without diffusion.

[0164] Thus, when the liquid crystal cells 10 to 40 are driven with the potentials shown in Table 3 Figure 12The first polarized component PL1 of the light emitted from the light source is optically rotated four times and diffused twice toward the Y-axis direction while passing through the first to fourth liquid crystal cells 10 to 40 when the liquid crystal light control element 102 is illustrated.

[0165] Then, in the case of the second polarized component PL2, the polarization direction of the second polarized component PL2 incident to the first liquid crystal cell 10 is in a direction parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S11 side of the first liquid crystal layer LC1, and the first electrode E11 on the first substrate S11 side is formed with an electric field. Under the relevant conditions, the second polarized component PL2 is diffused toward the X-axis direction and passes through the first liquid crystal layer LC1 on the first substrate side. Further, the second polarized component PL2 is optically rotated by 90 degrees while passing through the first liquid crystal layer LC1 and is converted into the first polarized component PL1. Further, the polarization direction of the first polarized component PL1 is in a direction parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S12 side, and the second electrode E12 on the second substrate S12 side is not formed with an electric field. Under the relevant conditions, the first polarized component PL1 is transmitted through the first liquid crystal layer PC1 on the second substrate S12 side without being diffused and is emitted toward the second liquid crystal cell 20. Figure 12 The polarization direction of the first polarized component PL1 incident to the second liquid crystal cell 20 is in a direction intersecting the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S21 side of the second liquid crystal layer LC2, and the first electrode E21 on the first substrate S21 side is not formed with an electric field. Under the relevant conditions, the first polarized component PL1 is transmitted through the second liquid crystal layer LC2 on the first substrate S21 side without being diffused. Further, the first polarized component PL1 is optically rotated by 90 degrees while passing through the second liquid crystal layer LC2 and becomes the second polarized component PL2 again. Further, the polarization direction of the second polarized component PL2 is in a direction parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S22 side of the second liquid crystal layer LC2, and the second electrode E22 on the second substrate S22 side is formed with an electric field. Under the relevant conditions, the second polarized component is diffused toward the X-axis direction and then emitted toward the third liquid crystal cell 30.

[0166]

[0167] ​The polarization direction of the second polarization component PL2 incident on the third liquid crystal cell 30 is intersected by the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S31 side of the third liquid crystal layer LC3, and an electric field is formed on the first electrode E31 on the first substrate S31 side. Under these conditions, the second polarization component PL2 passes through the third liquid crystal layer LC3 on the first substrate side without diffusion. Furthermore, the second polarization component PL2 rotates 90 degrees during its passage through the third liquid crystal layer LC3 and becomes the first polarization component PL1 again. The polarization direction of the first polarization component PL1 is intersected by the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S32 side, and no electric field is formed on the second electrode E32 on the second substrate S32 side. Under these conditions, the first polarization component PL1 passes through the third liquid crystal layer LC3 on the second substrate S32 side without diffusion and is emitted towards the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0168] The polarization direction of the first polarization component PL1 incident on the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 is parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S41 side of the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4, and no electric field is formed on the first electrode E41 on the first substrate S41 side. Under these conditions, the first polarization component PL1 passes through the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4 on the first substrate S41 side without diffusion. Furthermore, the first polarization component PL1 rotates 90 degrees during its passage through the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4 and becomes the second polarization component PL2 again. The polarization direction of the second polarization component PL2 is parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S42 side, and an electric field is formed on the second electrode E42 on the second substrate S42 side. Under these conditions, the second polarization component PL2 diffuses in the X-axis direction and is then emitted from the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0169] Thus, when driven by the potential shown in Table 3 Figure 12 When the liquid crystal light control element 102 is shown, the second polarization component PL2 of the light emitted from the light source rotates four times and diffuses twice in the X-axis direction as it passes through the first liquid crystal cell 10 to the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0170] Thus, according to Figure 12 As shown in Table 3, in the operating mode, the light emitted from the light source 106 passes through the liquid crystal light control element 102, causing the first polarization component PL1 to diffuse twice in the Y-axis direction and the second polarization component PL2 to diffuse twice in the X-axis direction. This allows the light emitted from the light source 106 to form a cross-shaped light distribution pattern. Furthermore, as described later, color distortion can also be prevented in this light distribution pattern.

[0171] Furthermore, similar to the example of four-corner light distribution, even when the control signals shown in Table 4 are applied corresponding to the groups of the second electrode E12 of the first liquid crystal unit 10 and the first electrode E41 of the fourth liquid crystal unit 40 that diffuse the second polarization component PL2 in the Y-axis direction, the groups of the first electrode E11 of the first liquid crystal unit 10 and the second electrode E42 of the fourth liquid crystal unit 40 that diffuse the second polarization component PL2 in the X-axis direction, the groups of the second electrode E22 of the second liquid crystal unit 20 and the first electrode E31 of the third liquid crystal unit 30 that diffuse the first polarization component PL1 in the Y-axis direction, and the groups of the first electrode E21 of the second liquid crystal unit 20 and the second electrode E32 of the third liquid crystal unit 30 that diffuse the first polarization component PL1 in the X-axis direction, a cross-shaped light distribution pattern can still be formed. It should be noted that the control signals shown in Table 4 are... Figure 10B correspond.

[0172] [Table 4]

[0173]

[0174] (3) Linear light distribution pattern (X-axis direction)

[0175] Figure 13 An example is shown where the light emitted from the light source 106 is controlled as a linear (X-axis direction) light distribution pattern. Figure 13 The arrangement of each liquid crystal cell in the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown is... Figure 9 same.

[0176] Table 5 shows that... Figure 13 The control signals applied to each liquid crystal cell in the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown are illustrated. It should be noted that the control signals A, B, and C shown in Table 5 are... Figure 10A The control signals shown correspond to those shown.

[0177] [Table 5]

[0178]

[0179] As shown in Table 5, when a linear light distribution pattern extending in the X-axis direction is formed, a control signal for generating a transverse electric field is input to the first electrode E11 of the first liquid crystal unit 10, the first electrode E21 of the second liquid crystal unit 20, the second electrode E32 of the third liquid crystal unit 30, and the second electrode E42 of the fourth liquid crystal unit 40. A control signal E with a constant voltage is input to the second electrode E12 of the first liquid crystal unit 10, the first electrode E21 of the second liquid crystal unit 20, the first electrode E31 of the third liquid crystal unit 30, and the first electrode E41 of the fourth liquid crystal unit 40, and the state is controlled so that no transverse electric field is generated.

[0180] exist Figure 13When the first polarization component PL1 is focused on, the polarization direction of the first polarization component PL1 incident to the first liquid crystal cell 10 is in a direction intersecting (orthogonal to) the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the first liquid crystal layer LC1, and thus, is not scattered directly, but is rotated by 90 degrees by the first liquid crystal layer LC1 to become the second polarization component PL2.

[0181] The second polarization component PL2 incident to the second liquid crystal cell 20 is diffused to the X-axis direction by the liquid crystal molecules affected by the electric field of the first electrode E21, is rotated by the second liquid crystal layer LC2, becomes the first polarization component PL1(1X), and passes through the second liquid crystal cell 20. The first polarization component PL1(1X) incident to the third liquid crystal cell 30 is rotated by the third liquid crystal layer LC3 to become the second polarization component PL2(1X), and further diffused to the X-axis direction by the liquid crystal molecules affected by the electric field of the second electrode E32, and becomes the second polarization component PL2(2X) after passing through the third liquid crystal cell 30. The second polarization component PL2(2X) incident to the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 is rotated by the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4 to become the first polarization component PL1(2X), and is emitted from the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0182] On the other hand, the second polarization component PL2 is diffused to the X-axis direction by the liquid crystal molecules affected by the electric field of the first electrode E11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10, is rotated by the first liquid crystal layer LC1 to become the first polarization component PL1(1X), and is incident to the second liquid crystal cell 20. The first polarization component PL1(1X) diffused once to the X-axis direction is rotated by the second liquid crystal layer LC2 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 to become the second polarization component PL2(1X), and is incident to the third liquid crystal cell 30. This second polarization component PL2(1X) is rotated by the third liquid crystal layer LC3 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 to become the first polarization component PL1(1X) and is incident to the fourth liquid crystal cell 40. The first polarization component PL1(1X) is rotated by the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4, and further diffused to the X-axis direction again by the liquid crystal molecules affected by the electric field of the second electrode E42, and is emitted from the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 as the second polarization component PL2(2X).

[0183] Further, as with the example of the quadrangular light distribution, even if the group of the first electrode E11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second electrode E42 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, which diffuses the second polarization component PL2 to the X-axis direction, and the group of the first electrode E21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the second electrode E32 of the third liquid crystal cell 30, which diffuses the first polarization component PL1 to the X-axis direction, correspond, the control signals shown in Table 6 are applied, and a linear light distribution pattern extending to the X-axis direction can be formed. Note that the control signals shown in Table 6 correspond to the control signals shown in Table 2. Figure 10B Further, as with the example of the quadrangular light distribution, even if the group of the first electrode E11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second electrode E42 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, which diffuses the second polarization component PL2 to the X-axis direction, and the group of the first electrode E21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the second electrode E32 of the third liquid crystal cell 30, which diffuses the first polarization component PL1 to the X-axis direction, correspond, the control signals shown in Table 6 are applied, and a linear light distribution pattern extending to the X-axis direction can be formed. Note that the control signals shown in Table 6 correspond to the control signals shown in Table 2.

[0184] [Table 6]

[0185]

[0186] Thus, according to Figure 13 the operation modes shown in Table 5 and Table 6, the light emitted from the light source section 106 passes through the liquid crystal light control element 102, whereby the first polarization component PL1 is diffused twice in the X-axis direction and the second polarization component PL2 is diffused twice in the X-axis direction. Thus, it is possible to form a linear light distribution pattern extending in the X-axis direction from the light emitted from the light source section 106. Further, as will be described later, it is also possible to prevent color confusion in this light distribution pattern.

[0187] (4) Linear light distribution pattern (Y-axis direction)

[0188] Figure 14 An example of emitting a light distribution pattern in which the light emitted from the light source section 106 is controlled to be linear (Y-axis direction) is shown. Figure 14 The arrangement of each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown in Figure 9 is the same as that shown in

[0189] Table 7 shows the control signals applied to each liquid crystal cell in the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown in Figure 14 It should be noted that the control signals A, B, E shown in Table 7 correspond to the control signals shown in Figure 10A .

[0190] [Table 7]

[0191]

[0192] As shown in Table 7, in the case of forming a linear light distribution pattern extending in the Y-axis direction, the control signal E of a constant voltage is input to the first electrode El l of the first liquid crystal cell 10, the first electrode E21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20, the second electrode E32 of the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the second electrode E42 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 to control in such a manner that no transverse electric field is generated, and the control signals A, B of a transverse electric field are input to the second electrode E12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10, the first electrode E22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20, the first electrode E31 of the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the first electrode E41 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0193] In Figure 14 , when the first polarization component PL1 is focused on, the polarization direction of the first polarization component PL1 incident to the first liquid crystal cell 10 is in a direction (orthogonal direction) intersecting the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the first liquid crystal layer LC1, and thus directly enters without being scattered, passes through the first liquid crystal layer LC1, and becomes the second polarization component PL2 by rotating 90 degrees.

[0194] The second polarization component PL2 incident to the second liquid crystal cell 20 is optically rotated by the second liquid crystal layer LC2, diffused to the Y-axis direction by the liquid crystal molecules affected by the electric field of the second electrode E22, and becomes the first polarization component PLl(lY). The first polarization component PLl(lY) incident to the third liquid crystal cell 30 is diffused to the Y-axis direction by the liquid crystal molecules affected by the electric field of the first electrode E31, optically rotated by the third liquid crystal layer LC3, and becomes the second polarization component PL2(2Y). The second polarization component PL2(2Y) incident to the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 is optically rotated by the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4, becomes the first polarization component PLl(2Y), and is emitted from the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0195] On the other hand, the second polarization component PL2 is optically rotated by the first liquid crystal layer LC1, diffused to the Y-axis direction by the liquid crystal molecules affected by the electric field of the second electrode E12, and becomes the first polarization component PLl(lY). The first polarization component PLl(lY) incident to the second liquid crystal cell 20 is optically rotated by the second liquid crystal layer LC2, and becomes the second polarization component PL2(lY). The second polarization component PL2(lY) is incident to the third liquid crystal cell 30, optically rotated by the third liquid crystal layer LC3, becomes the first polarization component PLl(lY), and is incident to the fourth liquid crystal cell 40. The first polarization component PLl(lY) is diffused to the Y-axis direction by the liquid crystal molecules affected by the electric field of the first electrode E41, optically rotated by the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4, becomes the second polarization component LC2(2Y), and is emitted.

[0196] Further, as in the case of the quadrangular light distribution, even if the group of the second electrode E12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first electrode E41 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 which diffuse the second polarization component PL2 to the Y-axis direction, and the group of the second electrode E22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the first electrode E31 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 which diffuse the first polarization component PLl to the Y-axis direction correspond, the control signals shown in Table 8 are applied, a linear light distribution pattern extending to the Y-axis direction can be formed. Note that the control signals shown in Table 8 correspond to the control signals shown in Table 7. Figure 10B

[0197] [Table 8]

[0198]

[0199] In this way, according to the present application, the light distribution pattern can be formed in the desired shape by the liquid crystal cells. Figure 14 ​As shown in Tables 7 and 8, in the operating modes, the light emitted from the light source 106 passes through the liquid crystal light control element 102, causing the first polarization component PL1 to diffuse twice in the Y-axis direction, and the second polarization component PL2 to diffuse twice in the Y-axis direction. This allows the light emitted from the light source 106 to form a linear light distribution pattern extending in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, as described later, color distortion can also be prevented in this light distribution pattern.

[0200] The liquid crystal light control element 102 according to this embodiment includes multiple liquid crystal cells, having a structure in which at least one liquid crystal cell and another liquid crystal cell adjacent to (overlapping with) the at least one liquid crystal cell are overlapped in a state rotated by 90 degrees, thereby preventing color disorder in the light distribution pattern. This effect of rotating the liquid crystal cell by 90 degrees can be considered to be due to the asymmetry of the liquid crystal, such as the pretilt direction. Therefore, each liquid crystal cell can be arranged in a way that disrupts the asymmetry of the liquid crystal. More specifically, as... Figure 14 As shown, the orientation direction of the first substrate S11 side of the first liquid crystal cell 10 is towards the +x direction, while the orientation direction of the second substrate S42 side of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 is towards the -x direction. Alternatively, other combinations can be used, such as a structure in which the orientation directions of the second substrate S12 side of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first substrate S41 side of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are set to the y-direction and are opposite to each other. Similarly, a configuration can be used where the orientation directions of the first substrate S21 side of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the second substrate S32 side of the third liquid crystal cell 30 are set to the x-direction and are opposite to each other; furthermore, the orientation directions of the second substrate S22 side of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the first substrate S31 side of the third liquid crystal cell 30 are set to the y-direction and are opposite to each other.

[0201] Figure 15A and Figure 15B , Figure 16A and Figure 16B An example of the configuration of the liquid crystal cells of the liquid crystal light control element 102 is shown. Figure 15A An example is shown below: when the first liquid crystal unit 10 and the second liquid crystal unit 20 are grouped together, and the third liquid crystal unit 30 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40 are grouped together, the other group is rotated 90 degrees and configured with one group as a reference. This configuration is similar to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The configuration corresponds to this.

[0202] Figure 15B This diagram illustrates a structure in which the odd-numbered liquid crystal cell is rotated 90 degrees relative to the even-numbered liquid crystal cell. In other words, Figure 15B The diagram shows a structure in which the even-numbered liquid crystal cells are rotated 90 degrees relative to the odd-numbered liquid crystal cells.

[0203] Further, Figure 16A A combination in which the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are each rotated by 90 degrees is shown. Figure 16B A combination in which the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the third liquid crystal cell 30 are inverted in the positive and negative directions is shown.

[0204] Note that, in Figure 15A and Figure 15B and Figure 16A and Figure 16B , the first electrodes E11, E21, E31, E41 are electrodes formed on the first substrate S11 (lower side), and the second electrodes E12, E22, E32, E42 are electrodes formed on the second substrate S12 (upper side). As described with reference to Figure 3 , the first electrode E11 includes a first strip-shaped electrode (E11A) and a second strip-shaped electrode (E11B), and the second electrode E12 includes a third strip-shaped electrode (E12A) and a fourth strip-shaped electrode (E12B). The same applies to the first electrodes E21, E31, E41 and the second electrodes E22, E32, E42. Note that, in Figure 15A and Figure 15B and Figure 16A and Figure 16B , the direction of the arrow shows the long side direction of the strip-shaped electrode.

[0205] In the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown in Figure 15A , the long side direction of the strip-shaped pattern of the first electrode E11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first electrode E21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 is arranged in a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction shown in the drawing, the long side direction of the strip-shaped pattern of the second electrode E12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second electrode E22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 is arranged in a direction parallel to the X-axis direction, the long side direction of the strip-shaped pattern of the first electrode E31 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the first electrode E41 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 is arranged in a direction parallel to the X-axis direction, and the long side direction of the strip-shaped pattern of the second electrode E32 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the second electrode E42 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 is arranged in a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction. According to this combination of the electrode arrangement of each liquid crystal cell, the diffusion direction of the polarization component can be controlled at least twice by different liquid crystal cells, and color mixing of the illumination light after the light distribution can be prevented.

[0206] In Figure 15B , Figure 16A and Figure 16BIn the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown, the long side directions of the strip-shaped patterns of the first electrodes E11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first electrodes E31 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 are arranged in a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction, the long side directions of the second electrodes E12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second electrodes E32 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 are arranged in a direction parallel to the X-axis direction, the long side directions of the first electrodes E21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the first electrodes E41 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are arranged in a direction parallel to the X-axis direction, and the long side directions of the second electrodes E22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the second electrodes E42 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are arranged in a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction. According to this combination of the electrode arrangements of the respective liquid crystal cells, the diffusion direction of the polarization component can be controlled at least twice by different liquid crystal cells, and color irregularity of the illumination light after light distribution can be prevented.

[0207] As explained in the present embodiment, in the liquid crystal light control element 102 in which a plurality of liquid crystal cells are stacked, the diffusion of the same polarization component among the polarization components of the incident light is controlled by the electrodes at different positions of different liquid crystal cells (for example, the second electrode E12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first electrode E11 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40), and thus color irregularity in the light distribution pattern can be prevented.

[0208] As explained above, according to the present embodiment, in a liquid crystal light control device that controls the light distribution of illumination light using the electro-optic effect of liquid crystals, color irregularity in a light distribution pattern formed in a predetermined shape can be suppressed.

[0209] Note that the present application is not limited to the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the constituent elements can be modified and embodied within a range not departing from the gist of the present application. Furthermore, various applications can be formed by appropriate combinations of the plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiments of the present specification. For example, several constituent elements can be deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments. Also, the constituent elements across different embodiments can be appropriately combined.

[0210] Explanation of Reference Signs

[0211] 10: first liquid crystal cell, 20: second liquid crystal cell, 30: third liquid crystal cell, 40: fourth liquid crystal cell, 100: liquid crystal light control device, 102: liquid crystal light control element, 104: circuit substrate, 106: light source portion, S11, S21, S31, S41: first substrate, S12, S22, S32, S42: second substrate, F1: first flexible wiring substrate, F2: second flexible wiring substrate, F3: third flexible wiring substrate, F4: fourth flexible wiring substrate, TA1: first transparent adhesive layer, TA2: second transparent adhesive layer, TA3: third transparent adhesive layer, LC1: first liquid crystal layer, LC2: second liquid crystal layer, LC3: third liquid crystal layer, LC4: fourth liquid crystal layer, E11, E21, E31, E41: first electrode, E11A, E21A, E31A, E41A: first strip-shaped electrode, E11B, E21B, E31B, E41B: second strip-shaped electrode, E12, E22, E32, E42: second electrode, E12A, E22A, E32A, E42A: third strip-shaped electrode, E12B, E22B, E32B, E42B: fourth strip-shaped electrode, PL11: first power supply line, PL12: second power supply line, PL13: third power supply line, PL14: fourth power supply line, PL15: fifth power supply line, PL16: sixth power supply line, T11: first connection terminal, T12: second connection terminal, T13: third connection terminal, T14: fourth connection terminal, PT11: first power supply terminal, PT12: second power supply terminal, PT13: third power supply terminal, PT14: fourth power supply terminal, AL11: first alignment film, AL12: second alignment film, SE: sealing material, CP11: first conductive member.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal light control device, characterized in that, include: First liquid crystal unit; A second liquid crystal unit that overlaps with the first liquid crystal unit; A third liquid crystal unit that overlaps with the second liquid crystal unit; as well as The fourth liquid crystal unit overlaps with the third liquid crystal unit. The first liquid crystal unit, the second liquid crystal unit, the third liquid crystal unit, and the fourth liquid crystal unit each include: A first substrate having a first alignment film and a first electrode including a strip pattern; A second substrate having a second alignment film and a second electrode including a strip-shaped pattern; and The liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged such that the long sides of the strip patterns of the first electrode and the second electrode intersect. The orientation direction of the first alignment film intersects the long side direction of the strip pattern of the first electrode. The orientation direction of the second alignment film intersects the long side direction of the strip pattern of the second electrode and also intersects the orientation direction of the first alignment film. The liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are arranged in a twisted configuration from the first substrate side to the second substrate side, with the orientation direction of the first alignment film facing the orientation direction of the second alignment film, and are aligned in a direction from the orientation direction of the first alignment film to the orientation direction of the second alignment film. Two of the first, second, third, and fourth liquid crystal units are configured such that the long side of the strip pattern of the first electrode is parallel to the first direction, and the long side of the strip pattern of the first electrode of the other two liquid crystal units is parallel to the second direction, which intersects the first direction.

2. The liquid crystal light control device according to claim 1, wherein, In the first electrode of the first liquid crystal cell and the first electrode of the second liquid crystal cell, the long side direction of the strip pattern is arranged in a direction parallel to the first direction; in the second electrode of the first liquid crystal cell and the second electrode of the second liquid crystal cell, the long side direction of the strip pattern is arranged in a direction parallel to the second direction. In the first electrode of the third liquid crystal unit and the first electrode of the fourth liquid crystal unit, the long side direction of the strip pattern is arranged in a direction parallel to the second direction. In the second electrode of the third liquid crystal unit and the second electrode of the fourth liquid crystal unit, the long side direction of the strip pattern is arranged in a direction parallel to the first direction.

3. The liquid crystal light control device according to claim 1, wherein, In the first electrode of the first liquid crystal cell and the first electrode of the third liquid crystal cell, the long side direction of the strip pattern is arranged in a direction parallel to the first direction; in the second electrode of the first liquid crystal cell and the second electrode of the third liquid crystal cell, the long side direction of the strip pattern is arranged in a direction parallel to the second direction. In the first electrode of the second liquid crystal unit and the first electrode of the fourth liquid crystal unit, the long side direction of the strip pattern is arranged in a direction parallel to the second direction. In the second electrode of the second liquid crystal unit and the second electrode of the fourth liquid crystal unit, the long side direction of the strip pattern is arranged in a direction parallel to the first direction.

4. The liquid crystal light control device according to claim 3, wherein, The second substrate of the first liquid crystal unit is adjacent to the second substrate of the second liquid crystal unit. The first substrate of the second liquid crystal unit is adjacent to the first substrate of the third liquid crystal unit. The second substrate of the third liquid crystal unit is adjacent to the second substrate of the fourth liquid crystal unit.

5. The liquid crystal light control device according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrode includes at least one first strip electrode having the strip pattern, and at least one second strip electrode having the strip pattern, wherein the at least one first strip electrode and the at least one second strip electrode are separated and alternately arranged. The second electrode includes at least one third strip electrode having the strip pattern and at least one fourth strip electrode having the strip pattern, the at least one third strip electrode and the at least one fourth strip electrode being separately and alternately arranged.

6. The liquid crystal light control device according to claim 5, wherein, In the first electrode, a transverse electric field is generated between the first strip electrode and the second strip electrode; in the second electrode, a transverse electric field is generated between the third strip electrode and the fourth strip electrode.

7. The liquid crystal light control device according to claim 5, wherein, The thickness of the liquid crystal layer of the first liquid crystal unit, the second liquid crystal unit, the third liquid crystal unit, and the fourth liquid crystal unit is more than one time the distance between the centers of the first strip electrode and the second strip electrode.

8. The liquid crystal light control device according to claim 5, wherein, In each of the first liquid crystal cell, the second liquid crystal cell, the third liquid crystal cell, and the fourth liquid crystal cell, the liquid crystal layer has a thickness such that the transverse electric field generated in the first electrode does not interfere with the transverse electric field generated in the second electrode.

9. The liquid crystal light control device according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid crystal layer is a twisted nematic liquid crystal.

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