Liquid crystal element

Abstract

The invention relates to a liquid crystal element. Provided is a liquid crystal element capable of easily adjusting a light emission direction. A liquid crystal element (1) is provided with: a first substrate (10) on which are disposed a plurality of element groups (40) including a resistive film (41), and a first electrode (42) and a second electrode (43) electrically connected to the resistive film (41); a second substrate (20) on which the third electrode (50) is disposed; and a liquid crystal layer (30) located between the first substrate (10) and the second substrate (20). The resistive film (41) has a strip shape extending in a first direction (D1) in plan view, and the first electrode (42) and the second electrode (43) extend in the first direction (D1) in plan view, and overlap the resistive film (41) in a state of facing each other in a second direction (D2) orthogonal to the first direction (D1). A plurality of element groups (40) are arranged along the second direction (D2) in plan view. The third electrode (50) overlaps the plurality of resistive films (41) in plan view.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A headlamp capable of controlling light distribution is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The headlamp of Patent Document 1 reflects light from a light source using a reflector, and condenses the reflected light with a lens and irradiates it forward of the vehicle. By adjusting the angle of the reflector, the direction of light irradiation is adjusted.

[0003] In addition, a lighting device is disclosed in Patent Document 2, which includes a lamp unit including a light source and an arm connected to the lamp unit. The arm includes a first arm and a second arm that are rotatably connected to each other. The lamp unit is rotatably connected to the second arm. By adjusting the angle formed by the first arm and the second arm and the angle formed by the lamp unit and the second arm, the emission direction of the light from the light source is adjusted.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-52584

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-63255 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] In devices such as those of Patent Documents 1 and 2 that can adjust the emission direction of light, the adjustment of the emission direction of light is performed by the movement of movable parts in a mechanism including a plurality of mechanical components. In such devices, there is an urgent desire to simplify the structure.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal element capable of easily adjusting the emission direction of light.

[0011] Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] The liquid crystal element of the present invention includes: a first substrate on which a plurality of element groups are arranged, the element group including a resistance film and a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected to the resistance film; a second substrate on which a third electrode is arranged; and a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The resistance film is strip-shaped extending along a first direction in a plan view. With respect to the first electrode and the second electrode, they extend along the first direction in a plan view and overlap the resistance film in a state of facing each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A plurality of the element groups are arranged along the second direction in a plan view, and the third electrode overlaps a plurality of the resistance films in a plan view.

[0013] In addition, the liquid crystal element of the present invention includes: a first substrate on which a resistance film, a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes electrically connected to the resistance film are disposed; a second substrate on which a third electrode is disposed; and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. With respect to the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes, when viewed from above, they extend along a first direction, and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, they overlap with the resistance film in a state where the first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately arranged, and the third electrode overlaps with the resistance film when viewed from above.

[0014] In addition, the liquid crystal element of the present invention includes: a first substrate on which a plurality of element groups and a plurality of light-shielding layers are disposed, the element group including a resistance film, a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected to the resistance film; a second substrate on which a third electrode is disposed; and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The resistance film is strip-shaped and extends along a first direction when viewed from above, the first electrode and the second electrode extend along the first direction when viewed from above, and overlap with the resistance film in a state of facing each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A plurality of the element groups are arranged along the second direction when viewed from above. The light-shielding layer is strip-shaped and extends along the first direction when viewed from above, and overlaps with a gap between two adjacent element groups in the second direction. The third electrode overlaps with a plurality of the resistance films when viewed from above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of the liquid crystal element according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 Figure 2 is a top view of the liquid crystal element according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 Figure 3 is along Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element taken along line III-III shown.

[0018] Figure 4 Figure 4 is a diagram showing the potential of the resistance film when the liquid crystal element refracts the outgoing light L in a manner along the fourth direction, and the phase difference of the outgoing light passing through the liquid crystal layer.

[0019] Figure 5 Figure 5 ​​​​​​​​​​It is a diagram showing the potential of the resistance film when the liquid crystal element refracts the outgoing light in a manner along the fifth direction, and the phase difference of the outgoing light passing through the liquid crystal layer.

[0020] Figure 6 Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal element which is a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the potential of the resistance film when the liquid crystal element of the modification of the first embodiment refracts the outgoing light in a manner along the fourth direction, and the phase difference of the outgoing light passing through the liquid crystal layer.

[0022] Figure 8 Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal element of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 9 Figure 9 It is a diagram showing the potential of the resistance film when the liquid crystal element of the second embodiment refracts the outgoing light, and the phase difference of the outgoing light passing through the liquid crystal layer.

[0024] Figure 10 Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal element which is a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 11 Figure 11 It is a diagram showing the potential of the resistance film when the liquid crystal element of the third embodiment refracts the outgoing light in a manner along the fourth direction, and the phase difference of the outgoing light passing through the liquid crystal layer.

[0026] Figure 12 Figure 12 It is a diagram showing the potential of the resistance film when the liquid crystal element of the comparative example refracts the outgoing light in a manner along the fourth direction, and the phase difference of the outgoing light passing through the liquid crystal layer.

[0027] Figure 13 Figure 13 It is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the intensity of the outgoing light and the refraction angle in the outgoing light from the liquid crystal element of the third embodiment and the outgoing light from the liquid crystal element of the comparative example.

[0028] Description of reference numerals

[0029] 1 Liquid crystal element

[0030] 10 First substrate

[0031] 20 Second substrate

[0032] 30 Liquid crystal layer ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0033] 30a Incident surface

[0034] 40 Component group

[0035] 41 Resistance film

[0036] 41a First repeated part

[0037] 41b Second repeated part

[0038] 41c Intermediate part

[0039] 42 First electrode

[0040] 43 Second electrode

[0041] 50 Third electrode

[0042] 341L First resistance film

[0043] 341R Second resistance film

[0044] 360 Light-shielding layer

[0045] D1 First direction

[0046] D2 Second direction

[0047] D3 Third direction

[0048] E1 First potential

[0049] E2 Second potential

[0050] G Gap

[0051] L Output light

[0052] Lv1 First imaginary line

[0053] Lv2 Second imaginary line

[0054] Lv3 Third imaginary line

[0055] Lv4 Fourth imaginary line

[0056] Pv1 First imaginary point

[0057] Pv2 Second imaginary point

[0058] Pv3 Third imaginary point

[0059] Pv4 Fourth imaginary point Specific implementation mode

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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, the same reference numerals are given to the elements that are the same as those already shown in the figures and described above, and the detailed description may sometimes be appropriately omitted.

[0062] The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 shown in the drawings correspond to the 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 in the first direction D1 and the + side and the - side in 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 in the third direction D3 corresponds to the front side of the liquid crystal element 1, and the - side in the third direction D3 corresponds to the back side of the liquid crystal element 1. In addition, in this specification, "viewed 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 only examples, and the present invention is not limited to these directions.

[0063] <First Embodiment>

[0064] Figure 1 It is a conceptual diagram of the liquid crystal element 1 of the first 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.

[0065] When no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal element 1, as shown by the solid arrows, 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, in this first embodiment, the emitted light L is refracted in a direction along one of the two directions shown by the dashed arrows (details will be described later).

[0066] Figure 2 It is a top view of the liquid crystal element 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2Cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element 1 taken along line III-III as shown. Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element 1 shown shows the cross-sectional shape of the liquid crystal element 1 cut by a plane orthogonal to the first direction D1.

[0067] The liquid crystal element 1 includes a first substrate 10, a second substrate 20, and a liquid crystal layer 30. 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 transmissibility. The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are, for example, glass substrates, resin substrates, or resin films.

[0068] A plurality of element groups 40, an insulating layer IL, and a first alignment film AL1 are disposed on the first substrate 10. The element group 40 includes a resistance film 41, a first electrode 42, and a second electrode 43.

[0069] The resistance film 41 is in a strip shape extending along the first direction D1 in a plan view. The material of the resistance film 41 is, for example, a light-transmissive conductive material such as IGZO (Gallium Zinc Oxide). The resistance value of the resistance film 41 is greater than the resistance values of the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43.

[0070] The first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 are electrically connected to the resistance film 41.

[0071] The first electrode 42 extends along the first direction D1 in a plan view and overlaps the resistance film 41 on the first end side (+ side) of the resistance film 41 in the second direction D2. The first electrode 42 is in contact with the resistance film 41.

[0072] The second electrode 43 extends along the first direction D1 in a plan view and overlaps the resistance film 41 on the second end side (- side) of the resistance film 41 in the second direction D2. The second electrode 43 is in contact with the resistance film 41.

[0073] In a plan view, the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 overlap the resistance film 41 in a state of being opposed to each other in the second direction D2.

[0074] In the resistance film 41, the portion overlapping the first electrode 42 in a plan view is defined as a first overlapping portion 41a, the portion overlapping the second electrode 43 in a plan view is defined as a second overlapping portion 41b, and the portion between the first overlapping portion 41a and the second overlapping portion 41b is defined as an intermediate portion 41c. In the second direction D2, the length of the intermediate portion 41c is longer than the length obtained by adding the length of the first overlapping portion 41a and the length of the second overlapping portion 41b.

[0075] In the present embodiment, in the second direction D2, the + side end of the resistance film 41 coincides with the + side end of the first electrode 42, and the - side end of the resistance film 41 coincides with the - side end of the second electrode 43, but they may also not coincide respectively.

[0076] A plurality of element groups 40 are arranged along the second direction D2. As described above, the plurality of element groups 40 include strip-shaped resistance films 41 extending along the first direction D1. The plurality of resistance films 41 are arranged along the second direction D2 in a state where two adjacent resistance films 41 are separated from each other in the second direction D2. In a plan view, the plurality of resistance films 41 overlap with the refraction region RA that refracts the outgoing light L.

[0077] The plurality of element groups 40 are electrically insulated from each other by the insulating layer IL. Figure 3 Four element groups 40 are shown. Figure 3 The shown first element group 40a, second element group 40b, third element group 40c, and fourth element group 40d are arranged in order from the - side to the + side along the second direction D2.

[0078] The first alignment film AL1 is disposed on the + side in the third direction D3 with respect to the plurality of element groups 40 and the insulating layer IL.

[0079] A third electrode 50 and a second alignment film AL2 are disposed on the second substrate 20.

[0080] The third electrode 50 overlaps with the plurality of resistance films 41 in a plan view. The materials of the first electrode 42, the second electrode 43, and the third electrode 50 are light-transmissive conductive materials such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide), IGO (Indium Gallium Oxide), and IGZO (Gallium Zinc Oxide).

[0081] The second alignment film AL2 is disposed on the - side in the third direction D3 with respect to the third electrode 50.

[0082] The liquid crystal layer 30 is located between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. The liquid crystal layer 30 is sandwiched by 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 orthogonal to each other in a plan view.

[0083] The liquid crystal element 1 is a twisted nematic (TN) liquid crystal element. It should be noted that the liquid crystal element 1 is of course not limited to a twisted nematic liquid crystal element.

[0084] 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 numeral in parentheses assigned to the emitted light L indicates the traveling direction of the emitted light L. In addition, Figure 3 in, the emitted light L emitted from the liquid crystal element 1 is shown on the + side in the third direction D3 with respect to the liquid crystal element 1.

[0085] 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. When a potential is applied to the liquid crystal element 1, as will be described later, the emitted light L emitted from the liquid crystal element 1 travels along the fourth direction D4 or the fifth direction D5. In other words, when a potential is applied to the liquid crystal element 1, the emitted light L is refracted so as to travel along the fourth direction D4 or the fifth direction D5.

[0086] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the potential of the resistance film 41 when the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the emitted light L so as 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 in the second direction D2 with respect to the third direction D3.

[0087] Figure 4 The points on the horizontal axis showing the second direction D2 in the shown diagram represent the positions in the second direction D2. In addition, Figure 4 The arrows corresponding to the reference numerals in parentheses in the shown diagram indicate the ranges of the portions of the resistance film 41. It should be noted that Figure 3 also shows the points representing the positions in the second direction D2.

[0088] In Figure 3 , 4 The first point P1 and the second point P2 shown correspond to the end on the - side in the second direction D2 in the first repeating portion 41a of the resistance film 41 of the first element group 40a shown in Figure 3 , and the end on the + side in the second direction D2 in the first repeating portion 41a.

[0089] In Figure 3 , 4 The third point P3, the fourth point P4, the fifth point P5, and the sixth point P6 shown correspond to those in Figure 3The end on the - side in the second direction D2 of the second repeating portion 41b in the resistance film 41 of the second element group 40b shown, the end on the + side in the second direction D2 of the second repeating portion 41b, the end on the - side in the second direction D2 of the first repeating portion 41a, and the end on the + side in the second direction D2 of the first repeating portion 41a.

[0090] At Figure 3 , 4 The seventh point P7, the eighth point P8, the ninth point P9, and the tenth point P10 shown in correspond to the end on the - side in the second direction D2 of the second repeating portion 41b in the resistance film 41 of the third element group 40c shown in Figure 3 the end on the + side in the second direction D2 of the second repeating portion 41b, the end on the - side in the second direction D2 of the first repeating portion 41a, and the end on the + side in the second direction D2 of the first repeating portion 41a.

[0091] At Figure 3 , 4 The eleventh point P11 and the twelfth point P12 shown in correspond to the end on the - side in the second direction D2 of the second repeating portion 41b in the resistance film 41 of the fourth element group 40d shown in Figure 3 and the end on the + side in the second direction D2 of the second repeating portion 41b.

[0092] 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 42 and a second potential E2 higher than the first potential E1 is applied to the second electrode 43 by a control circuit (not shown).

[0093] In this case, in one resistance film 41, the potential of the second repeating portion 41b in contact with the second electrode 43 (for example, the portion between the third point P3 and the fourth point P4 in the second element group 40b) is equal to the second potential E2. Further, in one resistance film 41, the potential of the intermediate portion 41c between the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 (for example, the portion between the fourth point P4 and the fifth point P5 in the second element group 40b) linearly changes from the second potential E2 to the first potential E1 from the - side to the + side in the second direction D2. Moreover, in one resistance film 41, the potential of the first repeating portion 41a in contact with the first electrode 42 (for example, the portion between the fifth point P5 and the sixth point P6 in the second element group 40b) is equal to the first potential E1.

[0094] In addition, a first potential E1 is applied to the third electrode 50 by the 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 using the potential difference between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2.

[0095] The electric field generated by applying potentials to the first electrode 42, the second electrode 43, and the third electrode 50 acts on the liquid crystal layer 30, causing the liquid crystal molecules LM to tilt. 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.

[0096] Regarding Figure 4 For the phase of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 shown, the phase at the position corresponding to the most - side end of one resistive film 41 in the second direction D2 (e.g., the third point P3 in the second element group 40b) is set as the reference (i.e., the phase difference is 0 (zero)), and the maximum value of the phase difference generated by the potential of the resistive film 41 when the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 are applied is set as the first phase difference R1. It should be noted that Figure 4 The solid line showing the phase difference of the outgoing light L shown represents the locus in phase with the reference phase.

[0097] The phase difference of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 changes in a zigzag shape 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 41b is 0 (zero). In addition, the phase difference at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the intermediate portion 41c changes linearly from 0 (zero) to the first phase difference R1 from the - side to the + side in the second direction D2. Moreover, the phase difference at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the first repeating portion 41a is the first phase difference R1.

[0098] It should be noted that the phase difference between two adjacent resistive films 41 in the second direction D2 (e.g., between the second point P2 and the third point P3) changes linearly from the first phase difference R1 to 0 (zero) from the - side to the + side in the second direction D2.

[0099] The degree of inclination of the phase difference at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the intermediate portion 41c 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 intermediate portion 41c is longer than the sum of the lengths of the portions of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the first repeating portion 41a and the second repeating portion 41b.

[0100] By such as Figure 4As shown, the phase difference of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 is changed, so that the outgoing light L is refracted in the liquid crystal layer 30 and exits from the liquid crystal element 1 along the fourth direction D4.

[0101] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the potential of the resistance film 41 when the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the outgoing light L 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 in the second direction D2 with respect to the third direction D3.

[0102] 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 42 and the first potential E1 to the second electrode 43.

[0103] In this case, as Figure 5 shown, in one resistance film 41, the potential of the second repeating portion 41b in contact with the second electrode 43 (for example, the portion between the third point P3 and the fourth point P4 in the second element group 40b) is equal to the first potential E1. In addition, in one resistance film 41, the potential of the intermediate portion 41c (for example, the portion between the fourth point P4 and the fifth point P5 in the second element group 40b) linearly changes from the - side to the + side from the first potential E1 to the second potential E2 in the second direction D2. Moreover, in one resistance film 41, the potential of the first repeating portion 41a in contact with the first electrode 42 (see Figure 3 : for example, the portion between the fifth point P5 and the sixth point P6 in the second element group 40b) is equal to the second potential E2.

[0104] In addition, the control circuit applies the first potential E1 to the third electrode 50. 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 inclination degree 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.

[0105] By applying potentials to the first electrode 42, the second electrode 43, and the third electrode 50, 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.

[0106] Regarding Figure 5The phase of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 is set with reference to the phase at the position corresponding to the most +-side end of one resistance film 41 in the second direction D2 (for example, the sixth point P6 in the second element group 40b) (that is, the phase difference is 0 (zero)), and the maximum value of the phase difference generated by the potentials applied to the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 is set as the first phase difference R1.

[0107] The phase difference of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 changes in a zigzag shape 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 41b is the first phase difference R1. The phase difference at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the intermediate portion 41c linearly changes from the - side to the + side from the first phase difference R1 to 0 (zero) in the second direction D2. Moreover, the phase difference at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the first repeating portion 41a is 0 (zero).

[0108] It should be noted that the phase difference between two adjacent resistance films 41 in the second direction D2 linearly changes from 0 (zero) to the first phase difference R1 from the - side to the + side in the second direction D2.

[0109] The degree of inclination of the phase difference at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the intermediate portion 41c corresponds to the angle formed by the third direction D3 and the fifth direction D5.

[0110] By making the phase difference of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 change as Figure 5 shown, the outgoing light L is refracted in the liquid crystal layer 30 and exits from the liquid crystal element 1 in a manner along the fifth direction D5.

[0111] In this way, the liquid crystal element 1 can refract the outgoing light L with a simple configuration. In addition, the angle formed by the fourth direction D4 and the third direction D3 and the angle formed by the fifth direction D5 and the third direction D3 can be adjusted by the potentials applied to the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43. Therefore, the liquid crystal element 1 can easily adjust the outgoing direction of light.

[0112] <First Embodiment Variation>

[0113] Next, for the liquid crystal element 1a of the variation of the first embodiment, the parts different from the liquid crystal element 1 of the above-described first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0114] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element 1a of the variation of the first embodiment of the present invention. In the element group 140 of this variation, the first electrode 142 and the second electrode 143 are separated from the resistance film 141.

[0115] In addition, in this modified example, compared with the above-described first embodiment, the lengths of the first electrode 142 and the second electrode 143 in the second direction D2 are longer. In this modified example, compared with the above-described first embodiment, regarding the + side end in the second direction D2 in the second repeating portion 41b and the - side end in the second direction D2 in the first repeating portion 41a in the element group 140, the positions in the second direction D2 are different.

[0116] Figure 7 FIG. shows the potential of the resistance film 141 and the phase difference of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 when the liquid crystal element 1a of the modified example of the first embodiment refracts the outgoing light L so as to be along the fourth direction D4.

[0117] When the liquid crystal element 1a refracts the outgoing light L in the fourth direction D4, the control circuit applies the first potential E1 to the first electrode 142 and the second potential E2 to the second electrode 143.

[0118] Thereby, as Figure 7 shown, in one resistance film 141, the potential between the - side end and the + side end in the second direction D2 (for example, between the third point P3 and the sixth point P6 in the second element group 40b) changes curvilinearly from the fourth potential E4 to the third potential E3 lower than the fourth potential E4. In this modified example, the curvilinear shape is an S shape.

[0119] In this modified example, since the first electrode 142 and the second electrode 143 are separated from the resistance film 141, the third potential E3 is smaller than the first potential E1 applied to the first electrode 142, and the fourth potential E4 is smaller than the second potential E2 applied to the second electrode 143. The third potential E3, the fourth potential E4, and the curvilinear shape are determined by the distance in the third direction D3 between the first electrode 142 and the second electrode 143 and the resistance film 141, the resistance value of the resistance film 141, and the like.

[0120] In addition, regarding Figure 7 the phase of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 shown, the phase at the position corresponding to the most - side end of one resistance film 141 in the second direction D2 (for example, the third point P3 in the second element group 40b) is set as a reference (that is, the phase difference is 0 (zero)), and the maximum value of the phase difference generated by the potential of the resistance film 141 when the first electrode 142 and the second electrode 143 are applied is set as the second phase difference R2.

[0121] The phase difference of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 varies in a zigzag manner between 0 (zero) and the second phase difference R2 along the second direction D2. Specifically, at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to one resistance film 141, the phase difference between the end on the - side and the end on the + side in the second direction D2 (for example, between the third point P3 and the sixth point P6 in the second element group 40b) varies curvilinearly from - side to + side from 0 (zero) to the second phase difference R2 in the second direction D2. In this modified example, the curvilinear shape is an S - shape.

[0122] By making Figure 7 the phase difference of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 vary as shown, the outgoing light L is refracted in the liquid crystal layer 30 and exits the liquid crystal element 1a along the fourth direction D4. It should be noted that when the liquid crystal element 1a refracts the outgoing light L toward the fifth direction D5, the control circuit applies the second potential E2 to the first electrode 142 and the first potential E1 to the second electrode 143.

[0123] <Second Embodiment>

[0124] Next, for the liquid crystal element 1b of the second embodiment, the parts different from the liquid crystal element 1 of the above - mentioned first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0125] Figure 8 is a cross - sectional view of the liquid crystal element 1b of the second embodiment of the present invention. The liquid crystal element 1b of this second embodiment includes one resistance film 241, a plurality of first electrodes 242, and a plurality of second electrodes 243 instead of the plurality of element groups 40 included in the liquid crystal element 1 of the above - mentioned first embodiment.

[0126] The size of the resistance film 241 of this second embodiment, as viewed from above, is different from that of the resistance film 41 of the above - mentioned first embodiment. The number of resistance films 241 included in the liquid crystal element 1b is one. The resistance film 241 overlaps with the refraction region RA as viewed from above.

[0127] The plurality of first electrodes 242 and the plurality of second electrodes 243 extend along the first direction D1 as viewed from above, and overlap with the resistance film 241 in a state where the first electrodes 242 and the second electrodes 243 are alternately arranged in the second direction D2.

[0128] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the potential of the resistance film 241 and the phase difference of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 when the liquid crystal element 1b of the second embodiment refracts the outgoing light L. The liquid crystal element 1b of this second embodiment refracts the outgoing light L so as to simultaneously travel along both the fourth direction D4 and the fifth direction D5.

[0129] Figure 8 , 9The 21st point P21, 22nd point P22, 23rd point P23, 24th point P24, 25th point P25, 26th point P26, 27th point P27, and 28th point P28 corresponding to positions in the second direction D2 shown correspond to Figure 8 the ends on the - side and + side in the second direction D2 at the first repeating portion 241a and the second repeating portion 241b shown.

[0130] When the liquid crystal element 1b refracts the outgoing light L, the control circuit applies a first potential E1 to the first electrode 242 and a second potential E2 to the second electrode 243.

[0131] As a result, the potential of the resistance film 241 changes in a zigzag shape between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2 along the second direction D2. Specifically, in the resistance film 241, the potential of the first repeating portion 241a in contact with the first electrode 242 (for example, the portion between the 21st point P21 and the 22nd point P22) is equal to the first potential E1. In the resistance film 241, the potential of the first intermediate portion 241c1 (for example, the portion between the 22nd point P22 and the 23rd point P23) of the intermediate portion 241c between the first electrode 242 and the second electrode 243, where there is the second repeating portion 241b on the + side in the second direction D2, changes linearly from the - side to the + side from the first potential E1 to the second potential E2 in the second direction D2.

[0132] In addition, in the resistance film 241, the potential of the second repeating portion 241b in contact with the second electrode 243 (for example, the portion between the 23rd point P23 and the 24th point P24) is equal to the second potential E2. In the resistance film 241, the potential of the second intermediate portion 241c2 (for example, the portion between the 24th point P24 and the 25th point P25) of the intermediate portion 241c between the first electrode 242 and the second electrode 243, where there is the first repeating portion 241a on the + side in the second direction D2, changes linearly from the - side to the + side from the second potential E2 to the first potential E1 in the second direction D2.

[0133] In addition, using the control circuit, the first potential E1 is applied to the third electrode 50 in the same manner as the first electrode 242. The potential difference between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2 is determined based on the angles formed by the fourth direction D4 and the fifth direction D5 with the third direction D3.

[0134] By applying potentials to the first electrode 242, the second electrode 243, and the third electrode 50, the refractive index of the outgoing light L in the liquid crystal layer 30 changes along the second direction D2, and a phase difference is generated in the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30.

[0135] Regarding Figure 9The phase of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 is set with the phase at the position corresponding to the end (e.g., the 23rd point P23) on the - side of the second repeating portion 241b in the second direction D2 as a reference (i.e., the phase difference is 0 (zero)). In the present second embodiment, the maximum value of the phase difference generated by the potentials applied to the first electrode 242 and the second electrode 243 is set as the first phase difference R1.

[0136] The phase difference of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 changes in a zigzag shape 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 first repeating portion 241a is the first phase difference R1. The phase difference of the first intermediate portion 241c1 changes linearly from - side to + side from the first phase difference R1 to 0 (zero) in the second direction D2.

[0137] In addition, the phase difference at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the second repeating portion 241b is 0 (zero). The phase difference at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the second intermediate portion 241c2 of the resistance film 241 changes linearly from - side to + side from 0 (zero) to the first phase difference R1 in the second direction D2.

[0138] By making the phase difference of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 change as Figure 9 shown, the outgoing light L is refracted in the liquid crystal layer 30 and exits from the liquid crystal element 1b in a manner along both the fourth direction D4 and the fifth direction D5. It should be noted that the control circuit may also apply the second potential E2 to the first electrode 242 and the first potential E1 to the second electrode 243.

[0139] <The Third Embodiment>

[0140] Next, for the liquid crystal element 1c of the third embodiment, the parts different from the liquid crystal element 1 of the above first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0141] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element 1c which is a modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention. The liquid crystal element 1c of the present third embodiment further includes a plurality of light-shielding layers 360 with respect to the liquid crystal element 1 of the above first embodiment.

[0142] The plurality of light-shielding layers 360 are arranged on the first substrate 10. In a top view, the light-shielding layers 360 are in a strip shape extending along the first direction D1. The light-shielding layers 360 overlap with the gap G between two element groups 40 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 in a top view. The light-shielding layers 360 block the outgoing light L from passing through the gap G.

[0143] Figure 11It is a diagram showing the potential of the resistance film 41 when the liquid crystal element 1c of the third embodiment refracts the outgoing light L so as to be along the fourth direction D4, and the phase difference of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30.

[0144] In the liquid crystal element 1c of this third embodiment, compared with the liquid crystal element 1 of the first embodiment described above, the gap G between two element groups 40 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 is larger. Therefore, in Figure 10 , 11 , the length Hg of the gap G in the second direction D2 (in Figure 11 , for example, is the length between the second point P2 and the third point P3) is larger than that in Figure 4 , 5 .

[0145] When the liquid crystal element 1c refracts the outgoing light L in the fourth direction D4, similarly to the first embodiment described above, the control circuit applies the first potential E1 to the first electrode 42 and the second potential E2 to the second electrode 43.

[0146] In this case, Figure 11 the potential of one resistance film 41 shown in Figure 4 is the same as the potential of one resistance film 41 shown in

[0147] By applying potentials to the first electrode 42, the second electrode 43, and the third electrode 50, the refractive index of the outgoing light L in the liquid crystal layer 30 changes along the second direction D2, and a phase difference is generated in the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30.

[0148] Figure 11 The phase difference of the outgoing light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 shown in Figure 4 changes in a zigzag shape between 0 (zero) and the first phase difference R1 along the second direction D2, similarly to the phase difference shown in

[0149] In addition, in this third embodiment, the length Hg of the gap G along the second direction D2 is determined as follows. First, the first imaginary line Lv1, the second imaginary line Lv2, the third imaginary line Lv3, and the fourth imaginary line Lv4 shown in Figure 10 , 11 will be described. It should be noted that the resistance film 41 on the - side in the second direction D2 among the two resistance films 41 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 shown in Figure 10 is defined as the first resistance film 341L, and the resistance film 41 on the + side in the second direction D2 is defined as the second resistance film 341R. The second resistance film 341R is the resistance film 41 among the plurality of resistance films 41 that is adjacent to the first resistance film 341L on the first electrode 42 side of the first resistance film 341L in the second direction D2.

[0150] In addition, one surface on the - side in the third direction D3 in the liquid crystal layer 30 is defined as the incident surface 30a. The outgoing light L is incident on the liquid crystal layer 30 from the incident surface 30a. In Figure 11 , 12 , the incident surface 30a corresponds to the dotted line indicating the reference (0 (zero)) of the phase difference.

[0151] The first imaginary line Lv1 is an imaginary line passing through the end point (the fourth point P4) on the second electrode 43 side of the middle part 341cL (corresponding to the "first part") of the first resistive film 341L and parallel to the third direction D3.

[0152] The second imaginary line Lv2 is an imaginary line passing through the end point (the fifth point P5) on the first electrode 42 side of the middle part 341cL and parallel to the third direction D3.

[0153] The third imaginary line Lv3 is an imaginary line passing through the end point (the eighth point P8) on the second electrode 43 side of the middle part 341cR (corresponding to the "second part") of the second resistive film 341R and parallel to the third direction D3.

[0154] The fourth imaginary line Lv4 is an imaginary line connecting the first imaginary point Pv1 and the second imaginary point Pv2 on the second imaginary line Lv2. The first imaginary point Pv1 is the intersection point of the first imaginary line Lv1 and the incident surface 30a, and the phase of the outgoing light L at the second imaginary point Pv2 is in the same phase as the phase of the outgoing light L at the first imaginary point Pv1.

[0155] In addition, as Figure 11 shown, the length between the third imaginary point Pv3 and the fourth imaginary point Pv4 is defined as the imaginary length Hv. The third imaginary point Pv3 is the intersection point of the third imaginary line Lv3 and the fourth imaginary line Lv4, and the fourth imaginary point Pv4 is the intersection point of the third imaginary line Lv3 and the incident surface 30a.

[0156] The length Hg of the above gap G is determined in a state where the imaginary length Hv becomes an odd multiple of the wavelength of the outgoing light L. By determining the length Hg of the gap G in this way, compared with the case where the length Hg of the gap G is determined in a state where the imaginary length Hv is not an odd multiple of the wavelength of the outgoing light L, the liquid crystal element 1c refracts the outgoing light L so as to further follow the fourth direction D4. In other words, when the length Hg of the gap G is determined in a state where the imaginary length Hv becomes an odd multiple of the wavelength of the outgoing light L, the outgoing light L refracted in the liquid crystal layer 30 converges so as to further follow the fourth direction D4.

[0157] Figure 12It is a diagram showing the potential of the resistance film 41 when the liquid crystal element 1d of the comparative example refracts the emitted light L in a direction along the fourth direction D4, and the phase difference of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30.

[0158] The liquid crystal element 1d of the comparative example is configured in the same manner as the liquid crystal element 1c of the third embodiment except for the length Hg of the gap G. Figure 12 The length Hg of the shown gap G is longer than Figure 11 the length Hg of the gap G of the shown liquid crystal element 1c. In the liquid crystal element 1d of the comparative example, Figure 12 the length Hg of the shown gap G is determined such that the imaginary length Hv becomes an even multiple of the wavelength of the emitted light L.

[0159] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the intensity of the emitted light L and the refraction angle in the emitted light L emitted from the liquid crystal element 1c of the third embodiment and the emitted light L emitted from the liquid crystal element 1d of the comparative example.

[0160] In Figure 13 , the horizontal axis is the refraction angle of the emitted light L, and the vertical axis is the intensity of the emitted light L. It should be noted that in Figure 13 the shown example, the liquid crystal element 1c of the third embodiment and the liquid crystal element 1d of the comparative example refract the emitted light L in a direction along the fourth direction D4. The refraction angle corresponding to the fourth direction D4 is set as the first refraction angle θ1.

[0161] In addition, in Figure 13 the shown example, the imaginary length Hv in the liquid crystal element 1c of the third embodiment is 23 times the wavelength, and the imaginary length Hv in the liquid crystal element 1d of the comparative example is 24 times the wavelength. In addition, in Figure 11 the phase difference of the shown emitted light L and Figure 13 the phase difference of the shown emitted light L, the length between the fifth imaginary point Pv5, which is the intersection of the second imaginary line Lv2 and the incident surface 30a, and the second imaginary point Pv2 is 12 times the wavelength and is equal to each other.

[0162] It should be noted that the inclination degree of the phase difference at the part of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the intermediate part 41c of the liquid crystal element 1c of the third embodiment and the liquid crystal element 1d of the comparative example is equal. That is, in Figure 11 the phase difference of the shown emitted light L and Figure 13 the phase difference of the shown emitted light L, the inclination degree (and the inclination degree between the eighth point P8 and the ninth point P9) between the fourth point P4 and the fifth point P5 is equal.

[0163] As Figure 13As shown, the intensity of the outgoing light L is dispersed centering on the first refraction angle θ1. The degree of dispersion in the liquid crystal element 1c of the third embodiment is smaller than that in the liquid crystal element 1d of the comparative example. In addition, the maximum value of the intensity of the outgoing light L in the liquid crystal element 1c of the third embodiment is larger than the maximum value of the intensity of the outgoing light L in the liquid crystal element 1d of the comparative example. That is, compared with the liquid crystal element 1d of the comparative example, the liquid crystal element 1c of the third embodiment refracts the outgoing light L so as to further follow the fourth direction D4.

[0164] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, 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 naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0165] In addition, regarding other effects brought about by the solutions described in the above embodiments, the effects known from the description of this specification or the effects that can be appropriately conceived by those skilled in the art should of course be understood as the effects brought about by the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal element comprising: A first substrate having a plurality of element groups disposed thereon, wherein the element groups include a resistor film and a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected to the resistor film; a second substrate having a third electrode disposed thereon; and a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, The resistive film is in the shape of a strip extending along the first direction when viewed from above. The first electrode and the second electrode extend along the first direction in a plan view and overlap the resistive film in a state of being opposed to each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The plurality of element groups are arranged along the second direction in a plan view, The third electrode overlaps with the plurality of resistive films in a plan view.

2. The liquid crystal element according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrode and the second electrode are in contact with the resistive film.

3. The liquid crystal element according to claim 1, wherein, A first potential is applied to the first electrode, and a second potential higher than the first potential is applied to the second electrode.

4. A liquid crystal element comprising: A first substrate having a resistive film and a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes electrically connected to the resistive film; a second substrate having a third electrode disposed thereon; and a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, The plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes extend along a first direction in a plan view, and overlap the resistive film in a state where the first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The third electrode overlaps with the resistive film in a plan view.

5. A liquid crystal element comprising: A first substrate having a plurality of element groups and a plurality of light shielding layers, wherein the element groups include a resistor film and a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected to the resistor film; a second substrate having a third electrode disposed thereon; and a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, The resistive film is in the shape of a strip extending along the first direction when viewed from above. The first electrode and the second electrode extend along the first direction in a plan view and overlap the resistive film in a state of facing each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The element group is arranged in a plurality along the second direction when viewed from above, The light shielding layer is in a strip shape extending along the first direction in a plan view, and overlaps a gap between two adjacent element groups in the second direction. The third electrode overlaps with the plurality of resistive films in a plan view.

6. The liquid crystal element according to claim 5, wherein, Light is incident on the liquid crystal layer from the incident surface on the first substrate side along a third direction that is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. The first electrode and the second electrode are in contact with the resistive film. In a cross-sectional shape when the first potential is applied to the first electrode and a second potential higher than the first potential is applied to the second electrode, when the cross-sectional shape is cut along a plane perpendicular to the first direction, a first imaginary line passing through an end point on the second electrode side of a first portion between the first electrode and the second electrode in the second direction in a first resistor film among the plurality of resistor films and parallel to the third direction, A virtual line passing through the end point on the first electrode side of the first portion and parallel to the third direction is defined as the second virtual line. A virtual line passing through the end point on the second electrode side of the second portion between the first electrode and the second electrode in the second direction in the second resistance film and parallel to the third direction is defined as the third virtual line, where the second resistance film is a resistance film adjacent to the first resistance film on the first electrode side of the first resistance film in the second direction among the plurality of resistance films. A virtual line connecting the first virtual point and the second virtual point on the second virtual line is defined as the fourth virtual line, where the first virtual point is the intersection of the first virtual line and the incident surface, and the phase of the light at the second virtual point is the same as the phase of the light at the first virtual point. The length between the third virtual point and the fourth virtual point is an odd multiple of the wavelength of the light, where the third virtual point is the intersection of the third virtual line and the fourth virtual line, and the fourth virtual point is the intersection of the third virtual line and the incident surface.

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