LCD devices

Abstract

The purpose of this embodiment is to provide a liquid crystal device capable of suppressing moiré fringes. According to one embodiment, the liquid crystal device includes a first liquid crystal cell and a second liquid crystal cell. Each of the first and second liquid crystal cells includes a first band electrode and a second band electrode, a first alignment film, a third band electrode and a fourth band electrode, a second alignment film, and a liquid crystal layer located between the first and second alignment films. The extending directions of the first and second band electrodes in the first liquid crystal cell are different from those in the second liquid crystal cell. In each of the first and second liquid crystal cells, the alignment processing direction of the first alignment film intersects the alignment processing direction of the second alignment film at an angle of 90° or less. Furthermore, when viewed from above, the extending directions of the first and second band electrodes intersect the extending directions of the third and fourth band electrodes at an angle greater than 90°.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to liquid crystal devices. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, light control devices using liquid crystal cells have been proposed. Such devices control the orientation state of liquid crystal molecules or the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer, causing light (p-polarized light, s-polarized light) transmitted through the liquid crystal layer to refract. In one example, a technique has been proposed whereby, in an illumination device equipped with multiple liquid crystal lenses, the strip electrodes used to form each liquid crystal lens are formed at offset positions, thereby suppressing unevenness.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-230887 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The purpose of this implementation is to provide a liquid crystal device capable of suppressing moiré patterns.

[0008] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0009] One embodiment of a liquid crystal device includes: a first liquid crystal cell; and a second liquid crystal cell overlapping the first liquid crystal cell. Each of the first and second liquid crystal cells includes: a first transparent substrate; a first alignment film; a first strip electrode and a second strip electrode, disposed between the first transparent substrate and the first alignment film, spaced apart, and configured to be subjected to different voltages; a second transparent substrate; a second alignment film; a third strip electrode and a fourth strip electrode, disposed between the second transparent substrate and the second alignment film, spaced apart, and configured to be subjected to different voltages; and a liquid crystal layer, disposed between the first and second alignment films. The extending directions of the first and second strip electrodes in the first liquid crystal cell are different from those in the second liquid crystal cell. In each of the first and second liquid crystal cells, the alignment processing direction of the first alignment film intersects the alignment processing direction of the second alignment film at an angle of 90° or less, and the extending directions of the first and second strip electrodes intersect the extending directions of the third and fourth strip electrodes at an angle greater than 90°.

[0010] Invention Effects

[0011] According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal device capable of suppressing moiré patterns can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the liquid crystal device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the liquid crystal device 1 shown.

[0014] Figure 3 It is shown in general terms. Figure 2 A perspective view of the first liquid crystal unit 10.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first liquid crystal cell 10 in the off state (OFF) when no electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer LC1.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a first liquid crystal cell 10 in an ON state where an electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer LC1.

[0018] Figure 7 This is another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0019] Figure 8 This is another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0020] Figure 9 This is another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0021] Figure 10 This is another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0022] Figure 11 This is another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0023] Figure 12 This is another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] It should be noted that the disclosed example is merely one instance, and appropriate modifications that can be readily conceived by those skilled in the art while maintaining the inventive spirit are of course included within the scope of this invention. Furthermore, compared to the actual form, the width, thickness, shape, etc., of various parts in the drawings are sometimes shown schematically to make the explanation clearer; ultimately, this is only an example and does not limit the interpretation of the invention. Additionally, in this specification and the various drawings, elements that perform the same or similar functions as those described in the previously presented drawings are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0026] It should be noted that, in the accompanying drawings, for ease of understanding, mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are shown. The direction along the X-axis is referred to as the X-direction or first direction, the direction along the Y-axis as the Y-direction or second direction, and the direction along the Z-axis as the Z-direction or third direction. The surface defined by the X-axis and Y-axis is called the XY plane. Observing the XY plane is referred to as top-down observation.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the liquid crystal device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0028] The liquid crystal device 1 includes 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 liquid crystal device 1 according to this embodiment includes two or more liquid crystal units, and is not limited to such a configuration. Figure 1 The example shown has a configuration with four liquid crystal cells.

[0029] On the third direction Z, 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 stacked in sequence.

[0030] The light source LS, shown by the dashed line, is positioned opposite the first liquid crystal cell 10 in the third direction Z. The light source LS is preferably configured to emit collimated light, but a light source emitting diffused light may also be used. The emitted light from the light source LS passes sequentially through 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 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 are configured to refract a portion of the polarization component of the incident light. Thus, by combining the liquid crystal device 1 and the light source LS, an illumination device capable of both light diffusion and convergence can be provided.

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the liquid crystal device 1 shown.

[0032] The first liquid crystal unit 10 includes a first transparent substrate S11, a second transparent substrate S21, a liquid crystal layer LC1, and a sealing member SE1. The first transparent substrate S11 and the second transparent substrate S21 are bonded together by the sealing member SE1. The liquid crystal layer LC1 is held between the first transparent substrate S11 and the second transparent substrate S21 and is sealed by the sealing member SE1. An effective region AA1 capable of refracting incident light is formed on the inner side surrounded by the sealing member SE1.

[0033] In this specification, when the left edge SY of the first transparent substrate S11 is viewed from above as a reference, the direction orthogonal to edge SY is defined as the first direction X, the direction parallel to edge SY is defined as the second direction Y, and the direction orthogonal to the first direction X and the second direction Y (thickness direction) is defined as the third direction Z. Furthermore, using edge SY as a reference, the three o'clock direction in the XY plane, i.e., the direction of the arrow indicating the first direction X, is set to 0°. Angles that are counterclockwise relative to the first direction X are recorded as positive (+), and angles that are clockwise relative to the first direction X are recorded as negative (-). The direction of the arrow indicating the second direction Y corresponds to a direction of 90° relative to the first direction X.

[0034] This correspondence in all directions can also be applied to other liquid crystal cells 20 to 40.

[0035] The first transparent substrate S11 has an extension EX1 that extends outwardly from the second transparent substrate S21 along a first direction X and an extension EY1 that extends outwardly from the second transparent substrate S21 along a second direction Y. The flexible wiring substrate F, shown in dashed lines, is connected to at least one of the extension EX1 and the extension EY1.

[0036] The second liquid crystal unit 20 includes a first transparent substrate S12, a second transparent substrate S22, a liquid crystal layer LC2, and a sealing member SE2. The effective area AA2 is formed on the inner side surrounded by the sealing member SE2.

[0037] The first transparent substrate S12 has an extension EX2 and an extension EY2. In the third direction Z, the extension EX2 overlaps with the extension EX1, and the extension EY2 overlaps with the extension EY1. The flexible wiring substrate is connected to at least one of the extensions EX2 and EY2, but the flexible wiring substrate is omitted from the illustrations of the liquid crystal cells 20 to 40.

[0038] The third liquid crystal unit 30 includes a first transparent substrate S13, a second transparent substrate S23, a liquid crystal layer LC3, and a sealing member SE3. The effective area AA3 is formed on the inner side surrounded by the sealing member SE3.

[0039] The first transparent substrate S13 has an extension EX3 and an extension EY3. In the third direction Z, the extension EY3 overlaps with the extension EY2. The extension EX3 does not overlap with the extension EX2, but is located on the opposite side of the extension EX2.

[0040] The fourth liquid crystal unit 40 includes a first transparent substrate S14, a second transparent substrate S24, a liquid crystal layer LC4, and a sealing member SE4. The effective area AA4 is formed on the inner side surrounded by the sealing member SE4.

[0041] The first transparent substrate S14 has an extension EX4 and an extension EY4. In the third direction Z, the extension EX4 overlaps with the extension EX3, and the extension EY4 overlaps with the extension EY3.

[0042] A transparent adhesive layer TA12 is disposed between the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20. The transparent adhesive layer TA12 bonds the first transparent substrate S11 and the second transparent substrate S22.

[0043] A transparent adhesive layer TA23 is disposed between the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the third liquid crystal cell 30. The transparent adhesive layer TA23 bonds the first transparent substrate S12 and the second transparent substrate S23.

[0044] A transparent adhesive layer TA34 is disposed between the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40. The transparent adhesive layer TA34 bonds the first transparent substrate S13 and the second transparent substrate S24.

[0045] The first transparent substrates S11 to S14 are each formed into a square shape and have the same size. For example, in the first transparent substrate S11, edge SX and edge SY are orthogonal to each other, and the length of edge SX is the same as the length of edge SY.

[0046] Therefore, when 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 bonded together, as Figure 1 As shown, the edges along the first direction X overlap each other, and the edges along the second direction Y also overlap each other.

[0047] It should be noted that the second substrate, which has a shape approximately the same as the shape of the light-transmitting area (the effective area described later), can also be square, while the first substrate can be a polygonal shape other than square, such as a rectangle. Alternatively, a configuration in which any one of the extensions of each liquid crystal cell is removed can also be used.

[0048] Next, the configuration of each liquid crystal cell will be explained in more detail. It should be noted that the following explanation takes the first liquid crystal cell 10, which constitutes the liquid crystal device 1, as an example, but the configuration of the other liquid crystal cells 20 to 40 is roughly the same as that of the first liquid crystal cell 10, except for the extension direction of the electrodes.

[0049] Figure 3 It is shown in general terms. Figure 2 A perspective view of the first liquid crystal unit 10.

[0050] The first liquid crystal unit 10 includes a first band electrode E11A and a second band electrode E11B, a first alignment film AL11, a third band electrode E21A and a fourth band electrode E21B, and a second alignment film AL21 in the effective area AA1.

[0051] The first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B are located between the first transparent substrate S11 and the first alignment film AL11, spaced apart, and extend in the same direction. The first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B may be in contact with the first transparent substrate S11, or an insulating film may exist between them and the first transparent substrate S11. Alternatively, an insulating film may exist between the first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B, with the first electrode E11A located in a different layer than the second electrode E11B.

[0052] A plurality of first electrodes E11A and a plurality of second electrodes E11B are arranged and alternately configured along a first direction X. The plurality of first electrodes E11A are electrically connected to each other and configured to be subjected to the same voltage. The plurality of second electrodes E11B are electrically connected to each other and configured to be subjected to the same voltage. However, the voltage applied to the second electrodes E11B is controlled to be different from the voltage applied to the first electrodes E11A.

[0053] The first alignment film AL11 covers the first band electrode E11A and the second band electrode E11B. The alignment processing direction AD11 of the first alignment film AL11 is the first direction X. It should be noted that the alignment processing of each alignment film can be either friction processing or photo-alignment processing. The alignment processing direction is sometimes referred to as the friction direction. Generally, in the state where no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer (initial alignment state), the liquid crystal molecules located near the alignment film are initially aligned in a predetermined direction due to the alignment restraint force along the alignment processing direction of the alignment film. That is, in the example shown here, the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules LM11 along the first alignment film AL11 is the first direction X. The alignment processing direction AD11 intersects the first band electrode E11A and the second band electrode E11B.

[0054] The third electrode E21A and the fourth electrode E21B are located between the second transparent substrate S21 and the second alignment film AL21, spaced apart, and extend in the same direction. The third electrode E21A and the fourth electrode E21B may be in contact with the second transparent substrate S21, or an insulating film may exist between them. Alternatively, an insulating film may exist between the third electrode E21A and the fourth electrode E21B, with the third electrode E21A located in a different layer than the fourth electrode E21B.

[0055] Multiple third electrodes E21A and multiple fourth electrodes E21B are arranged alternately along the second direction Y. The multiple third electrodes E21A are electrically connected to each other and configured to be subjected to the same voltage. The multiple fourth electrodes E21B are electrically connected to each other and configured to be subjected to the same voltage. However, the voltage applied to the fourth electrodes E21B is controlled to be different from the voltage applied to the third electrodes E21A. Furthermore, the extending directions of the first electrodes E11A and the second electrodes E11B, which will be detailed later, intersect the extending directions of the third electrodes E21A and the fourth electrodes E21B at an angle other than 90°.

[0056] The second alignment film AL21 covers the third band electrode E21A and the fourth band electrode E21B. The alignment processing direction AD21 of the second alignment film AL21 is the second direction Y. That is, in the example shown here, the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules LM21 along the second alignment film AL21 is the second direction Y. In addition, the alignment processing direction AD11 of the first alignment film AL11 is orthogonal to the alignment processing direction AD21 of the second alignment film AL21. The alignment processing direction AD21 intersects the third band electrode E21A and the fourth band electrode E21B.

[0057] The following describes several embodiments. In each embodiment, the extending directions of the first and second strip electrodes, as well as the extending directions of the third and fourth strip electrodes in each of the first liquid crystal cell 10, second liquid crystal cell 20, third liquid crystal cell 30, and fourth liquid crystal cell 40, will be described. It should be noted that the extending direction of the first strip electrode is the same as the extending direction of the second strip electrode, and the extending direction of the third strip electrode is the same as the extending direction of the fourth strip electrode. These first, second, third, and fourth strip electrodes each have edges extending in a straight line. Hereinafter, the extending direction of each strip electrode will be described with respect to the angle formed by the first direction X, which serves as a common reference direction, and the edge of the strip electrode.

[0058] <<Example 1-1>>

[0059] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0060] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is at 0° relative to the first direction X, and the alignment processing direction AD21 is at 90° relative to the first direction X. The extending directions of the first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B are at 90° relative to the first direction X, and the extending directions of the third electrode E21A and the fourth electrode E21B are at -1° relative to the first direction X. The extending directions of the first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B intersect the extending directions of the third electrode E21A and the fourth electrode E21B at an angle of 91° (or 89°).

[0061] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the alignment processing direction AD12 is at 0°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is at 90°, the extension directions of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B are at 91°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B are at 0°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B intersect the extension directions of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B at an angle of 91°.

[0062] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is 0°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 89°.

[0063] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the alignment processing direction AD14 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is 1°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 90°.

[0064] Flexible wiring substrate F1, which is connected to the first transparent substrate S11, and flexible wiring substrate F2, which is connected to the first transparent substrate S12, extend downwards in the diagram. Flexible wiring substrate F3, which is connected to the first transparent substrate S13, and flexible wiring substrate F4, which is connected to the first transparent substrate S14, extend to the left in the diagram.

[0065] Here, the interrelationships between the liquid crystal cells will be explained.

[0066] Focusing on the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, the extending directions of the first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B intersect the extending directions of the first electrode E12A and the second electrode E12B at an angle other than 90°. In this specification, intersecting at an angle other than 90° means that when viewed from above, the angle of intersection is an acute angle greater than 0° and less than 90°, which is synonymous with non-parallel and non-orthogonal.

[0067] The extending directions of the third electrode E21A and the fourth electrode E21B intersect the extending directions of the third electrode E22A and the fourth electrode E22B at an angle other than 90°. In one example, the intersection angle between the first electrode E11A and the first electrode E12A and the intersection angle between the third electrode E21A and the third electrode E22A is 1°.

[0068] Furthermore, the extending directions of the first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B intersect (orthogonalize) the extending directions of the third electrode E22A and the fourth electrode E22B at an angle of 90°. Moreover, the extending directions of the third electrode E21A and the fourth electrode E21B intersect the extending directions of the first electrode E12A and the second electrode E12B at an angle of 92°.

[0069] In summary, when the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are bonded together, the extension directions of the first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B, the first electrode E12A and the second electrode E12B, the third electrode E21A and the fourth electrode E21B, and the third electrode E22A and the fourth electrode E22B are not consistent (that is, they are not parallel to each other). Thus, since there are no electrodes that completely overlap, moiré fringes can be suppressed.

[0070] It should be noted that this example illustrates an electrode on one substrate side and an electrode on another substrate side in a liquid crystal cell with a cross angle of 1°, but it is not limited to this. From the perspective of suppressing moiré fringes, the cross angle is ideally greater than 0° and less than or equal to 4°.

[0071] Here, the relationship between the first liquid crystal unit 10 and the second liquid crystal unit 20 has been explained, but the same applies to the relationship between the third liquid crystal unit 30 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40.

[0072] Next, focusing on the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the third liquid crystal cell 30. The extending directions of the first band electrode E11A and the second band electrode E11B are orthogonal to the extending directions of the first band electrode E13A and the second band electrode E13B. In addition, the extending directions of the third band electrode E21A and the fourth band electrode E21B are orthogonal to the extending directions of the third band electrode E23A and the fourth band electrode E23B.

[0073] When the first liquid crystal cell 10 is rotated 90° clockwise in the XY plane, the extension directions of the first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B are consistent with the extension directions of the first electrode E13A and the second electrode E13B. In addition, the extension directions of the third electrode E21A and the fourth electrode E21B are consistent with the extension directions of the third electrode E23A and the fourth electrode E23B.

[0074] In summary, in the XY plane, the first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B are 90° rotationally symmetrical with respect to the first electrode E13A and the second electrode E13B. Similarly, the third electrode E21A and the fourth electrode E21B are 90° rotationally symmetrical with respect to the third electrode E23A and the fourth electrode E23B. That is, the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the third liquid crystal cell 30 are 90° rotationally symmetrical, and by rotating the first liquid crystal cell 10 90° clockwise in the XY plane, it can be used as the third liquid crystal cell 30. Therefore, compared to preparing the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the third liquid crystal cell 30 separately, costs can be reduced.

[0075] Furthermore, when the first liquid crystal unit 10, the second liquid crystal unit 20, and the third liquid crystal unit 30 are bonded together, there are no electrodes that completely overlap when viewed from the first transparent substrates of each liquid crystal unit or when viewed from the second transparent substrates of each unit, thus suppressing moiré patterns.

[0076] Here, the relationship between the first liquid crystal unit 10 and the third liquid crystal unit 30 has been explained, but the same applies to the relationship between the second liquid crystal unit 20 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40. That is, the second liquid crystal unit 20 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40 are 90° rotationally symmetrical; by rotating the second liquid crystal unit 20 90° clockwise in the XY plane, it can be used as the fourth liquid crystal unit 40. Therefore, compared to preparing the second liquid crystal unit 20 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40 separately, costs can be reduced. Therefore, by preparing two types of liquid crystal units with different electrode extension directions, a liquid crystal device 1 obtained by overlapping the aforementioned liquid crystal units 10 to 40 can be constructed.

[0077] Furthermore, when 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 bonded together, there are no electrodes that completely overlap when viewed from the first transparent substrates of each liquid crystal unit or when viewed from the second transparent substrates of each liquid crystal unit, thus suppressing moiré patterns.

[0078] In the above examples, the case where the extending directions of the first and second band electrodes in each liquid crystal cell intersect the extending directions of the third and fourth band electrodes at an angle of 91° (or 89°) has been described, but this is not the only case. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 4 Other examples will be provided.

[0079] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is at 0°, and the alignment processing direction AD21 is at 90°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are at 90°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are at -2°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B intersect the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B at an angle of 92° (or 88°).

[0080] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the alignment processing direction AD12 is at 0°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is at 90°, the extension directions of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B are at 92°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B are at 0°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B intersect the extension directions of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B at an angle of 92°.

[0081] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is 0°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 88°.

[0082] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the alignment processing direction AD14 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is 2°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 90°.

[0083] When focusing on the first liquid crystal unit 10 and the second liquid crystal unit 20, the intersection angle between the first band electrode E11A and the first band electrode E12A and the intersection angle between the third band electrode E21A and the third band electrode E22A are 2°.

[0084] In other examples, the first liquid crystal cell 10 can also be used as the third liquid crystal cell 30 by rotating it 90° clockwise in the XY plane. Furthermore, the second liquid crystal cell 20 can also be used as the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 by rotating it 90° clockwise in the XY plane.

[0085] It should be noted that by rotating the first liquid crystal cell 10 counterclockwise by 90° in the XY plane, it can also be used as the third liquid crystal cell 30. Furthermore, by rotating the second liquid crystal cell 20 counterclockwise by 90° in the XY plane, it can also be used as the fourth liquid crystal cell 40. This modification can be applied not only to the examples described above, but also to other examples.

[0086] Here, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The optical function in the first liquid crystal unit 10 will be explained. It should be noted that, in Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram only illustrates the necessary structure for explanation, such as the liquid crystal molecules LM1 near the first transparent substrate S11. Additionally, in... Figure 5 and Figure 6 In, with Figure 4 Unlike other light sources, light from the light source enters from the side of the first transparent substrate S11.

[0087] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first liquid crystal cell 10 in the off state (OFF) when no electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer LC1.

[0088] In the off state, the liquid crystal layer LC1 maintains its initial orientation. In this off state, the liquid crystal layer LC1 has a substantially uniform refractive index distribution. Therefore, the polarization component POL1 of the incident light toward the first liquid crystal cell 10 is almost not refracted (or diffused) and passes through the liquid crystal layer LC1.

[0089] It should be noted that, as Figure 3 As shown, in a liquid crystal cell, the initial orientation directions of the liquid crystal molecules intersect at approximately 90° between the upper and lower transparent substrates. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are oriented along the X direction on the first transparent substrate side, but as they move towards the second transparent substrate side, their orientation gradually changes from the X direction to the Y direction, and they are oriented along the Y direction on the second transparent substrate side. The orientation of the polarization components changes according to this change in the orientation of the liquid crystal layer. More specifically, the polarization component with a polarization axis in the X direction changes its polarization axis to the Y direction as it passes through the liquid crystal layer. On the other hand, the polarization component with a polarization axis in the Y direction changes its polarization axis from the Y direction to the X direction as it passes through the liquid crystal layer. Therefore, considering these mutually orthogonal polarization components, their polarization axes are interchanged as they pass through the liquid crystal cell. Hereinafter, this effect of changing the orientation of the polarization axis will sometimes be referred to as optical rotation.

[0090] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a first liquid crystal cell 10 in an ON state where an electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer LC1.

[0091] In the conductive state, a potential difference is generated between the first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B, thereby forming an electric field in the liquid crystal layer LC1. For example, when the liquid crystal layer LC1 has a positive dielectric anisotropy, the liquid crystal molecules LM1 are oriented in a convex arc shape between adjacent electrodes with their long axis along the electric field. However, the range of the electric field between the first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B is mainly about half the thickness of the liquid crystal layer LC1. Therefore, as... Figure 6 As shown, in the liquid crystal layer LC1, within the region close to the first transparent substrate S11, regions are formed in which liquid crystal molecules LM1 are oriented approximately vertically relative to the substrate, regions in which liquid crystal molecules LM1 are oriented in an inclined direction relative to the substrate, and regions in which liquid crystal molecules LM1 are oriented approximately horizontally relative to the substrate.

[0092] Liquid crystal molecules LM1 exhibit refractive index anisotropy Δn. Therefore, the liquid crystal layer LC1 in the conductive state has a refractive index distribution or retardation distribution corresponding to the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules LM1. Here, the retardation is represented by Δn·d when the thickness of the liquid crystal layer LC1 is set as d.

[0093] It should be noted that in this embodiment, a positive liquid crystal is used as the liquid crystal layer, but by considering the orientation direction, a negative liquid crystal can also be used.

[0094] In this conductive state, the polarization component POL1 diffuses through the liquid crystal layer LC1 due to the influence of the refractive index distribution of LC1. More specifically, the polarization component with the X-axis polarization axis diffuses in the X-direction due to the influence of the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer and rotates in the Y-direction. On the other hand, the polarization component with the Y-axis polarization axis is not affected by the refractive index distribution and passes through the liquid crystal layer without diffusion, rotating only in the X-direction.

[0095] It should be noted that, in Figure 6 The text describes the formation of an electric field through the potential difference between the first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B. However, when the incident light is diffused using the first liquid crystal cell 10, it is ideal to also form an electric field through the potential difference between the third electrode E21A and the fourth electrode E21B. This allows control not only of the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules near the first transparent substrate S11 but also of the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules near the second transparent substrate S21, resulting in a predetermined refractive index distribution in the liquid crystal layer LC1.

[0096] More specifically, the liquid crystal layer on the second transparent substrate side also has a refractive index distribution, thereby allowing the polarization component that rotates in the Y direction to diffuse as it passes through the liquid crystal layer. That is, the polarization component that diffuses on the first transparent substrate side further diffuses in the Y direction on the second transparent substrate side and is emitted from the liquid crystal cell. On the other hand, the polarization component that rotates in the X direction as it passes through the liquid crystal layer is emitted from the liquid crystal cell without being affected by the refractive index distribution.

[0097] It should be noted that such diffusion and optical rotation of polarization components also occur in the second liquid crystal cell. Specifically, a polarization component with an X-axis emitted from the light source passes through the first liquid crystal, causing its polarization axis to change from the X-axis to the Y-axis, and then passes through the second liquid crystal, causing its polarization axis to change from the Y-axis to the X-axis. Furthermore, if the liquid crystal molecules parallel to this polarization component have a refractive index distribution during this process, the polarization component diffuses according to that refractive index distribution. Similarly, a polarization component with a Y-axis emitted from the light source passes through the first liquid crystal, causing its polarization axis to change from the Y-axis to the X-axis, and then passes through the second liquid crystal, causing its polarization axis to change from the X-axis to the Y-axis. Furthermore, if the liquid crystal molecules parallel to this polarization component have a refractive index distribution during this process, the polarization component diffuses according to that refractive index distribution. The same phenomenon occurs in the third and fourth liquid crystal cells, but since they are obtained by rotating the first and second liquid crystal cells by 90 degrees, the polarization components that cause the diffusion effect are interchanged.

[0098] That is, in the configuration obtained by stacking 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, for example, the first liquid crystal unit 10 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40 are configured to mainly scatter (diffuse) the polarization component POL1, which is p-polarized light, and the second liquid crystal unit 20 and the third liquid crystal unit 30 are configured to mainly scatter (diffuse) the polarization component POL2, which is s-polarized light.

[0099] As described above, 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 each configured not to include electrodes extending in the same direction. Therefore, the liquid crystal layers of each liquid crystal unit form different refractive index distributions when in the conductive state. Consequently, interference of light transmitted through each liquid crystal unit is reduced, and moiré fringes can be suppressed.

[0100] <<Examples 1-2>>

[0101] Figure 7 This is another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0102] First, an example will be given where the extension directions of the first and second band electrodes of each liquid crystal cell intersect the extension directions of the third and fourth band electrodes at an angle of 91° (or 89°).

[0103] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is at 0° and the alignment processing direction AD21 is at 90°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are at 91°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are at 0°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B intersect the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B at an angle of 91° (or 89°).

[0104] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the alignment processing direction AD12 is 0°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is 90°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B is 90°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B is 1°.

[0105] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is 1°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 90°.

[0106] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the alignment processing direction AD14 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is 0°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 91°.

[0107] Next, an example will be described in which the extending directions of the first and second band electrodes of each liquid crystal cell intersect the extending directions of the third and fourth band electrodes at an angle of 92° (or 88°).

[0108] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is at 0°, and the alignment processing direction AD21 is at 90°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are at 92°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are at 0°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B intersect the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B at an angle of 92° (or 88°).

[0109] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the alignment processing direction AD12 is 0°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is 90°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B is 90°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B is 2°.

[0110] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is 2°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 90°.

[0111] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the alignment processing direction AD14 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is 0°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 92°.

[0112] In these examples, the first liquid crystal cell 10 can also be used as the third liquid crystal cell 30 by rotating it 90° clockwise in the XY plane. Furthermore, the second liquid crystal cell 20 can also be used as the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 by rotating it 90° clockwise in the XY plane.

[0113] <<Examples 1-2>>

[0114] Figure 8 This is another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0115] First, an example will be given where the extension directions of the first and second band electrodes of each liquid crystal cell intersect the extension directions of the third and fourth band electrodes at an angle of 91° (or 89°).

[0116] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is at 0° and the alignment processing direction AD21 is at 90°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are at 91°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are at 0°.

[0117] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the first transparent substrate S12 is opposite to the first liquid crystal cell 10, and the second transparent substrate S22 is opposite to the third liquid crystal cell 30. The alignment processing direction AD12 is a -90° direction, the alignment processing direction AD22 is a 180° direction, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B is a 1° direction, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B is a 90° direction.

[0118] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is 1°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 90°.

[0119] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the first transparent substrate S14 is opposite to the third liquid crystal cell 30. The alignment processing direction AD14 is 180°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is 90°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is 91°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 0°.

[0120] Next, an example will be described in which the extending directions of the first and second band electrodes of each liquid crystal cell intersect the extending directions of the third and fourth band electrodes at an angle of 92° (or 88°).

[0121] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is at 0° and the alignment processing direction AD21 is at 90°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are at 92°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are at 0°.

[0122] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the first transparent substrate S12 is opposite to the first liquid crystal cell 10, and the second transparent substrate S22 is opposite to the third liquid crystal cell 30. The alignment processing direction AD12 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is 180°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B is 2°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B is 90°.

[0123] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is 2°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 90°.

[0124] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the first transparent substrate S14 is opposite to the third liquid crystal cell 30. The alignment processing direction AD14 is 180°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is 90°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is 92°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 0°.

[0125] In these examples, by rotating the first liquid crystal cell 10 90° clockwise in the XY plane and flipping it, it can be used as the second liquid crystal cell 20. Furthermore, by rotating the first liquid crystal cell 10 90° clockwise in the XY plane, it can be used as the third liquid crystal cell 30. Moreover, by rotating the second liquid crystal cell 20 90° clockwise in the XY plane, it can be used as the fourth liquid crystal cell 40. In other words, by preparing a single liquid crystal cell, a liquid crystal device 1 obtained by stacking the aforementioned liquid crystal cells 10 to 40 can be constructed.

[0126] <<Examples 1-3>>

[0127] Figure 9 This is another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0128] First, an example will be given where the extension directions of the first and second band electrodes of each liquid crystal cell intersect the extension directions of the third and fourth band electrodes at an angle of 91° (or 89°).

[0129] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is at 0° and the alignment processing direction AD21 is at 90°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are at 89°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are at -2°.

[0130] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the alignment processing direction AD12 is 0°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is 90°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B is 92°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B is 1°.

[0131] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is -1°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 88°.

[0132] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the alignment processing direction AD14 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is 2°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 91°.

[0133] Next, an example will be described in which the extending directions of the first and second band electrodes of each liquid crystal cell intersect the extending directions of the third and fourth band electrodes at an angle of 92° (or 88°).

[0134] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is at 0° and the alignment processing direction AD21 is at 90°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are at 89°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are at -3°.

[0135] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the alignment processing direction AD12 is 0°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is 90°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B is 93°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B is 1°.

[0136] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is -1°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 87°.

[0137] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the alignment processing direction AD14 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is 3°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 91°.

[0138] In these examples, the first liquid crystal cell 10 can also be used as the third liquid crystal cell 30 by rotating it 90° clockwise in the XY plane. Furthermore, the second liquid crystal cell 20 can also be used as the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 by rotating it 90° clockwise in the XY plane.

[0139] In embodiments 1-1 to 1-3 above, the alignment processing direction of one alignment film of each liquid crystal cell is parallel to the first direction X (that is, the direction of 0° or 180°), and the alignment processing direction of the other alignment film is parallel to the second direction Y (that is, the direction of 90° or -90°). Regarding the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, the extension direction of the first electrode is orthogonal to the first direction X or intersects it at an angle other than 90°, and the extension direction of the third electrode is orthogonal to the second direction Y or intersects it at an angle other than 90°. It should be noted that "orthogonal" or "intersecting at an angle other than 90°" means that when viewed from above, the angle between the two is greater than 0° and less than or equal to 90°, which is synonymous with "non-parallel".

[0140] In the above embodiments 1-1, 1-2, and 1-2', the extension direction of either the first electrode or the third electrode of each liquid crystal cell is parallel to the first direction X or the second direction Y.

[0141] Furthermore, in either the first liquid crystal cell 10 or the second liquid crystal cell 20, the extending direction of the first electrode is orthogonal to the orientation processing direction of the first alignment film covering the first electrode, and in the other liquid crystal cell 10 or the second liquid crystal cell 20, the extending direction of the first electrode intersects the orientation processing direction of the first alignment film covering the first electrode at an angle other than 90°.

[0142] Alternatively, the extending direction of either the first or third electrode of each liquid crystal cell is orthogonal to the orientation processing direction of the alignment film covering the electrode, and the extending direction of the other electrode of each liquid crystal cell intersects the orientation processing direction of the alignment film covering the electrode at an angle other than 90°.

[0143] In embodiments 1-3 above, the extending direction of the first electrode E11A of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the extending direction of the first electrode E12A of the second liquid crystal cell 20 both intersect the second direction Y at an angle other than 90°. Furthermore, the extending directions of the third electrode E21A and the third electrode E22A of the first liquid crystal cell 10 both intersect the first direction X at an angle other than 90°.

[0144] Furthermore, the extending direction of the first electrode E11A of the first liquid crystal cell 10 intersects the alignment processing direction AD11 of the first alignment film covering the first electrode E11A at an angle other than 90°. In addition, the extending direction of the first electrode E12A of the second liquid crystal cell 20 intersects the alignment processing direction AD12 of the first alignment film covering the first electrode E12A at an angle other than 90°.

[0145] <<Example 2-1>>

[0146] Figure 10 This is another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0147] First, an example will be given where the extension directions of the first and second band electrodes of each liquid crystal cell intersect the extension directions of the third and fourth band electrodes at an angle of 91° (or 89°).

[0148] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is at 0° and the alignment processing direction AD21 is at 89°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are at 90°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are at -1°.

[0149] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the alignment processing direction AD12 is 1°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is 90°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B is 91°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B is 0°.

[0150] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is -1°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is 0°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 89°.

[0151] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the alignment processing direction AD14 is -89°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is 1°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 90°.

[0152] Next, an example will be described in which the extending directions of the first and second band electrodes of each liquid crystal cell intersect the extending directions of the third and fourth band electrodes at an angle of 92° (or 88°).

[0153] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is at 0° and the alignment processing direction AD21 is at 88°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are at 90°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are at -2°.

[0154] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the alignment processing direction AD12 is 2°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is 90°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B is 92°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B is 0°.

[0155] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is -2°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is 0°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 88°.

[0156] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the alignment processing direction AD14 is -88°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is 2°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 90°.

[0157] In these examples, the first liquid crystal cell 10 can also be used as the third liquid crystal cell 30 by rotating it 90° clockwise in the XY plane. Furthermore, the second liquid crystal cell 20 can also be used as the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 by rotating it 90° clockwise in the XY plane.

[0158] <<Example 2-2>>

[0159] Figure 11 This is another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0160] First, an example will be given where the extension directions of the first and second band electrodes of each liquid crystal cell intersect the extension directions of the third and fourth band electrodes at an angle of 91° (or 89°).

[0161] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is 1° and the alignment processing direction AD21 is 90°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are 91°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are 0°.

[0162] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the alignment processing direction AD12 is 0°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is 91°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B is 90°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B is 1°.

[0163] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is -89°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is 1°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 90°.

[0164] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the alignment processing direction AD14 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is 1°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is 0°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 91°.

[0165] Next, an example will be described in which the extending directions of the first and second band electrodes of each liquid crystal cell intersect the extending directions of the third and fourth band electrodes at an angle of 92° (or 88°).

[0166] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is at 2° and the alignment processing direction AD21 is at 90°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are at 92°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are at 0°.

[0167] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the alignment processing direction AD12 is 0°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is 92°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B is 90°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B is 2°.

[0168] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is -88°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is 2°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 90°.

[0169] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the alignment processing direction AD14 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is 2°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is 0°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 92°.

[0170] In these examples, the first liquid crystal cell 10 can also be used as the third liquid crystal cell 30 by rotating it 90° clockwise in the XY plane. Furthermore, the second liquid crystal cell 20 can also be used as the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 by rotating it 90° clockwise in the XY plane.

[0171] <<Example 2-3>>

[0172] Figure 12 This is another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0173] First, an example will be given where the extension directions of the first and second band electrodes of each liquid crystal cell intersect the extension directions of the third and fourth band electrodes at an angle of 91° (or 89°).

[0174] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is -1° and the alignment processing direction AD21 is 88°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are 89°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are -2°.

[0175] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the alignment processing direction AD12 is 2°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is 91°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B is 92°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B is 1°.

[0176] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is -91°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is -2°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is -1°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 88°.

[0177] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the alignment processing direction AD14 is -88°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is 1°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is 2°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 91°.

[0178] Next, an example will be described in which the extending directions of the first and second band electrodes of each liquid crystal cell intersect the extending directions of the third and fourth band electrodes at an angle of 92° (or 88°).

[0179] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is at -1° and the alignment processing direction AD21 is at 87°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are at 89°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are at -3°.

[0180] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the alignment processing direction AD12 is 3°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is 91°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B is 93°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B is 1°.

[0181] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is -91°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is -3°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is -1°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 87°.

[0182] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the alignment processing direction AD14 is -87°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is 1°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is 3°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 91°.

[0183] In these examples, the first liquid crystal cell 10 can also be used as the third liquid crystal cell 30 by rotating it 90° clockwise in the XY plane. Furthermore, the second liquid crystal cell 20 can also be used as the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 by rotating it 90° clockwise in the XY plane.

[0184] In the above embodiments 2-1 to 2-3, the extension direction of the first electrode of each liquid crystal cell is orthogonal to the orientation processing direction of the first alignment film covering the first electrode, and the extension direction of the third electrode is orthogonal to the orientation processing direction of the second alignment film covering the third electrode.

[0185] In the above embodiments 2-1 and 2-2, the extension direction of either the first electrode or the third electrode of each liquid crystal cell is parallel to the first direction X or the second direction Y.

[0186] In addition, the alignment processing direction of the first alignment film in each liquid crystal cell intersects the alignment processing direction of the second alignment film at an angle other than 90°.

[0187] Alternatively, either the alignment processing direction of the first alignment film and the alignment processing direction of the second alignment film in each liquid crystal cell are parallel to the first direction X or the second direction Y, and the other direction intersects the first direction X and the second direction Y at an angle other than 90°.

[0188] In the above embodiments 2-3, the extension directions of the first electrode E11A and the third electrode E21A of the first liquid crystal unit 10, as well as the extension directions of the first electrode E12A and the third electrode E22A of the second liquid crystal unit 20, all intersect with respect to the first direction X and the second direction Y at an angle other than 90°.

[0189] Furthermore, the alignment processing direction AD11 of the first alignment film in the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the alignment processing direction AD12 of the first alignment film in the second liquid crystal cell 20 intersect the first direction X at an angle other than 90°. The alignment processing direction AD21 of the second alignment film in the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the alignment processing direction AD22 of the second alignment film in the second liquid crystal cell 20 intersect the second direction Y at an angle other than 90°.

[0190] The liquid crystal device 1 described in the above embodiments includes four liquid crystal cells, configured such that p-polarized light is scattered by two of the liquid crystal cells and s-polarized light is scattered by the other two liquid crystal cells. However, the liquid crystal device 1 may also be configured with one liquid crystal cell that scatters p-polarized light and one liquid crystal cell that scatters s-polarized light. In this case, for example, in the above embodiments, combinations of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, combinations of the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, combinations of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, and combinations of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the third liquid crystal cell 30 can be used.

[0191] According to the above embodiment, a liquid crystal device capable of suppressing moiré patterns can be provided.

[0192] All liquid crystal devices that can be appropriately designed and implemented by those skilled in the art based on the liquid crystal devices described as embodiments of the present invention, as long as they contain the spirit of the present invention, fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0193] It should be understood that various modifications can be conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention, and these modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, solutions obtained by appropriately adding, deleting, or designing the constituent elements of the above embodiments, or solutions obtained by adding, omitting, or changing the conditions of processes, are included within the scope of the present invention as long as they possess the spirit of the present invention.

[0194] Furthermore, it should be understood that other effects resulting from the methods described in the above embodiments, effects that are clearly known from the description in this specification, or effects that can be appropriately conceived by those skilled in the art, are of course effects brought about by the present invention.

[0195] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0196] 1: Liquid crystal device; LS: Light source; 10: First liquid crystal unit; S11: First transparent substrate; E11A: First electrode; E11B: Second electrode; S21: Second transparent substrate; E21A: Third electrode; E21B: Fourth electrode; LC1: First liquid crystal layer; 20: Second liquid crystal unit; S12: First transparent substrate; E12A: First electrode; E12B: Second electrode; S22: Second transparent substrate; E22A: Third electrode; E22B: Fourth electrode; LC2 S13: Second liquid crystal layer; S24: Third liquid crystal cell; S15: First transparent substrate; S26: First electrode; S27: Second transparent substrate; S28: Third electrode; S29: Fourth electrode; S20: Third liquid crystal layer; S11: Fourth liquid crystal cell; S22: Second transparent substrate; S23: Third transparent substrate; S24: Third transparent substrate; S24: Third transparent substrate; S24: Fourth ...3: Second transparent substrate; S24: Third transparent substrate; S24: Fourth transparent substrate; S24: Third transparent substrate; S24: Fourth transparent substrate; S24: Fourth transparent substrate; S23: Second transparent substrate; S24: Third transparent substrate; S24: Fourth transparent substrate; S24: Third transparent substrate; S24: Fourth transparent substrate; S23: Third transparent substrate; S24: Fourth transparent substrate; S24: Fourth transparent substrate; S23: Second transparent substrate; S24: Third transparent substrate; S24: Fourth transparent substrate; S24: Fourth transparent substrate; S23: Second transparent substrate; S24: Third transparent

Claims

1. A liquid crystal device, comprising: First liquid crystal unit; and The second liquid crystal cell overlaps with the first liquid crystal cell. The first liquid crystal unit and the second liquid crystal unit each have: First transparent substrate; First orientation film; The first electrode and the second electrode are located between the first transparent substrate and the first alignment film, are spaced apart, and are configured to be subjected to different voltages. Second transparent substrate; Second orientation film; The third and fourth electrodes are located between the second transparent substrate and the second alignment film, spaced apart, and configured to be subjected to different voltages. as well as A liquid crystal layer is located between the first alignment film and the second alignment film. The extension directions of the first and second strip electrodes in the first liquid crystal cell are different from those of the first and second strip electrodes in the second liquid crystal cell. In each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the orientation processing direction of the first alignment film intersects the orientation processing direction of the second alignment film at an angle of less than 90°, and the extension directions of the first strip electrode and the second strip electrode intersect the extension directions of the third strip electrode and the fourth strip electrode at an angle of more than 90°.

2. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein, The extending directions of the first and second electrodes intersect the extending directions of the third and fourth electrodes at an angle of 91° or 92°.

3. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein, In both the first and second liquid crystal cells, when one side of the first transparent substrate is used as a reference, and a direction orthogonal to that side is defined as the first direction, and a direction parallel to that side is defined as the second direction,... The orientation processing direction of the first orientation film is parallel to the first direction. The orientation processing direction of the second orientation film is parallel to the second direction. The extension direction of the first electrode intersects the first direction. The extension direction of the third electrode intersects the second direction.

4. The liquid crystal device according to claim 3, wherein, In either the first liquid crystal cell or the second liquid crystal cell, the extension direction of the first electrode is orthogonal to the alignment processing direction of the first alignment film. In either the first liquid crystal cell or the second liquid crystal cell, the extension direction of the first electrode intersects the orientation processing direction of the first alignment film at an angle other than 90°.

5. The liquid crystal device according to claim 3, wherein, In each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the extension direction of the first electrode intersects the orientation processing direction of the first alignment film at an angle other than 90°.

6. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein, In both the first and second liquid crystal cells, when one side of the first transparent substrate is used as a reference, and a direction orthogonal to that side is defined as the first direction, and a direction parallel to that side is defined as the second direction,... The extension direction of the first electrode is orthogonal to the orientation processing direction of the first alignment film. The extension direction of the third electrode is orthogonal to the orientation processing direction of the second orientation film.

7. The liquid crystal device according to claim 6, wherein, In each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the orientation processing direction of the first alignment film intersects the orientation processing direction of the second alignment film at an angle other than 90°.

8. The liquid crystal device according to claim 6, wherein, In each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, either the alignment processing direction of the first alignment film or the alignment processing direction of the second alignment film is parallel to the first direction or the second direction. The other of the orientation processing direction of the first orientation film and the orientation processing direction of the second orientation film intersects the first direction and the second direction at an angle other than 90°.

9. The liquid crystal device according to claim 6, wherein, In each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the orientation processing direction of the first alignment film intersects the first direction at an angle other than 90°, and the orientation processing direction of the second alignment film intersects the second direction at an angle other than 90°.

10. The liquid crystal device according to claim 3 or 6, wherein, In each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, either the extension direction of the first electrode or the extension direction of the third electrode is parallel to the first direction or the second direction.

11. The liquid crystal device according to claim 3 or 6, wherein, The extension directions of the first electrode and the third electrode of the first liquid crystal cell, as well as the extension directions of the first electrode and the third electrode of the second liquid crystal cell, all intersect the first direction and the second direction at an angle other than 90°.

12. The liquid crystal device according to claim 3 or 6, wherein, The liquid crystal device also features: The third liquid crystal unit overlaps with the second liquid crystal unit; and The fourth liquid crystal unit overlaps with the third liquid crystal unit. The third liquid crystal unit and the fourth liquid crystal unit each have a first strip electrode, a second strip electrode, a third strip electrode, and a fourth strip electrode. The first and second electrodes of the first liquid crystal unit are 90° rotationally symmetrical with the first and second electrodes of the third liquid crystal unit when viewed from above. The first and second band electrodes of the second liquid crystal unit are 90° rotationally symmetrical with the first and second band electrodes of the fourth liquid crystal unit when viewed from above.

13. The liquid crystal device according to claim 12, wherein, The first liquid crystal unit, the second liquid crystal unit, the third liquid crystal unit, and the fourth liquid crystal unit are each formed into a square shape and have the same size.

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