Liquid crystal panel, liquid crystal panel device, and imaging device

Abstract

To provide a liquid crystal panel including an opening that transmits or blocks light, in which an influence on light that will pass the opening is suppressed.SOLUTION: A liquid crystal panel includes a first substrate with a flat plate shape, a second substrate disposed to face the first substrate, a light-blocking film having an opening and disposed to expand along an inner surface of the second substrate, a plurality of spacers disposed outside a region corresponding to the opening between the substrates, and a liquid crystal held between the first substrate and the second substrate. The second substrate is held to get away from the first substrate as getting closer to the opening in a peripheral region of the opening and a part corresponding to the opening has a shape that projects from the first substrate to the second substrate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid crystal panel, a liquid crystal panel device, and an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known liquid crystal panels that can transmit or block light. As described in Patent Document 1, liquid crystal panels generally have a structure in which a liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between two glass substrates incorporating transparent electrodes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-167026 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a liquid crystal panel, a light-shielding film with an opening formed therein is arranged along the inner surface of one of the substrates, and by controlling the voltage between the electrodes, the area corresponding to the opening can be put into a light-transmitting or light-blocking state.

[0005] However, simply providing a liquid crystal panel with a light-shielding film having an opening formed therein may have various effects on the light passing through the opening.

[0006] Under these circumstances, there is a demand for a technique for liquid crystal panels that have openings that allow or block light, while minimizing the effect on light attempting to pass through the openings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment is a liquid crystal panel comprising a first substrate having a flat shape and allowing light to pass through, a second substrate arranged opposite the first substrate and allowing light to pass through, a light-shielding film between the first substrate and the second substrate, the light-shielding film extending along the inner surface of the second substrate and having an opening formed therein, a plurality of spacers arranged at intervals in the planar direction of the first substrate between the first substrate and the second substrate, and liquid crystal sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the plurality of spacers are arranged outside a region corresponding to the opening, the second substrate is maintained such that the inter-substrate distance between the first substrate and the second substrate in a peripheral region outside the region corresponding to the opening becomes longer as it approaches the opening, and the liquid crystal panel has a shape that is convex in the direction from the first substrate to the second substrate in the region corresponding to the opening.

[0008] One embodiment is a liquid crystal panel device comprising: a first substrate having a flat shape and allowing light to pass through; a second substrate arranged opposite the first substrate and allowing light to pass through; a light-shielding film between the first substrate and the second substrate, the light-shielding film extending along the inner surface of the second substrate and having an opening formed therein; a plurality of spacers arranged at intervals in the planar direction of the first substrate between the first substrate and the second substrate; liquid crystal sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate; and a control unit that controls a voltage to be applied to the liquid crystal, wherein the plurality of spacers are arranged outside a region corresponding to the opening; the second substrate is maintained such that the distance between the first substrate and the second substrate in a peripheral region outside the region corresponding to the opening becomes longer as it approaches the opening; and the second substrate has a shape that is convex in a direction from the first substrate to the second substrate in the region corresponding to the opening; and the control unit controls the voltage to set the region corresponding to the opening to either a light-transmitting state or a light-shielding state.

[0009] One embodiment is an imaging device including an optical system, the above-described liquid crystal panel device, and an imaging element that receives light that has passed through the optical system and the opening of the liquid crystal panel device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the structural features of the liquid crystal panel according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the structural features of the liquid crystal panel according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2A] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic structure of a liquid crystal panel according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2B] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic structure of a liquid crystal panel according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2C] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic structure of a liquid crystal panel according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3C] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to a third embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to a third embodiment. [Figure 4C] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to a third embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 5C] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 6C] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 7A]FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a liquid crystal panel device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an imaging device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a liquid crystal panel in which spacers are not arranged in the opening regions. [Figure 10B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a liquid crystal panel in which spacers are not arranged in the opening regions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Problems discovered by the present inventors Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, one specific problem in liquid crystal panels that the present inventors have discovered will be described.

[0012] The present inventors have focused on liquid crystal panels having openings that can pass or block light. A liquid crystal panel having such a function can be used as a shutter or aperture of an imaging device, for example, by being disposed in front of, behind, or both of the optical system of an imaging device. Such a liquid crystal panel has, for example, the following configuration.

[0013] The liquid crystal panel includes a first substrate having a flat shape and transmitting visible light, a second substrate arranged to face the first substrate and transmitting visible light, and liquid crystal sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal panel also includes a plurality of spacers arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a light-shielding film that spreads along the inner side of the second substrate and has an opening formed therein. A region of the liquid crystal panel corresponding to the opening of the light-shielding film is set to either a light-transmitting state or a light-shielding state by controlling a voltage applied to the liquid crystal. When the region of the liquid crystal panel corresponding to the opening is set to the light-transmitting state, light passes through the region. On the other hand, when the region of the liquid crystal panel corresponding to the opening is set to the light-shielding state, light cannot pass through the region.

[0014] However, if spacers are placed in the regions corresponding to the openings between the substrates of the liquid crystal panel, the light passing through the openings may be undesirably affected by the spacers, such as being reflected, scattered, refracted, or absorbed, or the alignment of the liquid crystal may be disturbed. From this point of view, it is better not to place spacers in the regions corresponding to the openings between the substrates of the liquid crystal panel.

[0015] However, it has been found that if the spacers are not disposed in the regions corresponding to the openings between the substrates of the liquid crystal panel, other problems may arise. This point will be described below.

[0016] Figures 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of a liquid crystal panel in which no spacers are arranged in the opening region. Figure 10A shows a liquid crystal panel 100 as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the light passing direction. Figure 10B shows a liquid crystal panel 100 as viewed in the light passing direction. Here, the direction in which light passes through the opening, i.e., the direction between the substrates, is defined as the z direction, and two directions perpendicular to the z direction and perpendicular to each other are defined as the x direction and the y direction (hereinafter the same).

[0017] 10A and 10B, the liquid crystal panel 100 includes a first substrate 101 having a flat plate shape extending in the xy plane and transmitting light L such as visible light, and a second substrate 102 disposed opposite the first substrate 101 and transmitting light L such as visible light. A light-shielding film 103 is disposed along the inner surface of the second substrate 102. A circular opening HL is formed in the light-shielding film 103.

[0018] In the region between the first substrate 101 and the light-shielding film 103, a sealant 104 is attached along the periphery of the second substrate, and a plurality of spacers 105 are arranged at intervals outside the region corresponding to the opening HL. The region surrounded by the first substrate 101, the second substrate 102, and the sealant 104 is filled with liquid crystal 106. No spacer 105 is arranged in the region corresponding to the opening HL between the substrates of the liquid crystal panel 100 so as not to affect the light L passing through the opening HL.

[0019] However, if spacers 105 are not disposed in the region corresponding to opening HL between the substrates of liquid crystal panel 100, the rigidity of portion 102a corresponding to opening HL in second substrate 102 will be reduced. If the rigidity of portion 102a is low, it may be deformed by pressure from atmospheric pressure and may take on an inwardly recessed shape as shown in FIG. 10A.

[0020] When the portion 102a of the second substrate 102 corresponding to the opening HL is deformed by atmospheric pressure, the inter-substrate distance becomes shorter in some places in the region corresponding to the opening HL of the liquid crystal panel 100, causing unevenness in the inter-substrate distance. When unevenness occurs in the inter-substrate distance in the region corresponding to the opening HL, the thickness of the liquid crystal 106 does not become uniform, and unevenness in the light blocking rate when set to the light blocking state may occur.

[0021] From the situation described above, it can be understood that there is a demand for technology in liquid crystal panels that can have openings that allow or block light, while minimizing the effects on light attempting to pass through the openings.

[0022] The present inventors have devised the present invention in order to solve the above problems. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiment described below is an example for carrying out the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. In the following embodiments, components having the same functions are given the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted unless particularly necessary.

[0023] (Embodiment 1) Structural Features of the Liquid Crystal Panel According to the First Embodiment

[0024] As a result of extensive investigations, the present inventors have devised a technical idea relating to the structure of a liquid crystal panel as described below, as a means for solving the above problems.

[0025] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining the structural features of the liquid crystal panel according to the first embodiment. These diagrams are schematic diagrams of the main parts of the liquid crystal panel when the liquid crystal panel is viewed in the y direction. As shown in FIG. 1A, a pressing force F1 due to atmospheric pressure is applied to the second substrate 102 disposed so as to face the first substrate 101. When the second substrate 102 has a general flat shape as shown in FIG. 1A, the pressing force F1 is applied as a force F2 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the second substrate 102, and as described above, the second substrate 102 is deformed so as to be recessed toward the first substrate 101 side.

[0026] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1B, the second substrate 102 is configured to hold a shape that is convex in the opposite direction to the first substrate 101 side. Then, the pressing force F1 applied to the second substrate 102 becomes forces F3 and F4 distributed in the spreading direction of the second substrate 102, and the deformation of the second substrate 102 to be recessed toward the first substrate 101 side can be suppressed. In this case, the portion corresponding to the opening of the second substrate 102 is unlikely to be deformed to be recessed by atmospheric pressure even if a spacer is not arranged between the substrates corresponding to the opening. That is, in the portion 102a corresponding to the opening of the second substrate 102, the portion where the distance between the substrates is shortened is eliminated or reduced. As a result, the distortion of the portion 102a corresponding to the opening of the second substrate 102 is suppressed. In addition, even if the region corresponding to the opening between the substrates is in a light-shielding state, the phenomenon of the liquid crystal thickness becoming thin can be suppressed.

[0027] As can be understood from the above description, the technical idea of ​​the liquid crystal panel structure devised by the present inventors is characterized in that the distance between the substrates in the peripheral region of the opening is configured to be longer the closer to the opening, in other words, shorter the farther from the opening. With this configuration, the second substrate is inclined so as to form an uphill slope toward the opening in the peripheral region. Due to this inclination of the second substrate, the portion of the second substrate corresponding to the opening has a shape that is convex in the direction from the first substrate to the second substrate.

[0028] Therefore, according to the technical idea devised by the inventors, a liquid crystal panel can have an opening that allows or blocks light, while suppressing the effect on light attempting to pass through the opening.

[0029] Below, we will explain several examples of liquid crystal panels with a configuration in which the distance between the substrates in the peripheral area of ​​an opening becomes longer as one approaches the opening, and the portion of the second substrate corresponding to the opening has a convex shape in the direction from the first substrate to the second substrate, with reference to the figures.

[0030] It should be noted that in each figure in this application, in order to facilitate understanding of the structural features of the liquid crystal panel, only the essential parts necessary for understanding the features are shown, and elements that may be necessary for implementation, such as electrodes, electrical wiring, and semiconductors, may be omitted from the illustration.

[0031] Example 1 2A, 2B, and 2C are diagrams illustrating the structure of a liquid crystal panel according to Example 1. The liquid crystal panel according to Example 1 is configured such that the closer the spacer is to the opening, the longer the spacer is, at least in the outer peripheral region of the opening.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2A, the liquid crystal panel 1A according to the first embodiment has a first substrate 11, a second substrate 12, a light-shielding film 13, a first sealing portion 141, a second sealing portion 142, spacers 151A, 152A, 153A, and a liquid crystal 16.

[0033] The first substrate 11 has a flat plate shape and is configured to transmit visible light. The second substrate 12 is disposed to face the first substrate and is configured to transmit visible light. As shown in FIG. 2A, the light-shielding film 13 is disposed to extend along the inner surface of the second substrate 12, and as shown in FIG. 2C, a circular opening HL is formed therein. The light-shielding film 13 is made of, for example, metal or resin.

[0034] The first seal portion 141 is disposed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 along the outer edge of the second substrate 12, and is connected in close contact with the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The second seal portion 142 is disposed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 along the outer periphery of the opening HL, and is connected in close contact with the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. That is, the second seal portion 142 is formed so as to surround a columnar region corresponding to the opening HL in the region between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, and has a cylindrical shape.

[0035] The spacers 151A, 152A, and 153A are disposed in a region outside the opening HL between the first substrate 11 and the light-shielding film 13. The number of the spacers 151A, 152A, and 153A is plural. As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2C, the spacers 151A are disposed two-dimensionally at intervals in a first region RG1 relatively close to the opening HL in the xy plane direction. The spacers 153A are disposed two-dimensionally at intervals in a third region RG3 relatively far from the opening HL in the xy plane direction. The spacers 152A are disposed two-dimensionally at intervals in a second region RG2 located between the first region RG1 and the third region RG3 in the xy plane direction. The spacers described in each embodiment have, for example, a columnar shape or a spherical shape extending in the inter-substrate direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first substrate 11, except in special cases, and the same applies below.

[0036] It is assumed here that the spacers 151A to 153A are all arranged with the same arrangement density. The first region RG1 is a ring-shaped region of width W1 formed by concentric circles centered on the center of the opening HL, and the second region RG2 is a ring-shaped region of width W2 formed by concentric circles centered on the center of the opening HL.

[0037] The spacers 151A, 152A, and 153A have a truncated cone shape, that is, a cylindrical shape with upper and lower circles of different sizes. As shown in FIG. 2B, the bottom areas of the spacers 151A, 152A, and 153A on the first substrate 11 side are the same bottom area SLA1. The bottom areas of the spacers 151A, 152A, and 153A on the second substrate 12 side are also the same bottom area SUA1. On the other hand, the lengths of the spacers 151A, 152A, and 153A in the z direction are not the same. The lengths of the spacers 151A, 152A, and 153A in the z direction are HSA1, HSA2, and HSA3, respectively. The spacers 151A to 153A are configured such that the lengths HSA1, HSA2, and HSA3 in the z direction satisfy the relationship HSA1>HSA2≧HSA3. The spacers 151A, 152A, and 153A are made of the same material, for example, plastic resin.

[0038] The liquid crystal 16 is sandwiched between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 in a region corresponding to the opening HL. That is, the liquid crystal 16 is sealed in a region surrounded by the first substrate 11, the second substrate 12, and the second seal portion 142, that is, inside the cylinder where the second seal portion 142 is formed.

[0039] In the liquid crystal panel 1A configured as described above, the length of the spacers 151A-153A in the z direction becomes longer as they approach the opening HL, and therefore the inter-substrate distance between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 becomes longer as they approach the opening HL. That is, the second substrate 12 is inclined with respect to the first substrate 11 so as to form an uphill slope toward the opening HL. Due to this inclined structure of the second substrate 12, the portion 12a of the second substrate 12 corresponding to the opening HL has a shape that is convex in the direction from the first substrate 11 to the second substrate 12.

[0040] According to the liquid crystal panel 1A of the first embodiment, the length of the spacer is configured to increase toward the opening of the light-shielding film. With this configuration, the peripheral area outside the area corresponding to the opening HL of the second substrate 12 can be inclined upward toward the opening HL, and the distance between the substrates can be increased toward the opening HL. As a result, the portion 12a of the second substrate 12 corresponding to the opening HL is curved and is less likely to be recessed inward, and it is possible to prevent the distance between the substrates in the area corresponding to the opening HL from becoming shorter, that is, the gap between the substrates from becoming narrower.

[0041] As a method for changing the length (height) of the spacers in the z direction, for example, a method of forming them all at once by photolithography using a halftone mask can be considered.

[0042] In addition, while Example 1 is an example in which the outer region of the opening HL in the xy plane direction is divided into three regions according to the proximity to the opening HL, the outer region may be divided into two regions or three or more regions.

[0043] When the outer region is divided into two regions, the region closest to the opening HL is designated as the first region RG1, the region next closest to the opening HL is designated as the second region RG2, and the length of the spacer 151A arranged in the first region RG1 is designated as HSA1, and the length of the spacer 152A arranged in the second region RG2 is designated as HSA2, and the relationship HSA1>HSA2 is satisfied.

[0044] When the outer region is divided into three or more regions, the regions are designated as RG1, RG2, RG3, ... in order of proximity to the opening HL, and the lengths of the spacers to be placed in each region are designated as HSA1, HSA2, HSA3, ..., and they are configured to satisfy the relationship HSA1>HSA2≧HSA3≧....

[0045] <Examples of specific ranges for dimensions common to all embodiments> Here, examples of specific ranges for dimensions common to all the embodiments are shown. Opening diameter: φ1mm~φ50mm Spacer length (height): 1μm~100μm (preferably 1μm~20μm) Bottom diameter of the spacer on the first substrate side: 1 μm to 20 μm (preferably 1 μm to 15 μm) *When the bottom shape is circular or approximately circular Bottom area ratio of the spacer on the first substrate side: 0.001% to 2% (preferably 0.01% to 0.5%) *The floor area ratio is the sum of the floor areas of the spacers on the first substrate side per unit panel area in an LCD panel (the ratio of the sum of the floor areas of the spacers on the first substrate side to the unit panel area). Radial width of the first region: 1mm to 20mm (preferably 2mm to 10mm) Radial width of the second region: 1 mm or more (preferably 2 mm or more) Seal width: 0.1mm~3mm (preferably 0.2mm~2mm)

[0046] <Specific examples of dimensions in Example 1> Specific examples of dimensions in the first embodiment are as follows. Opening HL diameter: φ10mm ·Length of spacer 151A: 3μm ·Length of spacer 152A: 2.6μm ·Length of spacer 153A: 2.4μm Bottom diameter of spacers 151A to 153A on the first substrate side: 8 μm Bottom area ratio of the spacers 151A to 153A on the first substrate side: 0.08% Width of the first region RG1: 3 mm Width of second region RG2: 5mm Width of the first seal portion 141: 0.8 mm Width of the second seal portion 142: 0.8 mm

[0047] Example 2 3A, 3B, and 3C are diagrams that show a schematic structure of a liquid crystal panel according to Example 2. The liquid crystal panel according to Example 2 is different from Example 1 in the bottom area ratio of the spacers on the first substrate side, but other configurations are the same as those of Example 1. The liquid crystal panel according to Example 2 is configured such that the length of the spacers arranged in each region is the same, but the closer a region is to the opening, the larger the bottom area ratio of the first substrate side of the multiple spacers arranged in that region is.

[0048] With this configuration, when the same force is applied to the spacer in the z direction, the lower the bottom area ratio of the spacer on the first substrate side, the greater the deformation (crush) of the spacer, and the higher the bottom area ratio of the spacer on the first substrate side, the smaller the deformation (crush) of the spacer. In other words, a spacer group with a small bottom area ratio has a lower rigidity overall than a spacer group with a large bottom area ratio, so after mounting, the spacer is crushed in the inter-substrate direction by the pressure of atmospheric pressure, shortening the length of the spacer. This principle makes it possible to create differences in the length of the spacers.

[0049] Possible methods for changing the bottom area ratio of the spacers on the first substrate side include (1) changing the arrangement density (the number of spacers arranged per unit area) of spacers that have the same bottom area or diameter on the first substrate side, (2) changing the bottom area or diameter on the first substrate side without changing the arrangement density of the spacers, (3) changing both the bottom area or diameter on the first substrate side and the arrangement density of the spacers, etc. Here, an example of the case where the above-mentioned (3) is adopted is shown as an example.

[0050] 3A, the liquid crystal panel 1B according to the second embodiment includes a first substrate 11, a second substrate 12, a light-shielding film 13, a first sealing portion 141, a second sealing portion 142, spacers 151B, 152B, and 153B, and a liquid crystal 16. Among these elements included in the liquid crystal panel 1B, the elements other than the spacers have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0051] 3A and 3C, similarly to the first embodiment, the spacer 151B is disposed in a first region RG1 relatively close to the opening HL, the spacer 153B is disposed in a third region RG3 relatively far from the opening HL, and the spacer 152B is disposed in a second region RG2 located between the first region RG1 and the third region RG3.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3B, the length in the z direction of the spacers 151B, 152B, and 153B is the same length HSB1. The bottom areas of the spacers 151B, 152B, and 153B on the second substrate 12 side are also the same bottom area SUB1. On the other hand, the bottom areas of the spacers 151B, 152B, and 153B on the first substrate 11 side are different from each other. The bottom areas of the spacers 151B, 152B, and 153B on the first substrate 11 side are SLB1, SLB2, and SLB3, respectively. The spacers 151B to 153B are configured such that the bottom areas SLB1, SLB2, and SLB3 on the first substrate 11 side satisfy the relationship SLB1>SLB2≧SLB3.

[0053] The spacers 151B to 153B are configured such that the arrangement densities MB1, MB2, and MB3 in the regions RG1, RG2, and RG3 respectively satisfy the relationship MB1>MB2≧MB3.

[0054] In the liquid crystal panel 1B configured as described above, the bottom area ratio of the spacer on the first substrate side increases as it approaches the opening HL, in other words, the bottom area ratio decreases as it moves away from the opening HL. The smaller the bottom area ratio of the spacer, the greater the amount of the spacer that is crushed in the z direction by the pressure of atmospheric pressure, and the shorter the length in the z direction as a result. Due to this principle, the inter-substrate distance between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 increases as it approaches the opening HL. That is, the second substrate 12 is inclined with respect to the first substrate 11 so as to be uphill toward the opening HL. Due to the inclined structure of the second substrate 12, the portion 12a of the second substrate 12 corresponding to the opening HL has a shape that is convex in the direction from the first substrate 11 to the second substrate 12.

[0055] According to the liquid crystal panel 1B of the second embodiment, the area closer to the opening HL is configured to have a larger bottom area ratio on the first substrate 11 side of the spacers arranged in the area. With this configuration, when the same force is applied to the spacers in the z direction, the lower the bottom area ratio on the first substrate 11 side of the spacer is, the larger the deformation amount (crush amount) of the spacer is, and the higher the bottom area ratio is, the smaller the deformation amount of the spacer is. Therefore, the spacers can be made longer closer to the opening HL. In other words, the outer peripheral area of ​​the area corresponding to the opening HL of the second substrate 12 can be inclined so as to rise toward the opening HL, and the distance between the substrates can be made longer toward the opening HL. As a result, the portion 12a corresponding to the opening HL of the second substrate 12 is curved and is less likely to be recessed inward, and the distance between the substrates in the area corresponding to the opening HL is shortened, that is, it is possible to suppress the space between the substrates from becoming narrower.

[0056] In addition, while Example 2 is an example in which the outer region of the opening HL in the xy plane direction is divided into three regions according to the proximity to the opening HL, the outer region may be divided into two regions or three or more regions.

[0057] When the outer region is divided into two regions, the region closest to the opening HL is designated as the first region RG1, the region next closest to the opening HL is designated as the second region RG2, the bottom area ratio of the first substrate 11 side of the spacer 151B arranged in the first region RG1 is designated as MB1, and the bottom area ratio of the first substrate 11 side of the spacer 152B arranged in the second region RG2 is designated as MB2, then the liquid crystal panel 1B should be configured to satisfy the relationship MB1>MB2.

[0058] When the outer region is divided into three or more regions, the regions are designated RG1, RG2, RG3, ... in order of proximity to the opening HL, and the bottom area ratios of the spacers on the first substrate side to be arranged in each region are designated MB1, MB2, MB3, ..., and they are configured so as to satisfy the relationship MB1>MB2≧MB3≧....

[0059] In the second embodiment, the spacers 151B to 153B have the same bottom area on the second substrate 12 side, and the spacers 151B to 153B have different bottom areas on the first substrate 11 side depending on the proximity to the opening HL. However, the spacers 151B to 153B may have the same bottom area on the first substrate 11 side, and the spacers 151B to 153B may have different bottom areas on the second substrate 12 side depending on the proximity to the opening HL.

[0060] <Specific examples of dimensions in Example 2> Specific examples of dimensions in the second embodiment are as follows. Opening HL diameter: φ10mm ·Length of spacer 151B: 3μm ·Length of spacer 152B: 3μm ·Length of spacer 153B: 3μm Bottom diameter of spacers 151B to 153B on the first substrate side: 8 μm Bottom area ratio of spacer 151B on the first substrate side: 0.08% Bottom area ratio of spacer 152B on the first substrate side: 0.02% Bottom area ratio of spacer 153B on the first substrate side: 0.02% Width of the first region RG1: 3 mm Width of second region RG2: 5mm Width of the first seal portion 141: 0.8 mm Width of the second seal portion 142: 0.8 mm

[0061] Example 3 4A, 4B, and 4C are diagrams that show the structure of a liquid crystal panel according to Example 3. The liquid crystal panel according to Example 3 has a different spacer shape compared to Example 1, and has an undercoat film, but other configurations are the same as those of Example 1. The liquid crystal panel according to Example 3 has an undercoat film between the first substrate and the spacers, each spacer has the same length, and is configured such that the thickness of the undercoat film at the position corresponding to the spacer is greater the closer the spacer is to the opening.

[0062] 4A, the liquid crystal panel 1C according to the third embodiment includes a first substrate 11, a second substrate 12, a light-shielding film 13, a first sealing portion 141, a second sealing portion 142, spacers 151C, 152C, and 153C, a liquid crystal 16, and an undercoat film 20. The undercoat film 20 is, for example, an insulating film. Among these elements included in the liquid crystal panel 1C, the elements other than the spacers 151C to 153C and the undercoat film 20 have the same configuration as those in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4A, the undercoat film 20 is disposed so as to extend along the inner surface of the first substrate 11. The spacers 151C, 152C, and 153C are disposed between the undercoat film 20 and the light-shielding film 13. As shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4C, similarly to the first embodiment, the spacer 151C is disposed in a first region RG1 relatively close to the opening HL, and the spacer 153C is disposed in a third region RG3 relatively far from the opening HL. The spacer 152C is disposed in a second region RG2 located between the first region RG1 and the third region RG3.

[0064] It is assumed here that the spacers 151C to 153C are all arranged with the same arrangement density. The first region RG1 is a circular ring-shaped region having a width W1 and formed by concentric circles centered on the center of the opening HL, and the second region RG2 is a circular ring-shaped region having a width W2 and formed by concentric circles centered on the center of the opening HL.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 4B, the lengths in the z direction of the spacers 151C, 152C, and 153C are the same length HSC1. The bottom areas of the spacers 151C, 152C, and 153C on the first substrate 11 side are the same bottom area SLC1. The bottom areas of the spacers 151C, 152C, and 153C on the second substrate 12 side are the same bottom area SUC1. The lengths in the z direction of the spacers 151C, 152C, and 153C are the same length HSC1. On the other hand, the thickness of the undercoat film 20 varies depending on the position.

[0066] 4A, the thickness of the undercoat film 20 at a position corresponding to the spacer 151C is HRC1, the thickness of the undercoat film 20 at a position corresponding to the spacer 152C is HRC2, and the thickness of the undercoat film 20 at a position corresponding to the spacer 153C is HRC3. The thicknesses HRC1, HRC2, and HRC3 of the undercoat film 20 satisfy the relationship HRC1>HRC2≧HRC3.

[0067] In the liquid crystal panel 1C configured as above, the thickness of the base film 20 at the positions corresponding to the spacers 151C to 153C becomes thicker as it approaches the opening HL, in other words, the thickness becomes thinner as it moves away from the opening HL. The spacers 151C to 131C have the same length in the z direction, the same base area, and the same material. Therefore, the inter-substrate distance between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 becomes longer as it approaches the opening HL. That is, the second substrate 12 is inclined with respect to the first substrate 11 so as to be uphill toward the opening HL. Due to the inclined structure of the second substrate 12, the portion 12a of the second substrate 12 corresponding to the opening HL has a shape that is convex in the direction from the first substrate 11 to the second substrate 12.

[0068] According to the liquid crystal panel 1B of the third embodiment, a base film is provided between the first substrate and the spacers, and each spacer has the same length, and the base film is thicker at the position corresponding to the spacer, as the spacer is closer to the opening. When the spacers have the same length, the inter-substrate distance corresponding to the position of the spacer is longer by the thickness of the base film at that position, so that the peripheral area outside the area corresponding to the opening of the second substrate 12 can be inclined so as to rise toward the opening, and the inter-substrate distance can be lengthened toward the opening. As a result, the portion of the second substrate corresponding to the opening is curved and is less likely to be recessed inward, and the inter-substrate distance in the area corresponding to the opening is shortened, that is, it is possible to prevent the gap between the substrates from narrowing.

[0069] In addition, in Example 3, the outer region of the opening HL in the xy plane direction is divided into three regions according to the proximity to the opening HL, but the outer region may be divided into two regions or four or more regions.

[0070] When the outer region is divided into two regions, the region closest to the opening HL is designated as the first region RG1, the region next closest to the opening HL is designated as the second region RG2, the thickness of the base film 20 at a position corresponding to the spacer 151C arranged in the first region RG1 is designated as HRC1, and the thickness of the base film 20 at a position corresponding to the spacer 152C arranged in the second region RG2 is designated as HRC2, the liquid crystal panel 1C is configured to satisfy the relationship HRC1>HRC2.

[0071] When the outer region is divided into three or more regions, the regions are designated as RG1, RG2, RG3, ... in order of proximity to the opening HL, and the thicknesses of the base film 20 at positions corresponding to the spacers arranged in each region are designated as HRC1, HRC2, HRC3, .... The liquid crystal panel 1C is configured to satisfy the relationship HRC1>HRC2≧HRC3≧....

[0072] <Specific examples of dimensions in Example 3> Specific examples of dimensions in the third embodiment are as follows. Opening HL diameter: φ10mm ·Spacer 151C length: 2.6μm ·Length of spacer 152C: 2.6μm ·Spacer 153C length: 2.6μm Bottom diameter of spacers 151C to 153C on the first substrate side: 8 μm Thickness of the base film 20 at the position corresponding to the spacer 151C: 0.4 μm Thickness of the base film 20 at the position corresponding to the spacer 152C: 0.2 μm Thickness of the base film 20 at the position corresponding to the spacer 153C: 0.2 μm Width of the first region RG1: 3 mm Width of second region RG2: 5mm Width of the first seal portion 141: 0.8 mm Width of the second seal portion 142: 0.8 mm

[0073] Example 4 5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams that show a schematic structure of a liquid crystal panel according to Example 4. The liquid crystal panel according to Example 4 is a combination of Examples 1 and 3. That is, the liquid crystal panel according to Example 4 is configured such that the closer a spacer is to the opening, the longer the spacer is, and the thickness of the base film at a position corresponding to the spacer is thicker the closer the spacer is to the opening.

[0074] 5A, the liquid crystal panel 1D according to the fourth embodiment includes a first substrate 11, a second substrate 12, a light-shielding film 13, a first sealing portion 141, a second sealing portion 142, spacers 151D, 152D, and 153D, liquid crystal 16, and a base film 20. Of these elements included in the liquid crystal panel 1D, the elements other than the spacers 151D to 153D and the base film 20 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0075] 5A and 5C, the spacer 151D is disposed in a first region RG1 relatively close to the opening HL, and the spacer 153D is disposed in a third region RG3 relatively far from the opening HL, as in the first embodiment. The spacer 152D is disposed in a second region RG2 located between the first region RG1 and the third region RG3.

[0076] It is assumed here that the spacers 151D-153D are all arranged with the same arrangement density. The first region RG1 is a circular ring-shaped region having a width W1 and formed by concentric circles centered on the center of the opening HL, and the second region RG2 is a circular ring-shaped region having a width W2 and formed by concentric circles centered on the center of the opening HL.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 5B, the spacers 151D, 152D, and 153D have the same bottom area SLD1 on the first substrate 11 side. The spacers 151D, 152D, and 153D also have the same bottom area SUD1 on the second substrate 12 side. Meanwhile, the spacers 151D, 152D, and 153D have different lengths in the z direction. The lengths of the spacers 151D, 152D, and 153D in the z direction are HSD1, HSD2, and HSD3, respectively. The spacers 151D to 153D are configured such that the lengths HSD1, HSD2, and HSD3 in the z direction satisfy the relationship HSD1>HSD2≧HSD3.

[0078] 5A, the thickness of the base film 20 at a position corresponding to the spacer 151D is HRD1, the thickness of the base film 20 at a position corresponding to the spacer 152D is HRD2, and the thickness of the base film 20 at a position corresponding to the spacer 153D is HRD3. The thicknesses HRD1, HRD2, and HRD3 of the base film 20 satisfy the relationship HRD1>HRD2≧HRD3.

[0079] In the liquid crystal panel 1D configured as above, as shown in FIG. 5B, the spacers 151D, 152D, and 153D have the same bottom area SLD1 on the first substrate 11 side. The spacers 151D, 152D, and 153D also have the same bottom area SUD1 on the second substrate 12 side. Meanwhile, the spacers 151D, 152D, and 153D have different lengths in the z direction. The lengths of the spacers 151D, 152D, and 153D in the z direction are HSD1, HSD2, and HSD3, respectively. The spacers 151D to 153D are configured such that the lengths HSD1, HSD2, and HSD3 in the z direction satisfy the relationship HSD1>HSD2≧HSD3.

[0080] 5A, in the liquid crystal panel 1D, thicknesses HRD1, HRD2, and HRD3 of the base film 20 at positions corresponding to the spacers 151C to 153C satisfy the relationship HRD1>HRD2≧HRD3. That is, the thickness of the base film 20 at positions corresponding to the spacers becomes thicker as it approaches the opening HL, in other words, the thickness becomes thinner as it moves away from the opening HL.

[0081] Therefore, the inter-substrate distance between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 becomes longer as they approach the opening HL. That is, the second substrate 12 is inclined with respect to the first substrate 11 so as to slope upward toward the opening HL. Due to this inclined structure of the second substrate 12, the portion 12a of the second substrate 12 corresponding to the opening HL has a shape that is convex in the direction from the first substrate 11 to the second substrate 12.

[0082] According to the liquid crystal panel 1B of the fourth embodiment, the spacer is longer in length as it is closer to the opening, and the thickness of the base film at the position corresponding to the spacer is thicker as the spacer is closer to the opening. This configuration allows the outer peripheral area of ​​the area corresponding to the opening of the second substrate 12 to be inclined upward toward the opening, and the distance between the substrates can be increased toward the opening. As a result, the portion of the second substrate corresponding to the opening is curved and is less likely to be recessed inward, making it possible to prevent the distance between the substrates in the area corresponding to the opening from being shortened, i.e., the distance between the substrates from being narrowed.

[0083] In addition, while Example 4 is an example in which the lengths HSD1, HSD2, and HSD3 of the spacers 151D, 152D, and 153D, respectively, are configured to satisfy the relationship HSD1>HSD2>HSD3, they may also be configured to satisfy the relationship HSD1>HSD2=HSD3.

[0084] Moreover, the fourth embodiment is an example in which the thicknesses HRD1, HRD2, and HRD3 at the positions corresponding to the spacers 151D, 152D, and 153D in the base film 20 are configured to satisfy the relationship HRD1>HRD2>HRD3. However, the base film 20 may be configured to satisfy the relationship HRD1>HRD2=HRD3.

[0085] In the fourth embodiment, the region closest to the opening HL is the first region RG1, and the region next closest to the opening HL is the second region RG2. The length in the z direction of the spacer 151D arranged in the first region RG1 is HSD1, and the length in the z direction of the spacer 152D arranged in the second region RG2 is HSD2. The thickness of the base film 20 at a position corresponding to the spacer 151D arranged in the first region RG1 is HRD1, and the thickness of the base film 20 at a position corresponding to the spacer 152D arranged in the second region RG2 is HRD2. In this case, it is sufficient that the relationship HSD1>HSD2 and the relationship HRC1>HRC2 are satisfied.

[0086] Example 5 6A, 6B, and 6C are diagrams that show the structure of a liquid crystal panel according to Example 5. The liquid crystal panel according to Example 5 is different from Example 1 in that, among a plurality of regions set in the outer region of the opening, there is a region in which spacers are not arranged, but the other configurations are substantially the same as those of Example 1. The liquid crystal panel according to Example 5 is configured such that spacers are arranged in a first region close to the opening and a third region far from the opening, and are not arranged in a second region between the first region and the third region.

[0087] In the fifth embodiment, since no spacer is disposed in the second region, the portion of the second substrate in the second region is recessed from the second substrate toward the first substrate by the pressure of atmospheric pressure. That is, the distance between the substrates in the second region is shortened (the gap between the first substrate and the second substrate is narrowed). As a result, the second substrate is distorted, and the portion of the second substrate corresponding to the opening has a shape that is convex from the first substrate toward the second substrate. The length in the z direction of the spacer disposed in the first region and the length in the z direction of the spacer disposed in the third region may be the same or different.

[0088] 6A, the liquid crystal panel 1E according to the fifth embodiment includes a first substrate 11, a second substrate 12, a light-shielding film 13, a first sealing portion 141, a second sealing portion 142, spacers 151E and 153E, and a liquid crystal 16. Among these elements included in the liquid crystal panel 1E, the elements other than the spacers 151E and 153E have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0089] 6A and 6C, a spacer 151E is disposed in a first region RG1 relatively close to the opening HL, and a spacer 153E is disposed in a third region RG3 relatively far from the opening HL, as in the first embodiment. No spacer is disposed in a second region RG2 located between the first region RG1 and the third region RG3.

[0090] It is assumed here that the spacers 151E and 153E are arranged with the same arrangement density. The first region RG1 is a ring-shaped region having a width W1 and formed by concentric circles centered on the center of the opening HL, and the second region RG2 is a ring-shaped region having a width W2 and formed by concentric circles centered on the center of the opening HL.

[0091] 6B, the spacers 151E, 153E have the same bottom area SLE1 on the first substrate 11 side. The spacers 151E, 153E have the same bottom area SUE1 on the second substrate 12 side. The spacers 151E, 153E have the same length HSE1 in the z direction. However, as long as the shape of the second region RG2 of the second substrate 12 is recessed toward the first substrate 11 side, the z direction length, the bottom area on the first substrate side, the bottom area on the second substrate side, the arrangement density, and the like of the spacers 151E, 153E may be different from each other.

[0092] According to the liquid crystal panel 1E of the fifth embodiment, the spacers are arranged in the first region RG1 close to the opening HL and the third region RG3 far from the opening HL, and are not arranged in the second region RG2 between the first region RG1 and the third region RG3. With this configuration, the portion of the second substrate 12 corresponding to the second region RG2 has a shape that is recessed toward the first substrate 11 side due to the atmospheric pressure from the outside. That is, the peripheral region outside the region corresponding to the opening HL of the second substrate 12 is inclined so as to rise toward the opening HL, and the distance between the substrates can be increased toward the opening HL. As a result, the portion 12a of the second substrate 12 corresponding to the opening HL is curved and is less likely to be recessed inward, and the distance between the substrates in the region corresponding to the opening HL is shortened, that is, it is possible to suppress the narrowing of the gap between the substrates.

[0093] <Specific examples of dimensions in Example 5> Specific examples of dimensions in the fifth embodiment are as follows. Opening HL diameter: φ10mm ·Spacer 151E length: 3μm ·Spacer 153E length: 3μm Bottom diameter of spacers 151E and 153E on the first substrate side: 8 μm Bottom area ratio of spacers 151E and 153E on the first substrate side: 0.08% Width of the first region RG1: 3 mm Width of second region RG2: 5mm Width of the first seal portion 141: 0.8 mm Width of the second seal portion 142: 0.8 mm

[0094] Example 6 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal panel according to Example 6. The liquid crystal panel according to Example 6 is a modified example of the liquid crystal panel according to Example 1. In the liquid crystal panel according to Example 6, in the region between the first substrate and the second substrate, no seal portion is disposed around the opening, and a spacer is disposed in the region close to the opening.

[0095] The liquid crystal panel of Example 6 differs from Example 1 in that it does not have a second sealing portion, and instead a spacer is arranged in a region of the outer area of ​​the opening that is relatively close to the opening, but otherwise the configuration is substantially the same as Example 1.

[0096] 7A, the liquid crystal panel 1F according to the sixth embodiment includes a first substrate 11, a second substrate 12, a light-shielding film 13, a first sealing portion 141, spacers 151F, 152F, 153F, and liquid crystal 16. Among these elements included in the liquid crystal panel 1F, the elements other than the spacers 151F to 153F have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0097] 7A and 7B, similarly to the first embodiment, a spacer 151F is arranged in a first region RG1 relatively close to the opening HL, and a spacer 153F is arranged in a third region RG3 relatively far from the opening HL. A spacer 152F is arranged in a second region RG2 located between the first region RG1 and the third region RG3. Here, the spacers 151F to 153F are arranged with the same arrangement density.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 7B, the spacers 151F, 152F, and 153F have the same bottom area on the first substrate 11 side. The spacers 151F, 152F, and 153F also have the same bottom area on the second substrate 12 side. The spacers 151F, 152F, and 153F do not have the same length in the z direction. If the lengths of the spacers 151F, 152F, and 153F in the z direction are HSF1, HSF2, and HSF3, respectively, the lengths HSF1, HSF2, and HSF3 in the z direction are configured to satisfy the relationship HSF1>HSF2≧HSF3.

[0099] According to the liquid crystal panel 1F of the sixth embodiment, in the region between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, the seal portion is not disposed around the opening HL, and the spacer 151F is disposed in the region close to the opening HL. With this configuration, as in the first embodiment, the peripheral region outside the region corresponding to the opening HL of the second substrate 12 can be inclined upward toward the opening HL, and the distance between the substrates can be increased toward the opening HL. As a result, the portion 12a of the second substrate 12 corresponding to the opening HL is curved and is less likely to be recessed inward, and it is possible to suppress the distance between the substrates in the region corresponding to the opening HL from being shortened, that is, the distance between the substrates from being narrowed.

[0100] <Specific examples of dimensions in Example 6> Specific examples of dimensions in the sixth embodiment are as follows. Opening HL diameter: φ10mm ·Length of Spacer 151F: 3μm ·Spacer 152F length: 2.6μm Spacer 153F length: 2.4μm Bottom diameter of spacers 151F, 152F, 153F on the first substrate side: 8 μm Bottom area ratio of spacers 151F, 152F, and 153F on the first substrate side: 0.08% Width of the first region RG1: 3 mm Width of second region RG2: 5mm Width of the first seal portion 141: 0.8 mm

[0101] In each of the above embodiments, spacers 151A to 153A, spacers 151B to 153B, spacers 151C to 153C, spacers 151D to 153D, spacers 151E to 153E, and spacers 151F to 153F have a truncated cone shape, but are not limited to such a shape and may have a columnar shape such as a cylinder, a polygonal prism, or a polygonal prism with different sizes of polygons at the top and bottom, or may have a spherical shape if acceptable.

[0102] (Embodiment 2) Liquid crystal panel device according to embodiment 2 The liquid crystal panel device according to the second embodiment includes a liquid crystal panel according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments, and a control unit that controls the voltage applied to the liquid crystal in the region corresponding to the opening of the liquid crystal panel.

[0103] 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a liquid crystal panel device according to embodiment 2. A liquid crystal panel device 30 illustrated in FIG.

[0104] Like the liquid crystal panel 1A according to the above-described first embodiment, the liquid crystal panel 1G includes a first substrate 11, a second substrate 12, a light-shielding film 13, a first sealing portion 141, a second sealing portion 142, spacers 151A, 152A, and 153A, and a liquid crystal 16. The liquid crystal panel 1G further includes a flexible substrate 17, electrodes 181 and 182, and an electrical wiring 183.

[0105] The flexible substrate 17 is attached to the first substrate 11. The electrodes 181, 182 are so-called transparent electrodes, and are electrodes made of a material that transmits visible light and allows electricity to flow. The electrode 181 is disposed on the inside of the first substrate 11 in a region corresponding to the opening HL. The electrode 182 is disposed on the inside of the second substrate 12 in a region corresponding to the opening HL. The electrical wiring 183 is disposed so as to electrically connect the electrodes 181, 182 and the flexible substrate 17, and is also disposed so as to electrically connect the flexible substrate 17 and the control unit 19.

[0106] The control unit 19 has a function of applying a voltage between the electrodes 181 and 182 via the flexible substrate 17 and the electrical wiring 183. The control unit 19 controls the orientation of the liquid crystal 16 by controlling the voltage applied to the electrodes 181 and 182, and puts the region in the liquid crystal panel 1G corresponding to the opening HL into a light transmitting state or a light blocking state. The control unit 19 is configured by, for example, an electronic circuit, a semiconductor circuit, a dedicated IC chip, a programmable IC chip, a microcontroller, a computer, or the like.

[0107] According to the liquid crystal panel device 30 of the second embodiment, the region in the liquid crystal panel 1G corresponding to the opening HL can be put into a light transmitting state or a light blocking state by controlling the voltage applied to the liquid crystal 16 by the control unit 19. Therefore, the liquid crystal panel device 30 can be used as a shutter or an aperture by, for example, installing the liquid crystal panel 1G in front of or behind the optical system of an imaging device.

[0108] (Embodiment 3) Imaging device according to embodiment 3 The imaging device according to the third embodiment includes an optical system, the liquid crystal panel device according to the second embodiment, and an imaging element that receives light that has passed through the optical system and an opening of the liquid crystal panel device.

[0109] 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an imaging device according to embodiment 3. An imaging device 40 illustrated in FIG.

[0110] The liquid crystal panel devices 30a and 30b have the same configuration as the liquid crystal panel device according to the second embodiment. The liquid crystal panel device 30a has a liquid crystal panel 1a having an opening HLa and a control unit 19a electrically connected to the liquid crystal panel 1a. The liquid crystal panel device 30b has a liquid crystal panel 1b having an opening HLb and a control unit 19b electrically connected to the liquid crystal panel 1b. The liquid crystal panel 1a is disposed in front of the optical system 31, i.e., on the subject 92 side. The liquid crystal panel 1b is disposed behind the optical system 31. The imaging element 32 is disposed further behind the liquid crystal panel 1b.

[0111] The overall control unit 33 is electrically connected to the control units 19a and 19b and the image sensor 32. The overall control unit 33 transmits control signals to the control units 19a and 19b for independently setting the regions corresponding to the openings HLa and HLb to a light passing state or a light blocking state. By transmitting such control signals, the overall control unit 33 causes the liquid crystal panel 1a to function as a shutter and causes the liquid crystal panel 1b to function as a shutter or an aperture. The overall control unit 33 also receives an output signal from the image sensor 32.

[0112] That is, general control unit 33 controls liquid crystal panel device 30a and liquid crystal panel device 30b to capture an image of subject 92, and obtains an image signal of subject 92 obtained by the capture from imaging element 32. Note that the captured image is not limited to general image capture, and may be special image capture such as coded image capture.

[0113] The general control unit 33 is electrically connected to the external device 50. The general control unit 33 performs imaging based on a command signal from the external device 50, generates image data based on an image signal obtained by imaging, and transmits the image data to the external device 50. The general control unit 33 is configured by, for example, an electronic circuit, a semiconductor circuit, a dedicated IC chip, a programmable IC chip, a microcontroller, or a computer. The external device 50 may be any device that handles image data, and may be, for example, a driving assistance device mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile.

[0114] According to the imaging device 40 of the third embodiment, the liquid crystal panel can be used as a shutter or an aperture.

[0115] Although various embodiments and examples of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and includes various modified examples. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments have been described in detail to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and are not necessarily limited to those having all of the configurations described. In addition, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. All of these belong to the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the numerical values ​​etc. included in the text and figures are merely examples, and the effect of the present invention is not impaired even if different ones are used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1A~1G...LCD panel 11...First substrate 12...Second substrate 13...Light-shielding film 141…First seal part 142…Second seal part 151A~151G, 152A~152D, 152F~152G, 153A~153G...Spacers 16...Liquid crystal 17...Flexible board 181,182...electrode 183…Electrical wiring 19...Control section 30...Liquid crystal panel device 31...Optical system 32...Image sensor 33...General control unit 40...Imaging device 50...External device 92…Subject HL…Aperture L…Light RG1: First region RG2: Second Region RG3: The third region

Claims

1. a first substrate having a flat plate shape and allowing light to pass through; a second substrate that is disposed opposite the first substrate and transmits light; a light-shielding film between the first substrate and the second substrate, the light-shielding film extending along an inner surface of the second substrate and having an opening; a plurality of spacers disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate at intervals in a planar direction of the first substrate; A liquid crystal panel comprising: a liquid crystal sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate, the plurality of spacers are disposed outside a region corresponding to the opening; the second substrate is held such that a substrate-to-substrate distance between the first substrate and the second substrate in a peripheral region outside the region corresponding to the opening becomes longer as the substrate approaches the opening, and has a shape that is convex in a direction from the first substrate to the second substrate in the region corresponding to the opening; LCD panel.

2. 2. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 1, The plurality of spacers include a first spacer disposed in a first region relatively close to a region corresponding to the opening, the first spacer having a first length in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the first substrate; a second spacer disposed in a second region relatively far from the region corresponding to the opening, the second spacer having a second length in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first substrate that is shorter than the first length; LCD panel.

3. 2. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 1, The plurality of spacers include Each of the first and second substrates has a columnar shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first substrate, a first spacer that is disposed in a first region that is relatively close to a region corresponding to the opening, has a first length in the inter-substrate direction, and has a first area ratio of a surface on the first substrate side in the inter-substrate direction; a second spacer that is disposed in a second region that is relatively far from the region corresponding to the opening, has a first length in the inter-substrate direction, and has an area ratio of a surface on the first substrate side in the inter-substrate direction that is a second area ratio that is smaller than the first area ratio; LCD panel.

4. 2. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 1, a base film disposed between the first substrate and the plurality of spacers; The plurality of spacers include a first spacer disposed in a first region relatively close to a region corresponding to the opening, the first spacer having a first length in a direction between the substrates perpendicular to a plane of the first substrate; a second spacer that is disposed in a second region that is relatively far from the region corresponding to the opening, and has a length in the inter-substrate direction that is the first length; a thickness of the undercoat film at a position corresponding to the first spacer is a first thickness, the thickness of the undercoat film at a position corresponding to the second spacer is a second thickness that is smaller than the first thickness; LCD panel.

5. 2. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 1, a base film disposed between the first substrate and the plurality of spacers; The plurality of spacers include a first spacer disposed in a first region relatively close to a region corresponding to the opening, the first spacer having a first length in a direction between the substrates perpendicular to a plane of the first substrate; a second spacer that is disposed in a second region that is relatively far from the region corresponding to the opening, and has a second length in the inter-substrate direction that is shorter than the first length; a thickness of the undercoat film at a position corresponding to the first spacer is a first thickness, the thickness of the undercoat film at a position corresponding to the second spacer is a second thickness that is smaller than the first thickness; LCD panel.

6. 2. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 1, The plurality of spacers include a first spacer disposed in a first region relatively close to a region corresponding to the opening; a third spacer disposed in a third region relatively far from a region corresponding to the opening; the second substrate has a shape that is concave in a direction from the second substrate to the first substrate in a second region located between the first region and the third region; LCD panel.

7. 2. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 1, a seal portion formed to surround a cylindrical region corresponding to the opening in a region between the first substrate and the second substrate, The liquid crystal is sealed inside the cylinder formed by the sealing portion. LCD panel.

8. 2. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 1, The opening of the light-shielding film has a circular shape. LCD panel.

9. a first substrate having a flat plate shape and allowing light to pass through; a second substrate that is disposed opposite the first substrate and transmits light; a light-shielding film between the first substrate and the second substrate, the light-shielding film extending along an inner surface of the second substrate and having an opening; a plurality of spacers disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate at intervals in a planar direction of the first substrate; A liquid crystal sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate; A control unit that controls a voltage applied to the liquid crystal, the plurality of spacers are disposed outside a region corresponding to the opening; the second substrate is held such that a substrate-to-substrate distance between the first substrate and the second substrate in a peripheral region outside the region corresponding to the opening becomes longer as the substrate approaches the opening, and has a shape that is convex in a direction from the first substrate to the second substrate in the region corresponding to the opening; the control unit sets the region corresponding to the opening to either a light transmitting state or a light blocking state by controlling the voltage. Liquid crystal panel device.

10. An optical system; A liquid crystal panel device according to claim 9 , an image sensor that receives light that has passed through the optical system and the opening of the liquid crystal panel device, Imaging device.

Images