Liquid crystal element

Abstract

To provide a liquid crystal element that can adjust a light emission direction simply.SOLUTION: A liquid crystal element 1 includes a first substrate 10 where a plurality of sets of elements 40 each including an electric resistance film 41, and a first electrode 42 and a second electrode 43 electrically connected to the electric resistance film 41 are arranged, a second substrate 20 where a third electrode 50 is disposed, and a liquid crystal layer 30 between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. The electric resistance film 41 has a band shape extending in a first direction D1 in a plan view. The first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 extend in the first direction D1 in the plan view, and overlap with the electric resistance film 41 in a state of facing each other in a second direction D2 that is orthogonal to the first direction D1. The plurality of sets of elements 40 are arranged along the second direction D2 in the plan view. The third electrode 50 overlaps with the electric resistance films 41 in the plan view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid crystal element.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a headlight capable of controlling light distribution. The headlight of Patent Document 1 reflects light from a light source by a mirror, condenses the reflected light with a lens, and irradiates the front of a vehicle. By adjusting the angle of the mirror, the direction in which the light is irradiated is adjusted.

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In devices capable of adjusting the light emission direction such as those of Patent Documents 1 and 2, the adjustment of the direction in which the light is emitted is performed by the operation of a movable part in a mechanism including a plurality of mechanical parts. In such devices, there is a desire to simplify the configuration.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a liquid crystal element capable of easily adjusting the light emission direction.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The liquid crystal element of the present disclosure includes a first substrate on which a plurality of sets of elements including an electric resistance film, a first electrode, and a second electrode electrically connected to the electric resistance film are arranged, a second substrate on which a third electrode is arranged, and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate. The electric resistance film is strip-shaped extending along a first direction in a plan view. The first electrode and the second electrode extend along the first direction in a plan view and overlap the electric resistance film in a state of facing each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The plurality of sets of elements are arranged in a plurality along the second direction in a plan view. The third electrode overlaps the plurality of electric resistance films in a plan view.

[0008] Further, the liquid crystal element of the present disclosure includes a first substrate on which an electric resistance film and a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes electrically connected to the electric resistance film are arranged, a second substrate on which a third electrode is arranged, and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate. The plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes extend along a first direction in a plan view and overlap the electric resistance film in a state where the first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The third electrode overlaps the electric resistance film in a plan view.

[0009] In addition, the liquid crystal element of the present disclosure includes a plurality of sets of elements each including an electric resistance film, a first electrode, and a second electrode that are electrically connected to the electric resistance film. A first substrate on which a plurality of light-shielding layers are disposed, a second substrate on which a third electrode is disposed, and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate. The electric resistance film is strip-shaped extending along a first direction in a plan view, the first electrode and the second electrode extend along the first direction in a plan view, and overlap the electric resistance film in a state of facing each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The plurality of sets of elements are arranged in a plurality along the second direction in a plan view, the light-shielding layer is strip-shaped extending along the first direction in a plan view, and overlaps a gap between two adjacent sets of elements in the second direction. The third electrode overlaps a plurality of the electric resistance films in a plan view.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited by the content described in the following embodiments. In addition, the constituent elements described below include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art and those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the constituent elements described below can be combined as appropriate.

[0012] Note that the disclosure is merely an example, and for those that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art with appropriate modifications while maintaining the gist of the present disclosure, they are naturally included in the scope of the present disclosure. Also, for the purpose of making the description clearer, the drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual aspect, but it is merely an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present disclosure. Further, in this specification and each drawing, elements that are the same as those described above with respect to the previously shown drawings may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0013] The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 shown in the drawings correspond to directions parallel to the plate surface of the substrate included in the liquid crystal element 1. The side indicated by the arrow in each direction corresponds to the + side, and the opposite side corresponds to the - side. The + side and - side of the first direction D1, and the + side and - side of the second direction D2 correspond to the sides of the liquid crystal element 1. The third direction D3 corresponds to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal element 1. The + side of the third direction D3 corresponds to the front side of the liquid crystal element 1, and the - side of the third direction D3 corresponds to the back side of the liquid crystal element 1. Also, in this specification, "plan view" means viewing the liquid crystal element 1 along the third direction D3. Note that the directions of the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to these directions.

[0014] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a liquid crystal element 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The liquid crystal element 1 is a refractive plate that refracts light. Incident light L emitted from a light source S is incident on the liquid crystal element 1. The light source S is, for example, an illumination device such as a vehicle headlight and a spotlight.

[0015] When no voltage is applied, the liquid crystal element 1 transmits the emitted light L without changing the direction (emission direction) in which the emitted light L travels, as indicated by the solid-line arrow. On the other hand, when a voltage is applied, in the first embodiment, the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the emitted light L so as to travel along one of the two directions indicated by the dashed-line arrows (details will be described later).

[0016] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the liquid crystal element 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element 1 taken along line III-III shown in FIG. 2. The cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element 1 shown in FIG. 3 shows the cross-sectional shape of the liquid crystal element 1 cut in a plane orthogonal to the first direction D1.

[0017] The liquid crystal element 1 includes a first substrate 10, a second substrate 20, and a liquid crystal layer 30. The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 overlap each other in plan view. The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 have translucency. The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are, for example, glass substrates, resin substrates, or resin films.

[0018] A plurality of sets of elements 40, an insulating layer IL, and a first alignment film AL1 are disposed on the first substrate 10. One set of elements 40 includes an electric resistance film 41, a first electrode 42, and a second electrode 43.

[0019] The electric resistance film 41 is strip-shaped extending along the first direction D1 in plan view. The material of the electric resistance film 41 is a translucent conductive material such as, for example, IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide). The electric resistance value of the electric resistance film 41 is larger than the electric resistance values of the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43.

[0020] The first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 are electrically connected to the electric resistance film 41.

[0021] The first electrode 42 extends along the first direction D1 in plan view and overlaps the electric resistance film 41 at the first end side (+ side) of the electric resistance film 41 in the second direction D2. The first electrode 42 is in contact with the electric resistance film 41.

[0022] The second electrode 43 extends along the first direction D1 in plan view and overlaps the electric resistance film 41 at the second end side (- side) of the electric resistance film 41 in the second direction D2. The second electrode 43 is in contact with the electric resistance film 41.

[0023] The first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 overlap the electric resistance film 41 in a state of facing each other in the second direction D2 in plan view.

[0024] In the electric resistance film 41, a portion that overlaps the first electrode 42 in plan view is defined as a first overlapping portion 41a, a portion that overlaps the second electrode 43 in plan view is defined as a second overlapping portion 41b, and a portion between the first overlapping portion 41a and the second overlapping portion 41b is defined as an intermediate portion 41c. In the second direction D2, the length of the intermediate portion 41c is longer than the combined length of the length of the first overlapping portion 41a and the length of the second overlapping portion 41b.

[0025] In the present embodiment, in the second direction D2, the + side end of the electric resistance film 41 coincides with the + side end of the first electrode 42, and the - side end of the electric resistance film 41 coincides with the - side end of the second electrode 43, but they do not necessarily coincide with each other.

[0026] A plurality of sets of elements 40 are arranged along the second direction D2. As described above, the plurality of sets of elements 40 include a strip-shaped electric resistance film 41 extending along the first direction D1. The plurality of electric resistance films 41 are arranged along the second direction D2 in a state where two adjacent electric resistance films 41 are separated from each other in the second direction D2. In plan view, the plurality of electric resistance films 41 overlap a refraction region RA that refracts the emitted light L.

[0027] The plurality of sets of elements 40 are electrically insulated from each other by an insulating layer IL. Four sets of elements 40 are shown in FIG. 3. The first set of elements 40a, the second set of elements 40b, the third set of elements 40c, and the fourth set of elements 40d shown in FIG. 3 are arranged in this order from the - side to the + side along the second direction D2.

[0028] The first alignment film AL1 is disposed on the + side of the third direction D3 with respect to the plurality of sets of elements 40 and the insulating layer IL.

[0029] A third electrode 50 and a second alignment film AL2 are disposed on the second substrate 20.

[0030] The third electrode 50 overlaps with the plurality of electric resistance films 41 in plan view. The materials of the first electrode 42, the second electrode 43, and the third electrode 50 are conductive materials having translucency such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide), IGO (Indium Gallium Oxide), and IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide).

[0031] The second alignment film AL2 is disposed on the - side in the third direction D3 from the third electrode 50.

[0032] The liquid crystal layer 30 is between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. The liquid crystal layer 30 is sandwiched by the first alignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2. The first alignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2 define the alignment (initial alignment) of the liquid crystal molecules LM included in the liquid crystal layer 30 in a state where no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal element 1. The alignment direction of the first alignment film AL1 and the alignment direction of the second alignment film AL2 are orthogonal to each other in plan view.

[0033] The liquid crystal element 1 is a twisted nematic (TN: Twisted Nematic) liquid crystal element. Needless to say, the liquid crystal element 1 is not limited to a twisted nematic liquid crystal element.

[0034] Next, the operation when the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the emitted light L of the light source S will be described. The emitted light L enters the liquid crystal element 1 from the back surface of the first substrate 10 along the third direction D3. The sign in the parentheses attached to the emitted light L indicates the direction in which the emitted light L travels. Also, in FIG. 3, the emitted light L emitted from the liquid crystal element 1 is shown on the + side in the third direction D3 from the liquid crystal element 1.

[0035] When no potential is applied to the liquid crystal element 1, the emitted light L emitted from the liquid crystal element 1 travels along the third direction D3. When a potential is applied to the liquid crystal element 1, the emitted light L emitted from the liquid crystal element 1 travels along the fourth direction D4 or the fifth direction D5 as will be described later. In other words, when a potential is applied to the liquid crystal element 1, the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the emitted light L along the fourth direction D4 or the fifth direction D5.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the potential of the electric resistance film 41 when the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the emitted light L along the fourth direction D4, and the phase difference of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30. The fourth direction D4 is a direction inclined to the + side of the second direction D2 with respect to the third direction D3 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0037] The points on the horizontal axis indicating the second direction D2 shown in FIG. 4 represent the positions of the second direction D2. Also, the arrows corresponding to the symbols in the parentheses shown in FIG. 4 indicate the ranges of the portions of the electric resistance film 41. Note that FIG. 3 also shows a point representing the position of the second direction D2.

[0038] The first point P1 and the second point P2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 correspond to the - side end of the second direction D2 in the first overlapping portion 41a and the + side end of the second direction D2 in the first overlapping portion 41a in the electric resistance film 41 of the first set of elements 40a shown in FIG. 3.

[0039] The third point P3, the fourth point P4, the fifth point P5, and the sixth point P6 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 correspond to the - side end of the second direction D2 in the second overlapping portion 41b, the + side end of the second direction D2 in the second overlapping portion 41b, the - side end of the second direction D2 in the first overlapping portion 41a, and the + side end of the second direction D2 in the first overlapping portion 41a in the electric resistance film 41 of the second set of elements 40b shown in FIG. 3.

[0040] The seventh point P7, eighth point P8, ninth point P9, and tenth point P10 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 correspond to the - side end in the second direction D2 at the second overlapping portion 41b, the + side end in the second direction D2 at the second overlapping portion 41b, the - side end in the second direction D2 at the first overlapping portion 41a, and the + side end in the second direction D2 at the first overlapping portion 41a in the electric resistance film 41 of the third set of elements 40c shown in FIG. 3.

[0041] The eleventh point P11 and twelfth point P12 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 correspond to the - side end in the second direction D2 at the second overlapping portion 41b and the + side end in the second direction D2 at the second overlapping portion 41b in the electric resistance film 41 of the fourth set of elements 40d shown in FIG. 3.

[0042] When the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the emitted light L along the fourth direction D4, a first potential E1 is applied to the first electrode 42 and a second potential E2 higher than the first potential E1 is applied to the second electrode 43 by a control circuit (not shown).

[0043] In this case, in one electric resistance film 41, the potential of the second overlapping portion 41b (for example, the portion between the third point P3 and the fourth point P4 in the second set of elements 40b) in contact with the second electrode 43 is equal to the second potential E2. Also, in one electric resistance film 41, the potential of the intermediate portion 41c (for example, the portion between the fourth point P4 and the fifth point P5 in the second set of elements 40b) between the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 linearly changes from the second potential E2 to the first potential E1 from the - side to the + side in the second direction D2. Further, in one electric resistance film 41, the potential of the first overlapping portion 41a (for example, the portion between the fifth point P5 and the sixth point P6 in the second set of elements 4 of 40b) in contact with the first electrode 42 is equal to the first potential E1.

[0044] Also, a first potential E1 is applied to the third electrode 50 by the control circuit. The potential difference between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2 is determined based on the angle formed by the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. In other words, the degree of inclination of the fourth direction D4 with respect to the third direction D3 can be adjusted by the potential difference between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2.

[0045] When a potential is applied to the first electrode 42, the second electrode 43, and the third electrode 50, an electric field generated acts on the liquid crystal layer 30, causing the liquid crystal molecules LM to tilt. As a result, in the second direction D2, the refractive index of the emitted light L in the liquid crystal layer 30 changes, and a phase difference occurs in the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30.

[0046] Regarding the phase of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 shown in FIG. 4, with the phase at the position corresponding to the leftmost end of one electric resistance film 41 (for example, the third point P3 in the second set of elements 40b) in the second direction D2 as the reference (that is, the phase difference is 0 (zero)), the maximum value of the phase difference generated by the potential of the electric resistance film 41 when the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 are applied is defined as the first phase difference R1. Note that the solid line indicating the phase difference of the emitted light L shown in FIG. 4 shows the locus of the same phase as the reference phase.

[0047] The phase difference of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 changes in a zigzag manner between 0 (zero) and the first phase difference R1 along the second direction D2. Specifically, the phase difference at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the second overlapping portion 41b is 0 (zero). Also, the phase difference at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the intermediate portion 41c changes linearly from 0 (zero) to the first phase difference R1 from the left side to the right side in the second direction D2. Furthermore, the phase difference at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the first overlapping portion 41a is the first phase difference R1.

[0048] Note that the phase difference between two adjacent electric resistance films 41 in the second direction D2 (for example, between the second point P2 and the third point P3) changes linearly from the first phase difference R1 to 0 (zero) from the left side to the right side in the second direction D2.

[0049] The degree of inclination of the phase difference at the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the intermediate portion 41c corresponds to the angle formed by the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. Also, in the second direction D2, the length of the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the intermediate portion 41c is longer than the combined length of the portions of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the first overlapping portion 41a and the second overlapping portion 41b.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, by changing the phase difference of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30, the emitted light L is refracted by the liquid crystal layer 30 and emitted from the liquid crystal element 1 along the fourth direction D4.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the potential of the electric resistance film 41 when the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the emitted light L along the fifth direction D5, and the phase difference of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30. The fifth direction D5 is a direction inclined to one side of the second direction D2 with respect to the third direction D3 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0052] When the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the emitted light L in the fifth direction D5, the control circuit applies the second potential E2 to the first electrode 42 and the first potential E1 to the second electrode 43.

[0053] In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, in one electric resistance film 41, the potential of the second overlapping portion 41b in contact with the second electrode 43 (for example, the portion between the third point P3 and the fourth point P4 in the second set of elements 40b) is equal to the first potential E1. Also, in one electric resistance film 41, the potential of the intermediate portion 41c (for example, the portion between the fourth point P4 and the fifth point P5 in the second set of elements 40b) linearly changes from the first potential E1 to the second potential E2 from one side to the + side in the second direction D2. Further, in one electric resistance film 41, the potential of the first overlapping portion 41a in contact with the first electrode 42 (see FIG. 3: for example, the portion between the fifth point P5 and the sixth point P6 in the second set of elements 40b) is equal to the second potential E2.

[0054] Also, the control circuit applies the first potential E1 to the third electrode 50. The potential difference between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2 is determined based on the angle formed by the third direction D3 and the fifth direction D5. Therefore, the degree of inclination of the fifth direction D5 with respect to the third direction D3 can be adjusted by the potential difference between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2.

[0055] When a potential is applied to the first electrode 42, the second electrode 43, and the third electrode 50, the refractive index of the emitted light L in the liquid crystal layer 30 changes in the second direction D2, and a phase difference occurs in the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30.

[0056] Regarding the phase of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 shown in FIG. 5, with the phase at the position corresponding to the most + side end of one electric resistance film 41 in the second direction D2 (for example, the sixth point P6 in the second set of elements 40b) as the reference (that is, the phase difference is 0 (zero)), the maximum value of the phase difference generated by the potentials applied to the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 is defined as the first phase difference R1.

[0057] The phase difference of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 changes in a zigzag manner between 0 (zero) and the first phase difference R1 along the second direction D2. Specifically, the phase difference at the part of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the second overlapping part 41b is the first phase difference R1. The phase difference at the part of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the intermediate part 41c changes linearly from the first phase difference R1 to 0 (zero) from the - side to the + side in the second direction D2. Furthermore, the phase difference at the part of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the first overlapping part 41a is 0 (zero).

[0058] Note that the phase difference between two adjacent electric resistance films 41 in the second direction D2 changes linearly from 0 (zero) to the first phase difference R1 from the - side to the + side in the second direction D2.

[0059] The degree of the inclination of the phase difference at the part of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the intermediate part 41c corresponds to the angle formed by the third direction D3 and the fifth direction D5.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5, due to the change in the phase difference of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30, the emitted light L is refracted by the liquid crystal layer 30 and emitted from the liquid crystal element 1 along the fifth direction D5.

[0061] In this way, the liquid crystal element 1 can refract the emitted light L with a simple configuration. Also, the angle formed between the fourth direction D4 and the third direction D3, and the angle formed between the fifth direction D5 and the third direction D3 can be adjusted by the potential applied to the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43. Therefore, the liquid crystal element 1 can easily adjust the emission direction of light.

[0062] <Modification Example of the First Embodiment> Next, regarding the liquid crystal element 1a according to the modification example of the first embodiment, mainly the parts different from the liquid crystal element 1 of the above first embodiment will be described.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element 1a according to the modification example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In a set of elements 140 of this modification example, the first electrode 142 and the second electrode 143 are separated from the electric resistance film 141.

[0064] Also, in this modification example, compared with the above first embodiment, the lengths of the first electrode 142 and the second electrode 143 in the second direction D2 are longer. In this modification example, compared with the above first embodiment, in a set of elements 140, regarding the + side end in the second direction D2 at the second overlapping part 41b and the - side end in the second direction D2 at the first overlapping part 41a, the positions in the second direction D2 are different.

[0065] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the potential of the electric resistance film 141 and the phase difference of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 when the liquid crystal element 1a according to the modification example of the first embodiment refracts the emitted light L along the fourth direction D4.

[0066] When the liquid crystal element 1a refracts the emitted light L in the fourth direction D4, a first potential E1 is applied to the first electrode 142 and a second potential E2 is applied to the second electrode 143 by the control circuit.

[0067] As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, in one electric resistance film 141, the potential between the - side end and the + side end in the second direction D2 (for example, between the third point P3 and the sixth point P6 in the second set of elements 40b) changes curvilinearly from the fourth potential E4 to the third potential E3 lower than the fourth potential E4. In this modification, the curvilinear shape is an S shape.

[0068] In this modification, since the first electrode 142 and the second electrode 143 are separated from the electric resistance film 141, the third potential E3 is smaller than the first potential E1 applied to the first electrode 142, and the fourth potential E4 is smaller than the second potential E2 applied to the second electrode 143. The third potential E3, the fourth potential E4, and the curvilinear shape are determined by the distance in the third direction D3 between the first electrode 142 and the second electrode 143 and the electric resistance film 141, as well as the electric resistance value of the electric resistance film 141.

[0069] Regarding the phase of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 shown in FIG. 7, taking the phase at the position corresponding to the most - side end of one electric resistance film 141 in the second direction D2 (for example, the third point P3 in the second set of elements 40b) as a reference (that is, the phase difference is 0 (zero)), the maximum value of the phase difference generated by the potential of the electric resistance film 141 when the first electrode 142 and the second electrode 143 are applied is defined as the second phase difference R2.

[0070] The phase difference of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 changes in a zigzag shape along the second direction D2 between 0 (zero) and the second phase difference R2. Specifically, in the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to one electric resistance film 141, the phase difference between the - side end and the + side end in the second direction D2 (for example, between the third point P3 and the sixth point P6 in the second set of elements 40b) changes curvilinearly from 0 (zero) to the second phase difference R2 from the - side to the + side in the second direction D2. In this modification, the curvilinear shape is an S shape.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 7, by changing the phase difference of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30, the emitted light L is refracted by the liquid crystal layer 30 and emitted from the liquid crystal element 1a along the fourth direction D4. When the liquid crystal element 1a refracts the emitted light L in the fifth direction D5, a second potential E2 is applied to the first electrode 142 and a first potential E1 is applied to the second electrode 143 by the control circuit.

[0072] <Second Embodiment> Next, regarding the liquid crystal element 1b according to the second embodiment, mainly the parts different from the liquid crystal element 1 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0073] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element 1b according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The liquid crystal element 1b of the second embodiment includes one electric resistance film 241, a plurality of first electrodes 242, and a plurality of second electrodes 243 instead of the plurality of sets of elements 40 included in the liquid crystal element 1 of the first embodiment.

[0074] The electric resistance film 241 of the second embodiment has a size in plan view different from that of the electric resistance film 241 of the first embodiment. The number of electric resistance films 241 included in the liquid crystal element 1b is one. The electric resistance film 241 overlaps with the refraction region RA in plan view.

[0075] The plurality of first electrodes 242 and the plurality of second electrodes 243 extend along the first direction D1 in plan view, and overlap with the electric resistance film 241 in a state where the first electrodes 242 and the second electrodes 243 are alternately arranged in the second direction D2.

[0076] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the potential of the electric resistance film 241 when the liquid crystal element 1b according to the second embodiment refracts the emitted light L and the phase difference of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30. The liquid crystal element 1b of the second embodiment refracts the emitted light L simultaneously along both the fourth direction D4 and the fifth direction D5.

[0077] The 21st point P21, the 22nd point P22, the 23rd point P23, the 24th point P24, the 25th point P25, the 26th point P26, the 27th point P27, and the 28th point P28 corresponding to the position of the second direction D2 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 correspond to the - side end and the + side end of the second direction D2 in the first overlapping portion 241a and the second overlapping portion 241b shown in FIG. 8.

[0078] When the liquid crystal element 1b refracts the emitted light L, a first potential E1 is applied to the first electrode 242 and a second potential E2 is applied to the second electrode 243 by the control circuit.

[0079] As a result, the potential of the electric resistance film 241 changes in a zigzag manner between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2 along the second direction D2. Specifically, in the electric resistance film 241, the potential of the first overlapping portion 241a (for example, the portion between the 21st point P21 and the 22nd point P22) in contact with the first electrode 242 is equal to the first potential E1. Among the intermediate portions 241c between the first electrode 242 and the second electrode 243 in the electric resistance film 241, the potential of the first intermediate portion 241c1 (for example, the portion between the 22nd point P22 and the 23rd point P23) where the second overlapping portion 241b is located on the + side in the second direction D2 changes linearly from the first potential E1 to the second potential E2 from the - side to the + side in the second direction D2.

[0080] Also, in the electric resistance film 241, the potential of the second overlapping portion 241b (for example, the portion between the 23rd point P23 and the 24th point P24) in contact with the second electrode 243 is equal to the second potential E2. Among the intermediate portions 241c between the first electrode 242 and the second electrode 243 in the electric resistance film 241, the potential of the second intermediate portion 241c2 (for example, the portion between the 24th point P24 and the 25th point P25) where the first overlapping portion 241a is located on the + side in the second direction D2 changes linearly from the second potential E2 to the first potential E1 from the - side to the + side in the second direction D2.

[0081] Also, by the control circuit, a first potential E1 is applied to the third electrode 50 in the same manner as the first electrode 242. The potential difference between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2 is determined based on the angles formed by the fourth direction D4 and the fifth direction D5 with the third direction D3.

[0082] When a potential is applied to the first electrode 242, the second electrode 243, and the third electrode 50, the refractive index of the emitted light L in the liquid crystal layer 30 changes along the second direction D2, and a phase difference occurs in the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30.

[0083] Regarding the phase of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 shown in FIG. 9, taking the phase at a position corresponding to one end (for example, the 23rd point P23) of the second overlapping portion 241b in the second direction D2 as a reference (that is, the phase difference is 0 (zero)), the maximum value of the phase difference generated by the potentials applied to the first electrode 242 and the second electrode 243 in the present second embodiment is defined as the first phase difference R1.

[0084] The phase difference of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 changes in a zigzag manner between 0 (zero) and the first phase difference R1 along the second direction D2. Specifically, the phase difference of the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the first overlapping portion 241a is the first phase difference R1. The phase difference of the first intermediate portion 241c1 changes linearly from the first phase difference R1 to 0 (zero) from one side to the other side in the second direction D2.

[0085] Also, the phase difference of the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the second overlapping portion 241b is  0 (zero). The phase difference of the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the second intermediate portion 241c2 of the electric resistance film 241 changes linearly from 0 (zero) to the first phase difference R1 from one side to the other side in the second direction D2.

[0086] As the phase difference of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 changes as shown in FIG. 9, the emitted light L is refracted by the liquid crystal layer 30 and is simultaneously emitted from the liquid crystal element 1b along both the fourth direction D4 and the fifth direction D5. Note that the second potential E2 may be applied to the first electrode 242 and the first potential E1 may be applied to the second electrode 243 by a control circuit.

[0087] <Third Embodiment> Next, regarding the liquid crystal element 1c according to the third embodiment, mainly the parts different from the liquid crystal element 1 of the first embodiment described above will be described.

[0088] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal element 1c according to a modified example of the third embodiment of the present disclosure. The liquid crystal element 1c of the third embodiment further includes a plurality of light shielding layers 360 with respect to the liquid crystal element 1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0089] The plurality of light shielding layers 360 are disposed on the first substrate 10. The light shielding layer 360 is in a strip shape extending along the first direction D1 in a plan view. The light shielding layer 360 overlaps with a gap G between a pair of two elements 40 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 in a plan view. The light shielding layer 360 blocks the emitted light L from passing through the gap G.

[0090] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the potential of the electric resistance film 41 when the liquid crystal element 1c according to the third embodiment refracts the emitted light L along the fourth direction D4, and the phase difference of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30.

[0091] In the liquid crystal element 1c of the third embodiment, the gap G between a pair of two elements 40 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 is larger than that of the liquid crystal element 1 of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, in FIGS. 10 and 11, the length Hg of the gap G in the second direction D2 (for example, the length between the second point P2 and the third point P3 in FIG. 11) is larger than that in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0092] When the liquid crystal element 1c refracts the emitted light L in the fourth direction D4, similar to the first embodiment described above, a first potential E1 is applied to the first electrode 42 and a second potential E2 is applied to the second electrode 43 by a control circuit.

[0093] In this case, the potential of one electric resistance film 41 shown in FIG. 11 is the same as the potential of one electric resistance film 41 shown in FIG. 4.

[0094] When a potential is applied to the first electrode 42, the second electrode 43, and the third electrode 50, the refractive index of the emitted light L in the liquid crystal layer 30 changes along the second direction D2, and a phase difference occurs in the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30.

[0095] The retardation of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 shown in FIG. 11 changes in a zigzag manner along the second direction D2 between 0 (zero) and the first retardation R1, similar to the retardation shown in FIG. 4.

[0096] Also, in the present third embodiment, the length Hg of the gap G along the second direction D2 is defined as follows. First, the first virtual line Lv1, the second virtual line Lv2, the third virtual line Lv3, and the fourth virtual line Lv4 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 will be described. Among the two electric resistance films 41 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 shown in FIG. 10, the electric resistance film 41 on the - side of the second direction D2 is defined as the first electric resistance film 341L, and the electric resistance film 41 on the + side of the second direction D2 is defined as the second electric resistance film 341R. The second electric resistance film 341R is the electric resistance film 41 adjacent to the first electric resistance film 341L on the first electrode 42 side of the first electric resistance film 341L in the second direction D2 among the plurality of electric resistance films 41.

[0097] Also, the surface on the - side of the third direction D3 in the liquid crystal layer 30 is defined as the incident surface 30a. The emitted light L is incident on the liquid crystal layer 30 from the incident surface 30a. The incident surface 30a corresponds to the broken line indicating the reference (0 (zero)) of the retardation in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0098] The first virtual line Lv1 is a virtual line passing through the end point (the fourth point P4) on the second electrode 43 side of the intermediate portion 341cL (corresponding to the "first portion") of the first electric resistance film 341L and parallel to the third direction D3.

[0099] The second virtual line Lv2 is a virtual line passing through the end point (the fifth point P5) on the first electrode 42 side of the intermediate portion 341cL and parallel to the third direction D3.

[0100] The third virtual line Lv3 is a virtual line passing through the end point (the eighth point P8) on the second electrode 43 side of the intermediate portion 341cR (corresponding to the "second portion") of the second electric resistance film 341R and parallel to the third direction D3.

[0101] The fourth virtual line Lv4 is a virtual line connecting a first virtual point Pv1, which is the intersection point of the first virtual line Lv1 and the incident surface 30a, and a second virtual point Pv2 on the second virtual line Lv2, where the phase of the emitted light L at the first virtual point Pv1 and the phase of the emitted light L are in the same phase.

[0102] Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the length between a third virtual point Pv3, which is the intersection point of the third virtual line Lv3 and the fourth virtual line Lv4, and a fourth virtual point Pv4, which is the intersection point of the third virtual line Lv3 and the incident surface 30a, is defined as a virtual length Hv.

[0103] The length Hg of the gap G is determined such that the virtual length Hv is an odd multiple of the wavelength of the emitted light L. By determining the length Hg of the gap G in this way, compared with the case where the length Hg of the gap G is determined in a state where the virtual length Hv is not an odd multiple of the wavelength of the emitted light L, the liquid crystal element 1c refracts the emitted light L so as to be more along the fourth direction D4. In other words, when the length Hg of the gap G is determined in a state where the virtual length Hv is an odd multiple of the wavelength of the emitted light L, the emitted light L refracted by the liquid crystal layer 30 is collected so as to be more along the fourth direction D4.

[0104] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the potential of the electric resistance film 41 and the phase difference of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 when the liquid crystal element 1d according to the comparative example refracts the emitted light L along the fourth direction D4.

[0105] The liquid crystal element 1d of the comparative example is configured in the same manner as the liquid crystal element 1c of the third embodiment except for the length Hg of the gap G. The length Hg of the gap G shown in FIG. 12 is longer than the length Hg of the gap G of the liquid crystal element 1c shown in FIG. 11. In the liquid crystal element 1d of the comparative example, the length Hg of the gap G shown in FIG. 12 is determined in a state where the virtual length Hv is an even multiple of the wavelength of the emitted light L.

[0106] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the intensity and the refraction angle of the emitted light L in the emitted light L emitted from the liquid crystal element 1c of the third embodiment and the emitted light L emitted from the liquid crystal element 1d of the comparative example.

[0107] In FIG. 13, the horizontal axis represents the refraction angle of the emitted light L, and the vertical axis represents the intensity of the emitted light L. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the liquid crystal element 1c of the third embodiment and the liquid crystal element 1d of the comparative example refract the emitted light L along the fourth direction D4. The refraction angle corresponding to the fourth direction D4 is defined as the first refraction angle θ1.

[0108] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 13, the virtual length Hv in the liquid crystal element 1c of the third embodiment is 23 times the wavelength, and the virtual length Hv in the liquid crystal element 1d of the comparative example is 24 times the wavelength. Further, in the phase difference of the emitted light L shown in FIG. 11 and the phase difference of the emitted light L shown in FIG. 13, the length between the fifth virtual point Pv5, which is the intersection of the second virtual line Lv2 and the incident plane 30a, and the second virtual point Pv2 is equal to 12 times the wavelength.

[0109] Note that the degree of inclination of the phase difference in the portion of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the intermediate portion 41c is the same between the liquid crystal element 1c of the third embodiment and the liquid crystal element 1d of the comparative example. That is, between the phase difference of the emitted light L shown in FIG. 11 and the phase difference of the emitted light L shown in FIG. 13, the degree of inclination between the fourth point P4 and the fifth point P5 (and the degree of inclination between the eighth point P8 and the ninth point P9) is the same.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 13, the intensity of the emitted light L is scattered around the first refraction angle θ1. The degree of scattering in the liquid crystal element 1c of the third embodiment is smaller than the degree of scattering in the liquid crystal element 1d of the comparative example. Also, the maximum value of the intensity of the emitted light L in the liquid crystal element 1c of the third embodiment is larger than the maximum value of the intensity of the emitted light L in the liquid crystal element 1d of the comparative example. That is, the liquid crystal element 1c of the third embodiment refracts the emitted light L more along the fourth direction D4 than the liquid crystal element 1d of the comparative example.

[0111] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been explained, but the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. The content disclosed in the embodiments is merely an example, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Appropriate modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure naturally belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0112] In addition, for other operational effects brought about by the aspects described in the above embodiments that are obvious from the description in this specification or can be appropriately conceived by those skilled in the art, they are naturally understood to be brought about by the present disclosure.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0113] 1 Liquid crystal element 10 First substrate 20 Second substrate 30 Liquid crystal layer 30a Incident surface 40 One set of elements 41 Electric resistance film 41a First overlapping portion 41b Second overlapping portion 41c Intermediate portion 42 First electrode 43 Second electrode 50 Third electrode 341L First electric resistance film 341R Second electric resistance film 360 Light-shielding layer D1 First direction D2 Second direction D3 Third direction E1 First potential E2 Second potential G Gap L Emitted light Lv1 First virtual line Lv2 Second virtual line Lv3 Third virtual line Lv4 Fourth virtual line Pv1 First virtual point Pv2 Second virtual point Pv3 Third virtual point Pv4 Fourth virtual point

Claims

1. A first substrate on which a plurality of sets of elements are arranged, each set of elements including an electric resistance film, a first electrode, and a second electrode electrically connected to the electric resistance film; A second substrate on which a third electrode is arranged; A liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the electric resistance film is strip-shaped extending along a first direction in plan view; the first electrode and the second electrode extend along the first direction in plan view and overlap the electric resistance film in a state of facing each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; the plurality of sets of elements are arranged side by side along the second direction in plan view; the third electrode overlaps the plurality of electric resistance films in plan view; A liquid crystal element.

2. The first electrode and the second electrode are in contact with the electric resistance film, The liquid crystal element according to Claim 1.

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

4. A first substrate on which an electric resistance film and a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes electrically connected to the electric resistance film are arranged; A second substrate on which a third electrode is arranged; A liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes extend along a first direction in plan view, and the first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and overlap the electric resistance film; the third electrode overlaps the electric resistance film in plan view; A liquid crystal element.

5. A first substrate on which a plurality of sets of elements each including an electric resistance film, a first electrode, and a second electrode electrically connected to the electric resistance film are arranged, and a plurality of light-shielding layers are arranged; A second substrate on which a third electrode is arranged; A liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the electric resistance film is strip-shaped extending along a first direction in plan view; the first electrode and the second electrode extend along the first direction in plan view and overlap the electric resistance film in a state of facing each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; the plurality of sets of elements are arranged in a plurality along the second direction in plan view; the light-shielding layer is strip-shaped extending along the first direction in plan view and overlaps a gap between two adjacent sets of elements in the second direction. The third electrode overlaps the plurality of the electric resistance films in a plan view. Liquid crystal element. Claim 6 In the liquid crystal layer, light is incident from an incident surface on the first substrate side along a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. The first electrode and the second electrode are in contact with the electric resistance film. In a cross-sectional shape when cut along a plane orthogonal to the first direction in a case where a first potential is applied to the first electrode and a second potential higher than the first potential is applied to the second electrode. Among the plurality of the electric resistance films, a virtual line passing through an end point on the second electrode side of a first portion between the first electrode and the second electrode in the second direction in a first electric resistance film and parallel to the third direction is defined as a first virtual line. A virtual line passing through an end point on the first electrode side of the first portion and parallel to the third direction is defined as a second virtual line. Among the plurality of the electric resistance films, in a second electric resistance film adjacent to the first electric resistance film on the first electrode side in the second direction, a virtual line passing through an end point on the second electrode side of a second portion between the first electrode and the second electrode in the second direction and parallel to the third direction is defined as a third virtual line. A virtual line connecting a first virtual point which is an intersection point of the first virtual line and the incident surface and a second virtual point on the second virtual line where the phase of the light at the first virtual point is in phase with the phase of the light is defined as a fourth virtual line. The length between a third virtual point which is an intersection point of the third virtual line and the fourth virtual line and a fourth virtual point which is an intersection point of the third virtual line and the incident surface is an odd multiple of the wavelength of the light. The liquid crystal element according to claim 5.

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