LIGHT CONTROL DEVICE AND LIGHTING DEVICE

Abstract

Light control device (200), provided with: a first liquid crystal cell (10) having a first liquid crystal layer (LC1) between a pair of substrates, a second liquid crystal cell (20) having a second liquid crystal layer (LC2) between a pair of substrates, and a polarization conversion element (PC) arranged between the first and the second liquid crystal cell (10, 20), wherein a substrate of each of the first and the second liquid crystal cell (10, 20) is provided with: an insulating substrate (12), several first electrodes (E1) arranged in one direction on the insulating substrate (12) and formed in a band shape, a first inorganic insulating film (IL1) covering the several first electrodes (E1), several second electrodes (E2) intersecting the first electrodes (E1) on the first inorganic insulating film (IL1) and formed in a band shape, a second inorganic insulating film (IL2),which covers the several second electrodes (E2), and several third electrodes (E3) that cross the first electrodes (E1) and the second electrodes (E2) on the second inorganic insulating film (IL2) and are formed in a ribbon shape.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The embodiment of the present invention relates to a light control device and a lighting device. Background technology

[0002] In recent years, light control devices using liquid crystal cells have been proposed. Such light control devices primarily serve to focus or diverge a single polarization component. In one example, a light control device is disclosed in which two liquid crystal cells are stacked, and one polarization component is modulated in one liquid crystal cell and the other polarization component in the other liquid crystal cell. In other examples, a technique is known in which several liquid crystal lenses overlap, and the band electrodes of one liquid crystal lens overlap the band electrodes of another liquid crystal lens in a staggered manner, with the band electrodes arranged in a pseudomicrostructure.

[0003] In a process where opposing electrodes are arranged over a liquid crystal layer, high accuracy is required when laminating paired substrates. Identified documents / patent documents Patent document 1: US 20190025657 A1 Patent Document 2: JP 2010-230887 A Overview of the invention Problem to be solved by the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present embodiment is to provide a light control device and a lighting device that can reduce manufacturing costs. Means of solving the task

[0005] The light control device of the present embodiment is provided with a first liquid crystal cell having a first liquid crystal layer between a pair of substrates, a second liquid crystal cell having a second liquid crystal layer between a pair of substrates, and a polarization conversion element arranged between the first and the second liquid crystal cell, wherein a substrate of each of the first and the second liquid crystal cell is provided with an insulating substrate, several first electrodes arranged in one direction on the insulating substrate and formed in a band shape, a first inorganic insulating film covering the several first electrodes, and several second electrodes intersecting the first electrodes on the first inorganic insulating film and formed in a band shape.

[0006] The light control device of the present embodiment is provided with a first liquid crystal cell having a first liquid crystal layer between a pair of substrates, a second liquid crystal cell having a second liquid crystal layer between a pair of substrates, and a polarization conversion element arranged between the first and the second liquid crystal cell, wherein a substrate of each of the first and the second liquid crystal cell is provided with an insulating substrate, a plate-shaped first electrode arranged on the insulating substrate, a first inorganic insulating film covering the first electrode, and several second electrodes arranged concentrically on the first inorganic insulating film and superimposed on the first electrode.

[0007] The lighting device of the present embodiment is provided with a light source and the above light control device, which is designed to control light emitted by the light source. Effects of the invention

[0008] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a light control device and a lighting device that can reduce manufacturing costs. List of characters Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of a lighting device 100 of the present embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 shows an expanded oblique view of a light control device 200. Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of a Fig. 2 shown first liquid crystal cell 10 along line AB. Fig. Figure 4 shows a view to illustrate the optical effect in the first liquid crystal cell 10. Fig. Figure 5 shows a top view of a second training example of the first liquid crystal cell 10. Fig. Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the in Fig. 5 shown first liquid crystal cell 10 along line AB. Fig. Figure 7 shows a view to illustrate the optical effect in the first liquid crystal cell 10. Fig. Figure 8 shows a top view of a third training example of the first liquid crystal cell 10. Fig. Figure 9 shows a sectional view of the in Fig. 8 shown first liquid crystal cell 10 along line AB. Fig. Figure 10 shows a top view of a fourth training example of the first liquid crystal cell 10. Fig. Figure 11 shows a sectional view of the Fig. 10 shown first liquid crystal cell 10 along line AB. Embodiments of the invention

[0009] The present embodiments are explained below with reference to the drawings. The disclosure is merely an example, and the subject matter which, with regard to a suitable modification while maintaining the essential content of the invention, would be readily obvious to a person skilled in the art, is of course included within the scope of the present invention. To further clarify the explanation, the drawings may also schematically show the width, thickness, shape, etc., of the individual parts in comparison to their actual form; however, this is merely an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present invention.In the present description and the respective drawings, the components that perform the same or similar functions as those shown in the drawings already mentioned are marked with the same reference symbols, and overlapping detailed explanations may be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a lighting device 100 according to the present embodiment. In this example, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are orthogonal to each other, although they can also intersect at an angle other than 90 degrees. The first direction X and the second direction Y correspond to directions parallel to the substrate contained in the lighting device 100, and the third direction Z corresponds to the thickness direction of the lighting device 100. In the present embodiment, the view of the XY plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y is referred to as the top view.

[0011] The lighting device 100 is equipped with a light source LS, a light control device 200 designed to control the light emitted by the light source LS, and a control unit CT. The light source LS emits light along the third direction Z. The light emitted by the light source LS is, for example, natural light. The light control device 200 superimposes the light source LS in the third direction Z. The light control device 200 comprises a first liquid crystal cell 10, a second liquid crystal cell 20, and a polarization conversion element PC. The first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 have essentially the same components, but may also have different components. The polarization conversion element PC is arranged between the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20.

[0012] The first liquid crystal cell 10 is provided with a first substrate SUB1, a second substrate SUB2, and a first liquid crystal layer LC1. The first substrate SUB1 is provided with an insulating substrate 11 and a first alignment layer AL1. The light source LS is positioned such that it is opposite the insulating substrate 11 in the third direction Z. The second substrate SUB2 is provided with an insulating substrate 12 and a second alignment layer AL2, which covers the insulating substrate 12. The first liquid crystal layer LC1 is held between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 and is in contact with the first alignment layer AL1 and the second alignment layer AL2. The first liquid crystal layer LC1 is sealed by a gasket SE1.

[0013] The second liquid crystal cell 20 is provided with a third substrate SUB3, a fourth substrate SUB4, and the second liquid crystal layer LC2. The third substrate SUB3 is provided with an insulating substrate 21 and a third alignment layer AL3. The fourth substrate SUB4 is provided with an insulating substrate 22 and a fourth alignment layer AL4, which covers the insulating substrate 22. The second liquid crystal layer LC2 is held between the third substrate SUB3 and the fourth substrate SUB4 and is in contact with the third alignment layer AL3 and the fourth alignment layer AL4. The second liquid crystal layer LC2 is sealed by a gasket SE2.In such a second liquid crystal cell 20, the third substrate SUB3 has the same components as the first substrate SUB1, the fourth substrate SUB4 has the same components as the second substrate SUB2, and the formation of the second liquid crystal layer LC2 is the same as the formation of the first liquid crystal layer LC1.

[0014] The polarization conversion element PC is provided with a fifth substrate SUB5, a sixth substrate SUB6, and a third liquid crystal layer LC3. The fifth substrate SUB5 is provided with an insulating substrate 31 and a fifth alignment layer AL5, which covers the insulating substrate 31. The sixth substrate SUB6 is provided with an insulating substrate 32 and a sixth alignment layer AL6, which covers the insulating substrate 32. The third liquid crystal layer LC3 is held between the fifth substrate SUB5 and the sixth substrate SUB6 and is in contact with the fifth alignment layer AL5 and the sixth alignment layer AL6. The third liquid crystal layer LC3 is sealed by a gasket SE3.The fifth alignment layer AL5 and the sixth alignment layer AL6 are horizontally aligned layers exhibiting an alignment regulating force substantially parallel to the XY plane and undergo alignment processing in a predetermined direction. This alignment processing can involve friction treatment or light alignment. The alignment processing direction of the fifth alignment layer AL5 intersects the alignment processing direction of the sixth alignment layer AL6. The third liquid crystal layer LC3 contains liquid crystal molecules LM3 that are twisted and aligned between the fifth alignment layer AL5 and the sixth alignment layer AL6. Such a polarization conversion element PC is not equipped with electrodes. Therefore, no electric field is generated in the third liquid crystal layer LC3, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules LM3 remains unchanged.is maintained by the alignment regulating force of the fifth alignment layer AL5 and the sixth alignment layer AL6.

[0015] The insulating substrates 11 and 12, the insulating substrates 21 and 22, and the insulating substrates 31 and 32 are transparent substrates, such as glass and resin substrates.

[0016] The polarization conversion element PC is superimposed on the first liquid crystal cell 10 in the third direction Z. The insulating substrate 12 and the insulating substrate 31 are bonded to each other by a transparent adhesive layer AD1. The refractive index of the adhesive layer AD1 corresponds to the refractive index of the insulating substrates 12 and 31.

[0017] The second liquid crystal cell 20 superimposes the polarization conversion element PC in the third direction Z. The insulating substrate 32 and the insulating substrate 21 are bonded together by a transparent adhesive layer AD2. The refractive index of the adhesive layer AD2 corresponds to the refractive index of the insulating substrates 32 and 21.

[0018] The CT controller is equipped with a light source controller LCT and voltage controllers DCT1 and DCT2. The light source controller LCT, for example, controls the current value with which the light source LS is driven. The voltage controller DCT1 controls a voltage to be applied to the first liquid crystal layer LC1. The voltage controller DCT2 controls a voltage to be applied to the second liquid crystal layer LC2.

[0019] Here, the role of the polarization conversion element PC is explained.

[0020] In the polarization conversion element PC, for example, the alignment processing direction AD5 of the fifth alignment layer AL5 is parallel to the second direction Y, and the alignment processing direction AD6 of the sixth alignment layer AL6 is parallel to the first direction XD h. The alignment processing direction AD5 is orthogonal to the alignment processing direction AD6. The liquid crystal molecules LM3 are aligned by the alignment regulating force of the fifth alignment layer AL5 and the sixth alignment layer AL6, rotated by 90° between the fifth alignment layer AL5 and the sixth alignment layer AL6. The polarization conversion element PC with such a configuration exhibits the optical rotation capability to rotate the polarization plane of the polarization component (linearly polarized light) of the incident light by 90°. The polarization conversion element PC converts, for example,The first polarization component of the incident light is converted into the second polarization component, and the second polarization component is converted back into the first polarization component. The polarization plane of the first polarization component is orthogonal to the polarization plane of the second polarization component. If the direction of travel of light is along the third direction Z, the polarization component with a polarization plane along the first direction X is called the first polarized light (P-polarized light) POL1, and the polarization component with a polarization plane along the second direction Y is called the second polarized light (S-polarized light) POL2. For example, the first polarization component is the first polarized light POL1, and the second polarization component is the second polarized light POL2.

[0021] Here, the case in which the polarization conversion element PC is a twisted nematic liquid crystal element without electrodes is explained; however, the present invention is not limited to this case. That is to say, the polarization conversion element PC can also be another element that has the function of converting the first polarization component of the incident light into the second polarization component and the second polarization component of the incident light into the first polarization component. << First training example >>

[0022] Fig. Figure 2 shows a distorted oblique view of the light control device 200. Fig. Figure 2 shows only the main part.

[0023] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the first substrate SUB1 is provided with several first electrodes E1 and several second electrodes E2. The multiple first electrodes E1 are arranged in a line in the first direction X. Each of the first electrodes E1 extends in the second direction Y and is formed in a band-like shape. The multiple second electrodes E2 are arranged in a line in the second direction Y and intersect the multiple first electrodes E1. Each of the second electrodes E2 extends in the first direction X and is formed in a band-like shape. The second substrate SUB2, shown with dashed lines, is not provided with electrodes but may be provided with a common electrode opposite the first electrodes E1 and the second electrodes E2.

[0024] The multiple first electrodes E1 are electrically connected to a voltage supply VS1. Adjacent first electrodes E1 can be supplied with different voltages, or all first electrodes E1 can be supplied with the same voltage.

[0025] The multiple second electrodes E2 are electrically connected to a power supply VS2. Adjacent second electrodes E2 can be supplied with different voltages, or all second electrodes E2 can be supplied with the same voltage. For example, the power supply VS2 supplies each of the second electrodes E2 with a voltage different from the voltage at the first electrode E1, but it can also supply the same voltage as the first electrode E1. The supply of voltage to the second electrode E2 by the power supply VS2 can occur simultaneously with the supply of voltage to the first electrode E1 by the power supply VS1, or at different times. The supply of voltage to the first electrode E1 and the supply of voltage to the second electrode E2 can also occur alternately.

[0026] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third substrate SUB3 is provided with multiple electrodes E11 and multiple electrodes E12. The multiple electrodes E11 are arranged in a row in the first direction X. Each of the electrodes E11 extends in the second direction Y and is formed in a band-like configuration. The multiple electrodes E12 are arranged in a row in the second direction Y and intersect the multiple electrodes E11. Each of the electrodes E12 extends in the first direction X and is formed in a band-like configuration. In one example, electrode E11 superimposes on the first electrode E1 in the third direction Z, and electrode E12 superimposes on the second electrode E2 in the third direction Z. Electrode E11 can be arranged offset in the first direction X with respect to the first electrode E1, and electrode E12 can be arranged offset in the second direction Y with respect to the second electrode E2.Furthermore, the direction of extension of electrode E11 need not be parallel to the direction of extension of the first electrode E1, and the direction of extension of electrode E12 need not be parallel to the direction of extension of the second electrode E2. The fourth substrate SUB4, shown with dashed lines, is not provided with electrodes, but may be provided with a common electrode opposite electrodes E11 and E12.

[0027] The multiple electrodes E11 are electrically connected to the power supply VS11, and the multiple electrodes E12 are electrically connected to the power supply VS12. In one example, the power supply VS12 supplies each of the electrodes E12 with a voltage that differs from the voltage at electrode E11; however, it can also supply the same voltage as electrode E11. The power supply to electrode E12 by the power supply VS12 can occur simultaneously with the power supply to electrode E11 by the power supply VS11, or at different times. The power supply to electrode E11 and the power supply to electrode E12 can also occur alternately.The first electrode E1 and the electrode E11 can be supplied with power simultaneously, as can the second electrode E2 and the electrode E12. Alternatively, the first electrode E1 and the electrode E11, as well as the second electrode E2 and the electrode E12, can be supplied with power alternately.

[0028] In the first in Fig. In the training example shown, the first electrodes E1 and the second electrodes E2 are orthogonal to each other, but can cross at an angle other than 90°.

[0029] Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the in Fig. 2 shown first liquid crystal cell 10 along line AB.

[0030] In the first substrate SUB 1, the first electrode E1 is arranged on the insulating substrate 11 and covered with an insulating film IL1. The second electrode E2 is arranged on the insulating film IL1 and covered with the first alignment layer AL1. The first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 are transparent electrodes made of transparent conductive materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO) and indium zinc oxide (IZO). The insulating film IL1 corresponds to a first transparent inorganic insulating film made of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, etc. The insulating film IL1 can also be a transparent organic insulating film. At least one inorganic or one organic insulating film can be arranged between the insulating substrate 11 and the first electrode E1.

[0031] The first alignment layer AL1 and the second alignment layer AL2 are horizontally aligned layers and undergo alignment processing in a predefined direction. In one example, the alignment processing direction of the first alignment layer AL1 is essentially parallel to the alignment processing direction of the second alignment layer AL2. The first liquid crystal layer LC1 contains liquid crystal molecules LM1 that are homogeneously (horizontally) aligned between the first alignment layer AL1 and the second alignment layer AL2. The first liquid crystal layer LC1 is, for example, of the positive type with positive anisotropy of the dielectric constant, but it can also be of the negative type with negative anisotropy of the dielectric constant.

[0032] In Fig. 3 the section structure of the first liquid crystal cell 10 is explained, wherein the second liquid crystal cell 20 also has the same section structure as the first liquid crystal cell 10.

[0033] When the voltage control DCT1 supplies the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 with a predetermined voltage, an electric field is generated in the first liquid crystal layer LC1 and the liquid crystal molecules LM1 are aligned in such a way that its longitudinal axis runs along the electric field.

[0034] The liquid crystal molecule LM1 exhibits a refractive index anisotropy Δn. Therefore, the first liquid crystal layer LC1, in the switched-on state where the electric field is established, exhibits a refractive index distribution corresponding to the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules LM1. Alternatively, the first liquid crystal layer LC1 exhibits a retardation distribution, expressed by Δn·d when the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 along the third direction is zd. Such a refractive index distribution or retardation distribution forms a liquid crystal lens. That is, the liquid crystal lens corresponds to a lens with a distributed refractive index, which is formed in the first liquid crystal layer LC1. The first liquid crystal cell 10, in which such a liquid crystal lens is formed, refracts (focuses and diverges) the incident light, thereby producing an optical effect of scattering the incident light.The degree of scattering (modulation rate) is controlled by the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal layer LC1. That is, the modulation rate in the first liquid crystal cell 10 is controlled by the voltage control DCT1.

[0035] Here, the first liquid crystal cell 10 is described; however, the second liquid crystal cell 20 has the same components as the first liquid crystal cell 10. Therefore, the same liquid crystal lens can be formed in the second liquid crystal cell 20 as in the first liquid crystal cell 10 when switched on. The modulation rate in the second liquid crystal cell 20 is controlled by the voltage controller DCT2.

[0036] Fig. Figure 4 shows the view to illustrate the optical effect in the first liquid crystal cell 10.

[0037] View (A) of Fig. Figure 4 shows a view illustrating the optical effect of several first electrodes E1 arranged in the first direction X. For example, the case is assumed in which the adjacent first electrodes E1 are supplied with different voltages and the electric field between these first electrodes E1 acts on the first liquid crystal layer LC1. In the first liquid crystal layer LC1, a refractive index distribution is formed by the electric field of the first electrode E1. Of the light incident on the first liquid crystal layer LC1, the first polarized light POL1, for example, is scattered in a direction that is essentially orthogonal to the direction of extension of the first electrode E1. If the first electrode E1 extends in the second direction Y, the first polarized light POL1 is scattered in the first direction X.

[0038] View (B) of Fig. Figure 4 shows a view illustrating the optical effect of the multiple second electrodes E2 arranged in the second direction Y. For example, the case is assumed in which the adjacent second electrodes E2 are supplied with different voltages and the electric field between these second electrodes E2 acts on the first liquid crystal layer LC1. In the first liquid crystal layer LC1, a refractive index distribution is formed by the electric field of the second electrode E2. Of the light incident on the first liquid crystal layer LC1, for example, the first polarized light POL1 is scattered in the second direction Y, which is essentially orthogonal to the first direction X, which represents the extension direction of the second electrode E2.

[0039] Therefore, as shown in view (C) of Fig. Figure 4 shows the first polarized light POL1 scattered in at least four directions in the XY plane.

[0040] The optical effect of the first liquid crystal cell 10 is explained here; however, the second liquid crystal cell 20 also achieves the same optical effect as the first liquid crystal cell 10. Back to Fig. 1. The light emitted by the light source LS initially strikes the first liquid crystal cell 10. Within the first liquid crystal cell 10, some polarization components of the incident light (e.g., the first polarized light POL1) are scattered in several directions. Polarization components of the incident light (e.g., the second polarized light POL2), which pass through the first liquid crystal cell 10 almost without scattering, are rotated by 90° in their plane of polarization within the polarization conversion element PC. That is, the second polarized light POL2, which passes through the first liquid crystal cell 10, is converted into the first polarized light POL1 within the polarization conversion element PC. The transmitted light in the polarization conversion element PC becomes the incident light for the second liquid crystal cell 20.The first polarized light POL1, converted in the polarization conversion element PC, is scattered in several directions in the second liquid crystal cell 20. Therefore, both the first and second polarization components of the light emitted by the light source LS are scattered in several directions in the light control device 200.

[0041] In the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, which form the light control device 200, one substrate in each cell is provided with multiple electrode layers, while the other substrate of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 is not provided with electrodes (or the other substrate may be provided with solid electrodes that are not finely structured). Therefore, no high-precision positioning is required when laminating one substrate onto the other, and no expensive equipment is needed. Consequently, the manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0042] Furthermore, the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 have identical components, and compared to the case where the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are designed with different specifications, the production line can be standardized and the light control device 200 can be manufactured cost-effectively. << Second training example >>

[0043] Fig. Figure 5 shows a top view of a second training example of the first liquid crystal cell 10. The in Fig. The second training example shown in point 5 differs from the one in [reference missing]. Fig. The difference in the first illustrated example (2) is that the first substrate SUB1 is also provided with a third electrode E3. That is, the multiple first electrodes E1 are arranged in the first direction X. Each of the first electrodes E1 extends in the second direction Y and is formed in a band shape. The multiple second electrodes E2 are arranged in a different direction than the first electrodes E1. Each of the second electrodes E2 is formed in a band shape and crosses the first electrodes E1. The multiple third electrodes E3 are arranged in a different direction than the first electrodes E1 and the second electrodes E2. Each of the third electrodes E3 is formed in a band shape and crosses the first electrodes E1 and the second electrodes E2. In the Fig. In the second training example shown in Figure 5, the first electrodes E1, the second electrodes E2, and the third electrodes E3 intersect in the XY plane at an angle of 60°. The first electrodes E1, the second electrodes E2, and the third electrodes E3 can also intersect at an angle other than 60°.

[0044] Fig. Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the first liquid crystal cell 10 shown in Figure 5 along line AB. On the first substrate SUB 1, the first electrode E1 is arranged on the insulating substrate 11 and covered with an insulating film IL1. The second electrode E2 is arranged on the insulating film IL1 and covered with the insulating film IL2. The third electrode E3 is arranged on the insulating film IL2 and covered with the first alignment layer AL1. The third electrode E3 is a transparent electrode made of transparent conductive materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), etc. The insulating film IL2 corresponds to a transparent second inorganic insulating film made of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, etc.

[0045] In the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 A second training example of the first liquid crystal cell 10 is explained, however the second liquid crystal cell 20 also has the same structure as the first liquid crystal cell 10, wherein the second liquid crystal cell 20 is provided with the electrode E11, which superimposes the first electrode E1, the electrode E12, which superimposes the second electrode E2, and the electrode E13, which superimposes the third electrode E3.

[0046] Fig. Figure 7 shows the view illustrating the optical effect in the first liquid crystal cell 10. Here, the direction in the XY plane is defined with respect to the first direction X. The first electrode E1 extends in a direction where the angle θ1 with respect to the first direction X is 90°. The second electrode E2 extends in a direction where the angle θ2 with respect to the first direction X is 150°. The third electrode E3 extends in a direction where the angle θ3 with respect to the first direction X is 30°.

[0047] View (A) of Fig. Figure 7 shows the view to illustrate the optical effect of the several first electrodes E1. Of the light incident on the first liquid crystal layer LC1, the first polarized light POL1 is scattered in the XY plane in directions from 0° to 180°.

[0048] View (B) of Fig. Figure 7 shows the view to illustrate the optical effect of the several second electrodes E2. Of the light incident on the first liquid crystal layer LC1, the first polarized light POL1 is scattered in the XY plane in directions of 60° - 240°.

[0049] View (C) of Fig. Figure 7 shows the view to illustrate the optical effect of the several third electrodes E3. Of the light incident on the first liquid crystal layer LC1, the first polarized light POL1 is scattered in the XY plane in directions of 120°-300°.

[0050] As shown in view (D) of Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the first polarized light POL1 is therefore scattered in at least six directions in the XY plane.

[0051] The optical effect of the first liquid crystal cell 10 is explained here; however, the second liquid crystal cell 20 also achieves the same optical effect as the first liquid crystal cell 10. Consequently, the same effect is achieved in the second training example as in the first training example. In addition, the light incident on the light control device 200 is scattered in several directions. << Third training example >>

[0052] Fig. Figure 8 shows a top view of a third training example of the first liquid crystal cell 10. The in Fig. The third training example shown in point 8 differs from the one in [reference missing]. Fig. The first example shown in Figure 2 is formed by the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2. That is, the first electrode E1 is formed as a plate in the XY plane. The several second electrodes E2 are arranged concentrically and superimposed on the first electrode E1. The gap between the adjacent second electrodes E2 also superimposes on the first electrode E1. The centers O of the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 overlap in the X-Y plane. In the diagram shown in Figure 2, the first electrode E1 is formed by the first electrode E1. Fig. In the example shown in Figure 8, the first electrode E1 is circular; however, it can also be arranged between the adjacent second electrodes E2, and the shape is not limited to the example shown in the drawing. For example, the first electrode E1 can be rectangular, corresponding to the rectangular first substrate SUB1, or formed in other polygonal shapes.

[0053] Fig. Figure 9 shows a sectional view of the in Fig. Figure 8 shows the first liquid crystal cell 10 along line AB. For the first substrate SUB 1, the first electrode E1 is arranged on the insulating substrate 11 and covered with an insulating film IL1. The second electrode E2 is arranged on the insulating film IL1 and covered with the first alignment layer AL1.

[0054] In the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 the third training example of the first liquid crystal cell 10 is explained, however the second liquid crystal cell 20 also has the same structure as the first liquid crystal cell 10, wherein the second liquid crystal cell 20 is provided with the electrode E11, which is superimposed on the first electrode E1, and the electrode E12, which is superimposed on the second electrode E2.

[0055] In this third training example, the same effects are achieved as in the first training example. In addition, the light incident on the light control device 200 is scattered in the XY plane in essentially all directions. << Fourth training example >>

[0056] Fig. Figure 10 shows a top view of a fourth training example of the first liquid crystal cell. The in Fig. The fourth training example shown in point 10 differs from the one in Fig. The third training example shown in Figure 8 differs in that an alignment core AN is provided. The alignment core AN is arranged such that it superimposes itself on the second electrode E2, which is positioned in the middle part, beneath the several second electrodes E2. The alignment core AN can generally only be positioned near the center of the second electrode E2 and does not require highly precise positioning.

[0057] Fig. Figure 11 shows a sectional view of the Fig. The first liquid crystal cell 10 shown is located along line AB. The first alignment layer AL1 and the second alignment layer AL2 are vertically aligned layers with an alignment regulating force along the normal of the first liquid crystal cell 10. The first liquid crystal layer LC1 is, for example, of the negative type. The liquid crystal molecules LM1 of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 are, in the state where no voltage is applied, aligned such that their longitudinal axis runs along the third direction Z.

[0058] The second substrate SUB2 is equipped with a fourth electrode E4 and the alignment core AN. The fourth electrode E4 is positioned between the insulating substrate 12 and the second alignment layer AL2. The fourth electrode E4 is a solid electrode without a fine structure. The fourth electrode E4 lies across the first liquid crystal layer LC1 opposite the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 and can generate an electric field with the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2. In the Fig. In the fourth training example shown in 11, the alignment core AN is a projection that extends from the second substrate SUB2 to the first substrate SUB.1, but it can also be an opening that penetrates the fourth electrode E4.

[0059] In the Fig. 10 and Fig.11 explains the fourth training example of the first liquid crystal cell 10, however the second liquid crystal cell 20 also has the same structure as the first liquid crystal cell 10, and the second liquid crystal cell 20 is provided with the electrode E11, which superimposes the first electrode E1, the electrode E12, which superimposes the second electrode E2, and the alignment core AN.

[0060] In this fourth training example, the same effect is achieved as in the third training example. Furthermore, the reaction rate of the liquid crystal molecules to the electric field can be increased by placing the alignment core AN.

[0061] As explained above, according to the present embodiment it is possible to provide a light control device and a lighting device that can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0062] This invention is not limited to the embodiments mentioned above, but can be further specified by modifying the components to such an extent that the core of the invention is not deviated from in the execution. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by suitable combinations of the several components disclosed in the embodiments mentioned above. For example, some of the components can be omitted from all the components shown in the embodiments. In addition, components from different embodiments can be combined as required. Reference symbol list 100 lighting equipment 200 light control device 10 first liquid crystal cell SUB1 first substrate E1 first electrode E2 second electrode E3 third electrode AL1 first alignment layer SUB2 second substrate AL2 second alignment layer LC1 first liquid crystal layer 20 second liquid crystal cell SUB3 third substrate AL3 third alignment layer SUB4 fourth substrate AL4 fourth alignment layer LC2 second liquid crystal layer PC polarization conversion element SUB5 fifth substrate AL5 fifth alignment layer SUB6 sixth substrate AL6 sixth alignment layer LC3 third liquid crystal layer QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 20190025657 A1

[0003] JP 2010230887 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] Light control device, provided with: a first liquid crystal cell having a first liquid crystal layer between a pair of substrates, a second liquid crystal cell having a second liquid crystal layer between a pair of substrates, and a polarization conversion element arranged between the first and second liquid crystal cells, wherein a substrate of each of the first and second liquid crystal cells is provided with: an insulating substrate, a plurality of first electrodes arranged in one direction on the insulating substrate and formed in a band shape, a first inorganic insulating film covering the plurality of first electrodes, and a plurality of second electrodes crossing the first electrodes on the first inorganic insulating film and formed in a band shape, is provided. [2] The light control device according to claim 1, wherein the first electrodes and the second electrodes are orthogonal to each other. [3] A light control device according to claim 1, wherein said one substrate comprises: a second inorganic insulating film covering the plurality of second electrodes, and a plurality of third electrodes crossing the first electrodes and the second electrodes on the second inorganic insulating film and formed in a band shape, further provided. [4] The light control device according to claim 3, wherein the first electrodes, the second electrodes and the third electrodes cross at 60°. [5] Light control device, provided with: a first liquid crystal cell having a first liquid crystal layer between a pair of substrates, a second liquid crystal cell having a second liquid crystal layer between a pair of substrates, and a polarization conversion element arranged between the first and second liquid crystal cells, wherein a substrate of each of the first and second liquid crystal cells comprises: an insulating substrate, a plate-shaped first electrode arranged on the insulating substrate, a first inorganic insulating film covering the first electrode, and a plurality of second electrodes arranged concentrically on the first inorganic insulating film and overlying the first electrode, is provided. [6] A light control device according to claim 5, wherein each of the first and second liquid crystal cells is provided with a pair of vertically aligned layers. [7] The light control device according to claim 6, wherein the other substrate of each of the first and second liquid crystal cells is provided with an alignment core superimposed on the second electrode positioned in the central part among the plurality of second electrodes. [8] Light control device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the polarization conversion element is provided with a third liquid crystal layer between a pair of substrates, and the third liquid crystal layer contains twisted liquid crystal molecules. [9] Lighting device equipped with: a light source, and a light control device configured to control light emitted by the light source, wherein the light control device with: a first liquid crystal cell having a first liquid crystal layer between a pair of substrates, a second liquid crystal cell having a second liquid crystal layer between a pair of substrates, and a polarization conversion element arranged between the first and second liquid crystal cells, wherein a substrate of each of the first and second liquid crystal cells comprises: an insulating substrate, a plurality of first electrodes arranged in one direction on the insulating substrate and formed in a band shape, a first inorganic insulating film covering the plurality of first electrodes, and a plurality of second electrodes crossing the first electrodes on the first inorganic insulating film and formed in a band shape, is provided. [10] Lighting device according to claim 9, wherein the first electrodes and the second electrodes are orthogonal to each other. [11] A lighting device according to claim 9, wherein said one substrate comprises: a second inorganic insulating film covering the plurality of second electrodes, and a plurality of third electrodes crossing the first electrodes and the second electrodes on the second inorganic insulating film and formed in a band shape, further provided. [12] The lighting device according to claim 11, wherein the first electrodes, the second electrodes and the third electrodes cross at 60°. [13] Lighting device equipped with: a light source, and a light control device configured to control light emitted by the light source, wherein the light control device with: a first liquid crystal cell having a first liquid crystal layer between a pair of substrates, a second liquid crystal cell having a second liquid crystal layer between a pair of substrates, and a polarization conversion element arranged between the first and second liquid crystal cells, wherein a substrate of each of the first and second liquid crystal cells comprises: an insulating substrate, a plate-shaped first electrode arranged on the insulating substrate, a first inorganic insulating film covering the first electrode, and a plurality of second electrodes arranged concentrically on the first inorganic insulating film and overlying the first electrode, is provided. [14] A lighting device according to claim 13, wherein each of the first and second liquid crystal cells is provided with a pair of vertically aligned layers. [15] The lighting device according to claim 14, wherein the other substrate of each of the first and second liquid crystal cells is provided with an alignment core superimposed on the second electrode positioned in the central part among the plurality of second electrodes. [16] The lighting device according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the polarization conversion element is provided with a third liquid crystal layer between a pair of substrates, and the third liquid crystal layer contains twisted aligned liquid crystal molecules.