Liquid crystal element

Abstract

The invention relates to a liquid crystal element. Provided is a liquid crystal element capable of appropriately refracting light. A liquid crystal element (1) is provided with: a plurality of resistive films (40) arranged in a first direction (D1) and a second direction (D2) orthogonal to the first direction in plan view, the resistive films (40) having a shape in which the length in the first direction is longer than the length in the second direction; a plurality of first electrodes (50) having a first trunk portion (51) extending in the second direction, and a first branch portion (52) protruding from the first trunk portion toward both sides in the first direction; and a plurality of second electrodes (60) having a second trunk portion (61) extending in the second direction and second branch portions (62) protruding from the second trunk portion toward both sides in the first direction. In each of the plurality of resistive films, the first trunk portion and the second trunk portion sandwich the resistive film in the first direction and are positioned on opposite sides to each other, and the first branch portion and the second branch portion are electrically connected to the resistive film in a state of facing each other in the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid crystal element. Background Art

[0002] A liquid crystal element that refracts incident light and emits it is disclosed in Patent Document 1. By applying a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode, a potential gradient is generated in the high-resistance layer of the liquid crystal element, and the liquid crystal molecules are tilted. Due to the tilt of the liquid crystal molecules, the incident light is refracted.

[0003] The first electrode and the second electrode are linear and extend in a parallel state to each other. In addition, the high-resistance layer overlaps the first electrode and the second electrode when viewed from above. The direction of the potential gradient is orthogonal to the direction in which the electrodes (the first electrode and the second electrode) extend.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2016 / 117604 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] In the liquid crystal element of Patent Document 1, when the resistance is small as described below, an inappropriate potential gradient is generated in the high-resistance layer (resistive film), and the light is inappropriately refracted. The resistance ratio is the ratio of the resistance value of the resistive film in the direction of the potential gradient to the resistance value of the electrode in the direction orthogonal to the potential gradient. In the resistive film, the smaller the length in the direction of the potential gradient at the portion between the first electrode and the second electrode is with respect to the length in the direction orthogonal to the potential gradient at the portion electrically connected to the electrode, the smaller the resistance ratio is.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal element capable of appropriately refracting light.

[0010] Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] The liquid crystal element of the present invention includes: a first substrate and a second substrate that overlap each other when viewed from above; and a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate includes: a plurality of resistance films that are arranged along a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction when viewed from above, and have a shape in which the length in the first direction is longer than the length in the second direction; a plurality of first electrodes that have a first main portion extending along the second direction and first branches protruding from the first main portion to both sides in the first direction; and a plurality of second electrodes that have a second main portion extending along the second direction and second branches protruding from the second main portion to both sides in the first direction. In each of the plurality of resistance films, the first main portion and the second main portion are located on opposite sides of the resistance film in the first direction, and the first branches and the second branches are electrically connected to the resistance film in a state of facing each other in the second direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a liquid crystal element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 Figure 2 is a top view of a liquid crystal element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3 Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element along the Figure 2 III-III line shown.

[0015] Figure 4 Figure 4 is a top view showing the configuration of the resistance film, the first electrode, and the second electrode.

[0016] Figure 5 Figure 5 is a top view showing the shape of the light-shielding film.

[0017] Figure 6 Figure 6 is a diagram showing the potential of the resistance film and the phase difference of the outgoing light passing through the liquid crystal layer when the liquid crystal element refracts the outgoing light in a direction along the fourth direction.

[0018] Figure 7 Figure 7 is a diagram showing the potential of the resistance film and the phase difference of the outgoing light passing through the liquid crystal layer when the liquid crystal element refracts the outgoing light in a direction along the fifth direction.

[0019] Figure 8 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Figure 8 It is a top view showing the configuration of a resistance film, a first electrode, and a second electrode in a liquid crystal element related to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 9 Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal element related to another modified example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 10 Figure 10 It is a top view showing the configuration of a resistance film, a first electrode, and a second electrode related to another modified example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0023] 1 Liquid crystal element

[0024] 10 First substrate

[0025] 20 Second substrate

[0026] 30 Liquid crystal layer

[0027] 40 Resistance film

[0028] 50 First electrode

[0029] 51 First main part

[0030] 52 First branch part

[0031] 60 Second electrode

[0032] 61 Second main part

[0033] 62 Second branch part

[0034] 70 Third electrode

[0035] 80 Light-shielding film

[0036] 90 Light spacer

[0037] 153 First connection part (connection part)

[0038] 163 Second connection part

[0039] D1 First direction

[0040] D2 Second direction

[0041] D3 Third direction

[0042] G Gap Detailed Description of the Invention

[0043] ​​​​Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the content described in the following embodiments. In addition, among the constituent elements described below, there are elements that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art and elements that are substantially the same. Moreover, the constituent elements described below can be appropriately combined.

[0044] It should be noted that the disclosed content is merely an example, and for those skilled in the art, the content that can be easily conceived of appropriate changes while maintaining the gist of the present invention is of course included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, for the sake of clarity of explanation, compared with the actual mode, the drawings sometimes schematically show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part, but this is only an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In addition, in this specification and each figure, for the same elements that have appeared in the previously described figures, the same reference numerals are assigned, and sometimes the detailed description is appropriately omitted.

[0045] The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 shown in the drawings correspond to directions parallel to the plane of the substrate included in the liquid crystal element 1. In each direction, the side indicated by the arrow corresponds to the + side, and the opposite side corresponds to the - side. The + side and the - side of the first direction D1, and the + side and the - side of the second direction D2 correspond to the sides of the liquid crystal element 1. The third direction D3 corresponds to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal element 1, the + side of the third direction D3 corresponds to the front side of the liquid crystal element 1, and the - side of the third direction D3 corresponds to the back side of the liquid crystal element 1. In addition, in this specification, "viewing from above" means observing the liquid crystal element 1 along the third direction D3. It should be noted that the directions of the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are an example, and the present invention is not limited to these directions.

[0046] Figure 1 It is a conceptual diagram of the liquid crystal element 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The liquid crystal element 1 is a refraction plate that refracts light. The emitted light L emitted from the light source S is incident on the liquid crystal element 1. The light source S is, for example, a lighting device such as a vehicle headlight and a spotlight.

[0047] When no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal element 1, as indicated by the solid arrow, the emitted light L is transmitted without changing the traveling direction (emission direction) of the emitted light L. On the other hand, when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal element 1, as indicated by the dashed arrow, the emitted light L is refracted in one of two directions (details will be described later).

[0048] Figure 2 It is a top view of the liquid crystal element 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element 1 taken along the line III-III shown. Figure 3The cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element 1 shown shows the cross-sectional shape of the liquid crystal element 1 cut along a plane orthogonal to the first direction D1.

[0049] The liquid crystal element 1 includes a first substrate 10, a second substrate 20, and a liquid crystal layer 30.

[0050] The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 overlap each other in a plan view. The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 have light-transmitting properties. The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are, for example, glass substrates, resin substrates, or resin films.

[0051] A plurality of resistance films 40, a plurality of first electrodes 50, a plurality of second electrodes 60, an insulating layer IL, and a first alignment film AL1 are disposed on the first substrate 10.

[0052] As Figure 2 shown, the plurality of resistance films 40 are arranged in a row-and-column pattern along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, respectively, in a plan view. The resistance film 40 has a rectangular shape in which the length in the first direction D1 is longer than the length in the second direction D2 in a plan view. In a plan view, the plurality of resistance films 40 overlap with a refraction region RA that refracts the emitted light L.

[0053] Figure 3 shows four resistance films 40 arranged along the second direction D2. Figure 3 The first resistance film 40a, the second resistance film 40b, the third resistance film 40c, and the fourth resistance film 40d shown are arranged in order from the - side to the + side along the second direction D2.

[0054] The resistance value of the resistance film 40 is larger than the resistance values of the first electrode 50 and the second electrode 60. The material of the resistance film 40 is, for example, a light-transmissive conductive material such as zinc oxide (ZnO) and indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO).

[0055] As Figure 3 shown, the first electrode 50 and the second electrode 60 are disposed on the back side of the resistance film 40.

[0056] Figure 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of the resistance film 40, the first electrode 50, and the second electrode 60. The first electrode 50 integrally has a first main body portion 51 and a plurality of first branch portions 52.

[0057] The first main body portion 51 extends along the second direction D2. The first main body portion 51 is located between two resistance films 40 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1. The first main body portion 51 is separated from the resistance film 40 in a plan view.

[0058] The first branch portion 52 protrudes from the first main trunk portion 51 to both sides in the first direction D1. The first branch portion 52 extends along the first direction D1. The first branch portion 52 is electrically connected to two resistor films 40 that are adjacent to each other with the first main trunk portion 51 interposed therebetween in the first direction D1. As Figure 3 , 4 shown, the first branch portion 52 is electrically connected to the + side end of the resistor film 40 in the second direction D2. The first branch portion 52 is in contact with the resistor film 40.

[0059] As Figure 4 shown, the second electrode 60 integrally has a second main trunk portion 61 and a plurality of second branch portions 62.

[0060] The second main trunk portion 61 extends along the second direction D2. The second main trunk portion 61 is located between two resistor films 40 that are adjacent to each other in the first direction D1. The second main trunk portion 61 is separated from the resistor film 40 in a top view.

[0061] In each of the plurality of resistor films 40, the first main trunk portion 51 and the second main trunk portion 61 are located on opposite sides of each other with the resistor film 40 interposed therebetween in the first direction D1. In other words, the first main trunk portion 51 and the second main trunk portion 61 are alternately arranged in the first direction D1.

[0062] The second branch portions 62 protrude from the second main trunk portion 61 to both sides in the first direction D1. The second branch portions 62 extend along the first direction D1. The second branch portions 62 are electrically connected to two resistor films 40 that are adjacent to each other with the second main trunk portion 61 interposed therebetween in the first direction D1. As Figure 3 , 4 shown, the second branch portions 62 are electrically connected to the - side ends of the resistor films 40 in the second direction D2. The second branch portions 62 are in contact with the resistor films 40.

[0063] In each of the plurality of resistor films 40, the first branch portions 52 and the second branch portions 62 are electrically connected to the resistor films 40 in a state of being opposed to each other in the second direction D2. In addition, the length in the first direction D1 of the portion of the first branch portion 52 that is electrically connected to the end of the resistor film 40 is equal to the length in the first direction D1 of the portion of the second branch portion 62 that is electrically connected to the resistor film 40. Hereinafter, the length in the first direction D1 will be referred to as the first electrode length.

[0064] In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the first branch portion 52 is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the second branch portion 62. Therefore, the length in the second direction D2 of the first branch portion 52 is equal to the length in the second direction D2 of the second branch portion 62. Hereinafter, the length in the second direction D2 will be referred to as the second electrode length.

[0065] The materials of the first electrode 50 and the second electrode 60 are conductive materials such as molybdenum tungsten alloy (MoW) and TAT (Ti / Al / Ti) formed by laminating titanium (Ti) and aluminum (Al).

[0066] As Figure 3 , 4 shown, in the resistance film 40, the portion overlapping with the first electrode 50 (the first branch portion 52) in a plan view is defined as the first repeating portion 41, the portion overlapping with the second electrode 60 (the second branch portion 62) in a plan view is defined as the second repeating portion 42, and the portion between the first repeating portion 41 and the second repeating portion 42 is defined as the intermediate portion 43. In the second direction D2, the length of the intermediate portion 43 is longer than the sum of the lengths of the first repeating portion 41 and the second repeating portion 42.

[0067] In the present embodiment, in the second direction D2, the + side end of the first branch portion 52 is located closer to the + side of the second direction D2 than the + side end of the resistance film 40, and the - side end of the second branch portion 62 is located closer to the - side than the - side end of the resistance film 40. It should be noted that in the second direction D2, the + side end of the first branch portion 52 may also coincide with the + side end of the resistance film 40, and the - side end of the second branch portion 62 may also coincide with the - side end of the resistance film 40.

[0068] Figure 3 The insulating layer IL shown insulates the resistance film 40, the first main trunk portion 51, and the second main trunk portion 61 from each other electrically. In addition, the insulating layer IL insulates the first electrode 50 and the second electrode 60 from each other electrically.

[0069] The first alignment film AL1 is disposed on the front side of the resistance film 40.

[0070] On the second substrate 20, a third electrode 70 and a second alignment film AL2 are disposed. The third electrode 70 overlaps with a plurality of resistance films 40 in a plan view.

[0071] The material of the third electrode 70 is a light-transmissive conductive material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide), IGO (Indium Gallium Oxide), and IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide).

[0072] In addition, the resistance value (hereinafter referred to as the film resistance value) and shape of the resistance film 40, and the resistance values (hereinafter referred to as the electrode resistance values) and shapes of the first electrode 50 and the second electrode 60 are determined in such a manner that the resistance ratio described below becomes an appropriate value. When the resistance ratio is not appropriately determined, the potential gradient described below is not appropriately generated in the resistance film 40, and the liquid crystal element 1 cannot appropriately refract the emitted light L.

[0073] The potential gradient generated in the resistance film 40 is generated along the second direction D2 between the first branch portion 52 and the second branch portion 62 in a plan view. The first direction D1 is orthogonal to the direction in which the potential gradient is generated. The resistance ratio is the ratio of the film resistance value in the second direction D2 to the electrode resistance value in the first direction D1, and is represented by the following formula (1).

[0074] Ra = Rfd2 / Red1 · · · (1)

[0075] In formula (1), Ra is the resistance ratio, Red1 is the electrode resistance value in the first direction D1, and Rfd2 is the film resistance value in the second direction D2.

[0076] In addition, the film resistance value (Rfd2) in the second direction D2 shown in formula (1) is represented by the following formula (2).

[0077] Rfd2 = Rf × (Lf2 / Lf1) · · · (2)

[0078] In formula (2), Rf is the film resistance value. Lf1 is the length in the first direction D1 of the portion where the first electrode 50 (first branch portion 52) and the second electrode 60 (second branch portion 62) are electrically connected in the resistance film 40 (that is, equivalent to the first electrode length). Lf2 is the length where the potential gradient is generated in the resistance film 40, and is the length in the second direction D2 of the intermediate portion 43 between the first branch portion 52 and the second branch portion 62 in a plan view.

[0079] In addition, the electrode resistance value (Red1) in the first direction D1 shown in formula (1) is represented by the following formula (3).

[0080] Red1 = Re × (Le1 / Le2) · · · (3)

[0081] In formula (3), Re is the electrode resistance value, Le1 is the first electrode length (the length in the first direction D1 of the portion where the first branch portion 52 and the second branch portion 62 are electrically connected to the end of the resistance film 40), and Le2 is the second electrode length (the length in the second direction D2 of the first branch portion 52 and the second branch portion 62).

[0082] In order to increase the refraction angle of the outgoing light L, it is necessary to increase the potential gradient. In order to increase the potential gradient, it is necessary to shorten the length (Lf2) of the resistive film 40 in the second direction D2. On the other hand, a resistance ratio of 100 or more and 1000 or less is an appropriate range. According to equations (1), (2), and (3), in each of the resistive film 40, the first branch portion 52, and the second branch portion 62, when the length (Lf2, Le2) in the second direction D2 is shorter than the length (Lf1, Le1) in the first direction D1, the resistance ratio becomes smaller and may fall below the appropriate range.

[0083] Therefore, the shapes of the resistive film 40, the first branch portion 52, and the second branch portion 62 are determined such that the resistance ratio is within an appropriate range, and the resistive film 40 is arranged in a row and column pattern along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. In other words, the resistive film 40 is arranged in a state where the resistance ratio is within an appropriate range and the length (Lf2) in the second direction D2 is adjusted relative to the length (Lf1) in the first direction D1.

[0084] As Figure 3 shown, the second alignment film AL2 is disposed on the back side of the third electrode 70.

[0085] The liquid crystal layer 30 is located between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. The liquid crystal layer 30 is sandwiched between the first alignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2. The first alignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2 determine the orientation (initial orientation) of the liquid crystal molecules LM contained in the liquid crystal layer 30 in a state where no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal element 1. The alignment direction of the first alignment film AL1 and the alignment direction of the second alignment film AL2 are parallel to each other in a plan view.

[0086] The liquid crystal element 1 is an ECB (Electrically Controlled Birefringence) liquid crystal element. It should be noted that the liquid crystal element 1 is of course not limited to an ECB liquid crystal element.

[0087] In addition, the liquid crystal element 1 further includes a light-shielding film 80 and a photo spacer 90.

[0088] The light-shielding film 80 blocks the transmission of light. The light-shielding film 80 has conductivity. The material of the light-shielding film 80 is molybdenum tungsten alloy (MoW) or the like. The light-shielding film 80 is disposed on the second substrate 20. The light-shielding film 80 is located between the second substrate 20 and the third electrode 70.

[0089] Figure 5 is a plan view showing the shape of the light-shielding film 80. Figure 5 In, the light-shielding film 80 is indicated by a one-dot chain line. As Figure 3 , 5As shown, the light-shielding film 80 overlaps with the gap G between two adjacent resistor films 40 in a top view. In addition, the light-shielding film 80 overlaps with the first electrode 50 and the second electrode 60 in a top view. The light-shielding film 80 integrally has a plurality of first light-shielding portions 81 and a plurality of second light-shielding portions 82.

[0090] The first light-shielding portion 81 is in a strip shape extending along the second direction D2. The first light-shielding portion 81 overlaps with the gap G between two resistor films 40 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 in a top view. A plurality of first light-shielding portions 81 are arranged in the first direction D1.

[0091] The second light-shielding portion 82 is in a strip shape extending along the first direction D1. The second light-shielding portion 82 connects two adjacent first light-shielding portions 81 in the first direction D1. The second light-shielding portion 82 overlaps with the gap G between two resistor films 40 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 in a top view.

[0092] A plurality of light spacers 90 are arranged between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. The light spacers 90 are columnar to keep the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 30 constant. The light spacers 90 overlap with the light-shielding film 80 in a top view.

[0093] Next, the operation when the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the emitted light L of the light source S will be described. The emitted light L enters the liquid crystal element 1 from the back surface of the first substrate 10 along the third direction D3. It should be noted that the reference numerals in parentheses attached to the emitted light L indicate the direction in which the emitted light L travels. In addition, Figure 3 in the figure, the arrow indicating the emitted light L emitted from the liquid crystal element 1 is shown on the + side in the third direction D3 compared to the liquid crystal element 1.

[0094] When no potential is applied to the liquid crystal element 1, the emitted light L emitted from the liquid crystal element 1 travels along the third direction D3. On the other hand, when a potential is applied to the liquid crystal element 1, the emitted light L emitted from the liquid crystal element 1 travels along the fourth direction D4 or the fifth direction D5 as described later. In other words, when a potential is applied to the liquid crystal element 1, the emitted light L is refracted to travel along the fourth direction D4 or the fifth direction D5.

[0095] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the potential of the resistor film 40 when the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the emitted light L to travel along the fourth direction D4 and the phase difference of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30. As Figure 3 shown, the fourth direction D4 is a direction inclined toward the + side of the second direction D2 with respect to the third direction D3.

[0096] Figure 6The points on the horizontal axis showing the second direction D2 indicate the position of the second direction D2. Additionally, Figure 6 The arrows corresponding to the reference numerals in parentheses show the range of the portion of the resistive film 40. It should be noted that Figure 3 also shows the points indicating the position of the second direction D2.

[0097] Figure 3 、 6 The first point P1 and the second point P2 shown correspond to the end on the - side of the first repeating portion 41 and the end on the + side of the first repeating portion 41 in the first resistive film 40a shown. Figure 3 The first point P1 and the second point P2 shown correspond to the end on the - side of the first repeating portion 41 and the end on the + side of the first repeating portion 41 in the first resistive film 40a shown.

[0098] Figure 3 、 6 The third point P3, the fourth point P4, the fifth point P5, and the sixth point P6 shown correspond to the end on the - side of the second repeating portion 42, the end on the + side of the second repeating portion 42, the end on the - side of the first repeating portion 41, and the end on the + side of the first repeating portion 41 in the second resistive film 40b shown. Figure 3 The third point P3, the fourth point P4, the fifth point P5, and the sixth point P6 shown correspond to the end on the - side of the second repeating portion 42, the end on the + side of the second repeating portion 42, the end on the - side of the first repeating portion 41, and the end on the + side of the first repeating portion 41 in the second resistive film 40b shown.

[0099] Figure 3 、 6 The seventh point P7, the eighth point P8, the ninth point P9, and the tenth point P10 shown correspond to the end on the - side of the second repeating portion 42, the end on the + side of the second repeating portion 42, the end on the - side of the first repeating portion 41, and the end on the + side of the first repeating portion 41 in the third resistive film 40c shown. Figure 3 The seventh point P7, the eighth point P8, the ninth point P9, and the tenth point P10 shown correspond to the end on the - side of the second repeating portion 42, the end on the + side of the second repeating portion 42, the end on the - side of the first repeating portion 41, and the end on the + side of the first repeating portion 41 in the third resistive film 40c shown.

[0100] Figure 3 、 6 The eleventh point P11 and the twelfth point P12 shown correspond to the end on the - side of the second repeating portion 42 and the end on the + side of the second repeating portion 42 in the fourth resistive film 40d shown. Figure 3 The eleventh point P11 and the twelfth point P12 shown correspond to the end on the - side of the second repeating portion 42 and the end on the + side of the second repeating portion 42 in the fourth resistive film 40d shown.

[0101] When the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the outgoing light L so as to be along the fourth direction D4, a first potential E1 is applied to the first electrode 50 and a second potential E2 higher than the first potential E1 is applied to the second electrode 60 by a control circuit (not shown).

[0102] In this case, in one resistance film 40, the potential of the second repeating portion 42 (for example, the portion between the third point P3 and the fourth point P4 in the second resistance film 40b) in contact with the second electrode 60 is equal to the second potential E2. Further, in one resistance film 40, the potential of the intermediate portion 43 (for example, the portion between the fourth point P4 and the fifth point P5 in the second resistance film 40b) between the first electrode 50 and the second electrode 60 linearly changes from the second potential E2 to the first potential E1 in the second direction D2 from the - side toward the + side. In addition, in one resistance film 40, the potential of the first repeating portion 41 (for example, the portion between the fifth point P5 and the sixth point P6 in the second resistance film 40b) in contact with the first electrode 50 is equal to the first potential E1.

[0103] In addition, the first potential E1 is applied to the third electrode 70 by a control circuit. The potential difference between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2 is determined based on the angle formed by the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. In other words, the degree of inclination of the fourth direction D4 relative to the third direction D3 can be adjusted by the potential difference between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2.

[0104] The electric field generated by applying potentials to the first electrode 50, the second electrode 60, and the third electrode 70 acts on the liquid crystal layer 30, and the liquid crystal molecules LM are inclined. As a result, in the second direction D2, the refractive index of the outgoing light L in the liquid crystal layer 30 changes, and a phase difference is generated in the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30.

[0105] Regarding Figure 6 the phase of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30, with the phase at the position corresponding to the most + side end of one resistance film 40 in the second direction D2 (for example, the sixth point P6 in the second resistance film 40b) as a reference (that is, the phase difference is 0 (zero)), the maximum value of the phase difference generated by the potentials applied to the first electrode 50 and the second electrode 60 is taken as the first phase difference R1. It should be noted that Figure 6 the solid line showing the phase difference of the outgoing light L indicates a locus in phase with the reference phase.

[0106] The phase difference of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 changes in a zigzag manner between 0 (zero) and the first phase difference R1 along the second direction D2. Specifically, the phase difference at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the second repeating portion 42 is the first phase difference R1. In addition, the phase difference at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the intermediate portion 43 changes from the first phase difference R1 to 0 (zero) from the - side toward the + side in the second direction D2. In addition, the phase difference at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the first repeating portion 41 is 0 (zero).

[0107] Note that the phase difference between two resistance films 40 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 (for example, between the second point P2 and the third point P3) changes from 0 (zero) to the first phase difference R1 from the - side to the + side in the second direction D2.

[0108] The degree of inclination of the phase difference at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the middle portion 43 corresponds to the angle formed by the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. In addition, in the second direction D2, the length of the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the middle portion 43 is longer than the combined length of the portions of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the first repeating portion 41 and the second repeating portion 42.

[0109] As Figure 6 shown, by changing the phase difference of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30, the outgoing light L is refracted in the liquid crystal layer 30 and exits from the liquid crystal element 1 in a direction along the fourth direction D4.

[0110] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the potential of the resistance film 40 when the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the outgoing light L in a direction along the fifth direction D5 and the phase difference of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30. As Figure 3 shown, the fifth direction D5 is a direction inclined to the - side of the second direction D2 with respect to the third direction D3.

[0111] When the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the outgoing light L in the fifth direction D5, the control circuit applies the second potential E2 to the first electrode 50 and the first potential E1 to the second electrode 60.

[0112] In this case, as Figure 7 shown, in one resistance film 40, the potential of the second repeating portion 42 in contact with the second electrode 60 (for example, the portion between the third point P3 and the fourth point P4 in the second resistance film 40b) is equal to the first potential E1. In addition, in one resistance film 40, the potential of the middle portion 43 (for example, the portion between the fourth point P4 and the fifth point P5 in the second resistance film 40b) linearly changes from the first potential E1 to the second potential E2 from the - side to the + side in the second direction D2. Further, in one resistance film 40, the potential of the first repeating portion 41 in contact with the first electrode 50 (see Figure 3 : for example, the portion between the fifth point P5 and the sixth point P6 in the second resistance film 40b) is equal to the second potential E2.

[0113] In addition, a first potential E1 is applied to the third electrode 70 by a control circuit. The potential difference between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2 is determined based on the angle formed by the third direction D3 and the fifth direction D5. Therefore, the degree of inclination of the fifth direction D5 relative to the third direction D3 can be adjusted by the potential difference between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2.

[0114] By applying potentials to the first electrode 50, the second electrode 60, and the third electrode 70, the refractive index of the outgoing light L in the liquid crystal layer 30 changes in the second direction D2, and a phase difference is generated in the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30.

[0115] Regarding Figure 7 For the phase of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30, taking the phase at the position corresponding to the most - side end of one resistive film 40 in the second direction D2 (e.g., the third point P3 in the second resistive film 40b) as a reference (i.e., the phase difference is 0 (zero)), the maximum value of the phase difference generated by the potentials applied to the first electrode 50 and the second electrode 60 is taken as the first phase difference R1.

[0116] The phase difference of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 changes in a zigzag manner between 0 (zero) and the first phase difference R1 along the second direction D2. Specifically, the phase difference at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the second repeating portion 42 is 0 (zero). The phase difference at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the middle portion 43 changes from 0 (zero) to the first phase difference R1 from one side to the + side in the second direction D2. In addition, the phase difference at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the first repeating portion 41 is the first phase difference R1.

[0117] It should be noted that the phase difference between two adjacent resistive films 40 in the second direction D2 changes linearly from the first phase difference R1 to 0 (zero) from one side to the + side in the second direction D2.

[0118] The degree of inclination of the phase difference at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the middle portion 43 corresponds to the angle formed by the third direction D3 and the fifth direction D5.

[0119] As Figure 7 As shown, by changing the phase difference of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30, the outgoing light L is refracted in the liquid crystal layer 30 and exits from the liquid crystal element 1 in a direction along the fifth direction D5.

[0120] As described above, by determining the shapes of the resistive film 40, the first branch portion 52, and the second branch portion 62 in such a way that the resistance ratio is within an appropriate range, a potential gradient is appropriately generated in the resistive film 40. Therefore, the liquid crystal element 1 can appropriately refract the outgoing light L.

[0121] In addition, the light-shielding film 80 can prevent the outgoing light L from passing through the liquid crystal element 1 through the gap G between two resistor films 40 adjacent to each other in a plan view. Therefore, the outgoing light L passes through the resistor film 40, and the liquid crystal element 1 can appropriately refract the outgoing light L.

[0122] In addition, the material of the light-shielding film 80 is a molybdenum-tungsten alloy (MoW), and the light-shielding film 80 can be made thinner compared with a non-conductive material (for example, a resin material). Thereby, the height of the surface unevenness on the + side of the liquid crystal layer 30 in the third direction D3 can be reduced. Therefore, when the outgoing light L is refracted so as to travel along the fourth direction D4, the situation where the outgoing light L travels in a direction other than the fourth direction D4 in the liquid crystal layer 30 can be suppressed. Therefore, the liquid crystal element 1 can appropriately refract the outgoing light L.

[0123] As described above, the light spacer 90 overlaps the light-shielding film 80 in a plan view. In this case, compared with the case where the light spacer 90 is located at a position deviated from the light-shielding film 80 in a plan view, the light spacer 90 can be prevented from blocking the outgoing light L. Therefore, the liquid crystal element 1 can appropriately refract the outgoing light L.

[0124] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. The content disclosed in the embodiments is merely an example, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Appropriate modifications made without departing from the gist of the present invention of course also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0125] For example, the light-shielding film 80 may be disposed on the first substrate 10. In this case, the material of the light-shielding film 80 is a material having electrical insulation properties (for example, a resin material). Thereby, by disposing the light-shielding film 80 near the resistor film 40, it is possible to prevent the light-shielding film 80 from affecting the potential gradient generated in the resistor film 40.

[0126] Figure 8 It is a plan view showing the configuration of the resistor film 40, the first electrode 50, and the second electrode 60 in the liquid crystal element 1 according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. In this modified example, the first electrode 50 further includes a first connecting portion 153 (corresponding to the "connecting portion"). In addition, the second electrode 60 further includes a second connecting portion 163.

[0127] The first connecting portion 153 connects the plurality of first main portions 51 on the outer side compared with the plurality of resistor films 40 in a plan view. The first connecting portion 153 is a strip shape extending along the first direction D1.

[0128] In a plan view, the second connecting portion 163 connects the plurality of second main portions 61 on the outer side compared with the plurality of resistor films 40. The second connecting portion 163 is in a strip shape extending along the first direction D1.

[0129] The first connecting portion 153 and the second connecting portion 163 are located on opposite sides of each other with the plurality of resistor films 40 interposed therebetween in the second direction D2.

[0130] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element 1 according to another modification of the embodiment of the present invention. In this other modification, in the first electrode 250, the first main portion 251 and the first branch portion 252 are separate. The first main portion 251 is in a strip shape extending along the second direction D2. The first branch portion 252 is in a strip shape extending along the first direction D1. In the third direction D3, the first main portion 251 and the first branch portion 252 are located at different positions from each other. In this other modification, the first branch portion 252 is located between the first main portion 251 and the resistor film 40 in the third direction D3.

[0131] In addition, in this other modification, in the second electrode 260, the second main portion 261 and the second branch portion 262 are separate. The second main portion 261 is in a strip shape extending along the second direction D2. The second branch portion 262 is in a strip shape extending along the first direction D1. In the third direction D3, the second main portion 261 and the second branch portion 262 are located at different positions from each other. In this other modification, the second branch portion 262 is located between the second main portion 261 and the resistor film 40 in the third direction D3.

[0132] Figure 10 It is a plan view showing the configurations of the resistor film 40, the first electrode 250, and the second electrode 260 according to another modification of the embodiment of the present invention. In a plan view, the arrangements of the resistor film 40, the first electrode 250, and the second electrode 260 are the same as those of Figure 4 the first electrode 50 and the second electrode 60 shown. In the first electrode 250, the first main portion 251 and the first branch portion 252 are electrically connected to each other at the overlapping portions in a plan view. In the second electrode 260, the second main portion 261 and the second branch portion 262 are electrically connected to each other at the overlapping portions in a plan view.

[0133] In addition, in this other modification example, the materials of the first branch portion 52 and the second branch portion 62 may also be light-transmissive conductive materials such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide), IGO (Indium Gallium Oxide), and IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide). In this case, the light transmittance of the liquid crystal element 1 can be increased, and the brightness of the emitted light L emitted from the liquid crystal element 1 can be increased.

[0134] In addition, regarding other effects brought about by the methods described in the above embodiments, the effects clearly described in this specification or the effects that can be appropriately conceived by those skilled in the art are of course understood to be the effects brought about by the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal element, comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate that overlap each other when viewed from above; and a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first substrate includes: a plurality of resistive films that are arranged in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction when viewed from above, and have a shape in which the length in the first direction is longer than the length in the second direction; a plurality of first electrodes that have a first main portion extending along the second direction and first branch portions protruding from the first main portion to both sides in the first direction; and a plurality of second electrodes that have a second main portion extending along the second direction and second branch portions protruding from the second main portion to both sides in the first direction, in each of the plurality of resistive films, the first main portion and the second main portion are located on opposite sides of the resistive film in the first direction, the first branch portions and the second branch portions are electrically connected to the resistive film in a state of facing each other in the second direction.

2. The liquid crystal element according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrode further includes a connecting portion that connects the plurality of first main portions on the outside compared to the plurality of resistive films when viewed from above.

3. The liquid crystal element according to claim 1, wherein, In a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, the first main portion and the first branch portion are located at different positions from each other.

4. The liquid crystal element according to claim 1, further comprising a light-shielding film that overlaps a gap between two adjacent resistive films when viewed from above and blocks the transmission of light.

5. The liquid crystal element according to claim 4, wherein, The light-shielding film is disposed on the second substrate and has conductivity.

6. The liquid crystal element according to claim 4, further comprising a light spacer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, the light spacer overlapping the light-shielding film when viewed from above.

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