Liquid crystal light control device

Abstract

To provide a liquid crystal light control device for suppressing disturbance of a light distribution pattern.SOLUTION: A liquid crystal light control device includes first to fourth liquid crystal cells, each of the first to fourth liquid crystal cells includes a first board including a first electrode including a strip pattern and a first alignment layer, a second board including a second electrode including a strip pattern and a second alignment layer, and a liquid crystal layer between the first board and the second board, the alignment direction of the first alignment layer crosses the alignment direction of the second alignment layer, the longitudinal direction of the strip pattern of the first electrode crosses the longitudinal direction of the strip pattern of the second electrode, the first to fourth liquid crystal cells are disposed such that they overlap in this order from a side of incidence of light, the longitudinal direction of the strip pattern of the second electrode crosses the alignment direction of the second alignment layer within a range of 90±10 degrees in the first to third liquid crystal cells, and the longitudinal direction of the strip pattern of the first electrode crosses the alignment direction of the first alignment layer within a range of 90±10 degrees in the second to fourth liquid crystal cells.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention utilizes the electro-optical effect of liquid crystal to adjust the distribution of light emitted from a light source. It relates to the device to be controlled. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technique for controlling the distribution of light emitted from a light source using a liquid crystal element. For example, the light emitted from a light source is diffused by a liquid crystal cell with concentric ring electrodes. A lighting device that controls the above has been disclosed (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-230887 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-317879 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Liquid crystal elements using nematic liquid crystals rotate the direction of the polarized components of incident light (hereafter referred to as This phenomenon is also called optical rotation.) In addition, by creating a refractive index distribution in the liquid crystal layer, the incident light is In such a liquid crystal element, incident light is diffused by the liquid crystal layer. If the light is rotated after the lens is rotated, the loss of the rotated light will increase and the shape of the light distribution pattern will become distorted. This may occur.

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention is a liquid crystal light control device that suppresses light loss and suppresses disturbance of the light distribution pattern. One of the objectives is to provide a control device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A liquid crystal light control device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first liquid crystal cell and a liquid crystal display device overlapping the first liquid crystal cell. a second liquid crystal cell, a third liquid crystal cell overlapping the second liquid crystal cell, and a fourth liquid crystal cell overlapping the third liquid crystal cell; Each of the first liquid crystal cell, the second liquid crystal cell, the third liquid crystal cell, and the fourth liquid crystal cell The first substrate includes a first alignment film, and a second substrate includes an electrode having a strip-shaped pattern and a second alignment film. The liquid crystal display device includes two substrates and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates, and the alignment direction of the first alignment film and the alignment direction of the second alignment film are different from each other. The electrode including the strip-shaped pattern is provided so that the direction of the strip-shaped pattern crosses the direction of the orientation of the film. The longitudinal direction of the turn is arranged in a direction intersecting with the alignment direction of the second alignment film, and the alignment direction of the second alignment film is A transverse electric field is generated in the same direction as the direction of the laser beam.

[0007] A liquid crystal light control device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first liquid crystal cell and a liquid crystal display device overlapping the first liquid crystal cell. a second liquid crystal cell, a third liquid crystal cell overlapping the second liquid crystal cell, and a fourth liquid crystal cell overlapping the third liquid crystal cell; Each of the first liquid crystal cell, the second liquid crystal cell, the third liquid crystal cell, and the fourth liquid crystal cell The first substrate includes a first electrode including a strip-shaped pattern and a first alignment film; a second substrate including a second electrode and a second alignment film, and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; The alignment direction of the first alignment film and the alignment direction of the second alignment film are arranged to intersect with each other, The longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped pattern of the first electrode and the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped pattern of the second electrode do not intersect. The longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped pattern of the second electrode intersects with the alignment direction of the second alignment film. The first and third liquid crystal cells are arranged in a direction such that the second electrode is aligned with the alignment of the second alignment film. The second and fourth liquid crystal cells are arranged such that the first electrodes are aligned in the same direction as the first electrodes. A transverse electric field is generated in the same direction as the alignment direction of the alignment film. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a liquid crystal light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 shows a development view of a liquid crystal light control element constituting a liquid crystal light control device according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of electrodes of a first liquid crystal cell, a second liquid crystal cell, a third liquid crystal cell, and a fourth liquid crystal cell that constitute a liquid crystal light control element according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] 1 is a plan view showing electrodes provided on a first substrate of a liquid crystal cell that constitutes a liquid crystal light control element according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] 1 is a plan view showing electrodes provided on a second substrate of a liquid crystal cell that constitutes a liquid crystal light control element according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cross-sectional structure of a liquid crystal cell that constitutes a liquid crystal light control element according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining the operation of a liquid crystal cell constituting a liquid crystal light control element according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules when no voltage is applied. [Figure 6B] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining the operation of a liquid crystal cell constituting a liquid crystal light control element according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules when a voltage is applied. [Figure 6C] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining the operation of a liquid crystal cell that constitutes a liquid crystal light control element according to one embodiment of the present invention, and show waveforms of control signals applied to electrodes that drive the liquid crystal. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a liquid crystal cell that constitutes a liquid crystal light control element according to one embodiment of the present invention, and shows a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of a first electrode and a second electrode. [Figure 7B]1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining the operation of a liquid crystal cell constituting a liquid crystal light control element according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules when a voltage is applied to the first electrode. [Figure 7C] 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a liquid crystal cell constituting a liquid crystal light control element according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules when a voltage is applied to the second electrode. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the phenomenon in which a first polarized component and a second polarized component are diffused by two liquid crystal cells. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of electrodes of a first liquid crystal cell, a second liquid crystal cell, a third liquid crystal cell, and a fourth liquid crystal cell that constitute a liquid crystal light control element according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the operation of a liquid crystal light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 3 shows signals that control the operation of a liquid crystal light control device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the operation of a liquid crystal light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the operation of a liquid crystal light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a liquid crystal light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a liquid crystal light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the operation of a liquid crystal light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17A] 2 shows an example of an alignment shape obtained by the liquid crystal light control element shown in the first embodiment. [Figure 17B] An example of an alignment shape obtained by the liquid crystal light control element shown in Reference Example 1 is shown. [Figure 18A] 10 shows an example of an alignment shape obtained by the liquid crystal light control element shown in the second embodiment. [Figure 18B] An example of an alignment shape obtained by the liquid crystal light control element shown in Reference Example 2 is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention may be embodied in various ways, and is not limited to the following exemplary embodiments. The drawings are for the purpose of clarifying the description and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. The width, thickness, shape, etc. of the It is not intended to limit the interpretation of the invention. In addition, in the present specification and each drawing, Elements similar to those previously described are designated by the same reference numerals (or numerals followed by a, b, etc.). Further, the terms "first" and "second" are used to refer to each element. The letters "2" are convenient symbols used to distinguish between elements, and It has no further meaning unless otherwise explained.

[0010] As used herein, one element or region may be "over (or under)" another element or region. Unless otherwise specified, this applies when it is directly above (or directly below) another component or area. This includes not only cases where the object is located above (or below) other components or areas, i.e., other components This also includes cases where another component is included above (or below) the material or region.

[0011] In this specification, "optical rotation" refers to the rotation of the polarization axis of a linearly polarized component when it passes through a liquid crystal layer. This refers to the phenomenon of inversion. In this specification, the "orientation direction" of the alignment film refers to the treatment ( For example, when liquid crystal molecules are aligned on an alignment film by rubbing, If the treatment performed on the alignment film is a rubbing treatment, the alignment direction of the alignment film The direction is usually the rubbing direction. In this specification, the "longitudinal direction" of the belt-shaped pattern refers to the direction in which the belt-shaped pattern is viewed from above. When a pattern has a short side (width) and a long side (length), this refers to the direction in which the long side extends. The strip-shaped pattern includes a rectangular pattern in a plan view, and further includes at least one strip-shaped pattern in the middle of the long side. This also includes patterns with one bend or curve.

[0012] 1 is a perspective view of a liquid crystal light control device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The device 100 includes a liquid crystal light control element 102 and a circuit board 104. In this embodiment, the liquid crystal light control element 102 includes at least four liquid crystal cells. The liquid crystal cell includes:

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a liquid crystal light control element 102 including a first liquid crystal cell 10, a second liquid crystal cell 20, and a third liquid crystal cell 11. 1 shows an example in which the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are arranged. The liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are flat panels. The flat surfaces of the liquid crystal cells are arranged so as to overlap each other. 0, between the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the third liquid crystal cell 30, between the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, A transparent adhesive layer (not shown) is provided between the liquid crystal light control element 102 and the front and rear. The liquid crystal cells arranged adjacent to each other are bonded together with a transparent adhesive layer.

[0014] The circuit board 104 includes a circuit for driving the liquid crystal light control element 102. The first liquid crystal cell 10 The first flexible wiring board F1 is connected to the circuit board 104, and the second liquid crystal cell 20 is connected to the second flexible wiring board F2. The third liquid crystal cell 30 is connected to the circuit board 104 by the third flexible wiring board F2. The fourth liquid crystal cell 40 is connected to the circuit board 104 by a fourth flexible wiring board F3. The wiring board F4 is connected to the circuit board 104. The circuit board 104 has a frame for each liquid crystal cell. A control signal for controlling the alignment state of the liquid crystal is output via a flexible wiring substrate.

[0015] The liquid crystal light control device 100 shown in FIG. 1 has a light source unit 106 on the rear side of the liquid crystal light control element 102. The liquid crystal light control device 100 is arranged such that the light emitted from the light source unit 106 is reflected by the liquid crystal light control element 104. The light is emitted to the front side of the drawing through the liquid crystal light control element 102. From the light source unit 106 side, the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, Four liquid crystal cells 40 are arranged in this order.

[0016] The light source unit 106 includes a white light source, and the white light source and the liquid crystal light control element 102 may be connected as needed. An optical element such as a lens may be placed between the two. The white light source emits light that is close to natural light. It may be a light source that emits dimmed light such as daylight white or warm white. The liquid crystal light control device 100 adjusts the diffusion direction of the light emitted from the light source unit 106 to the liquid crystal light control element. The liquid crystal light control element 102 controls the light emitted from the light source unit 106. It has the function of shaping the emitted light into a light distribution pattern such as a square or cross.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows a development view of the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown in FIG. 1. The liquid crystal light control element 102 has the following features: The liquid crystal display includes a first liquid crystal cell 10, a second liquid crystal cell 20, a third liquid crystal cell 30, and a fourth liquid crystal cell 40. .

[0018] The first liquid crystal cell 10 includes a first substrate S11 and a second substrate S12. The first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 are disposed facing each other with a gap therebetween. A liquid crystal layer (not shown) is provided in the gap between the first flexible wiring board F1 and the second flexible wiring board F2. It is connected to the first substrate S11.

[0019] The second liquid crystal cell 20 includes a first substrate S21, a second substrate S22, and a second flexible wiring board. The third liquid crystal cell 30 includes a plate F2 and has a configuration similar to that of the first liquid crystal cell 10. The first liquid crystal cell includes a substrate S31, a second substrate S32, and a third flexible wiring substrate F3. The fourth liquid crystal cell 40 has a structure similar to that of the first substrate S41 and the second substrate S42. and a fourth flexible wiring substrate F4, and has the same configuration as the first liquid crystal cell 10. do.

[0020] A first transparent adhesive layer TA1 is disposed between the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20. The first transparent adhesive layer TA1 transmits visible light and is a transparent adhesive layer that is transparent to the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10. The first substrate S21 of the liquid crystal cell 20 is bonded to the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the third liquid crystal cell 30. The second transparent adhesive layer TA2 is disposed between the first and second transparent adhesive layers TA1 and TA2. The second transparent adhesive layer TA2 is transparent to visible light. The second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the first substrate S31 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 are bonded together. A third transparent adhesive layer TA3 is disposed between the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40. The third transparent adhesive layer TA3 transmits visible light and is disposed on the second substrate S3 of the third liquid crystal cell 30. 2 and the first substrate S41 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are bonded together.

[0021] The first transparent adhesive layer TA1, the second transparent adhesive layer TA2, and the third transparent adhesive layer TA3 have a transmittance of The refractive index of the first substrates S11, S21, S31, and S41 is high, and the refractive index of the second substrates S12 and S22 is low. The first transparent adhesive layer TA1, the second transparent adhesive layer TA2, and the second transparent adhesive layer TA3 are preferably similar to S23 and S24. The third transparent adhesive layer TA3 can be made of an optical elastic resin, for example, a light-transmitting The adhesive material may be an acrylic resin having the above properties. The temperature of the first transparent adhesive layer TA1 and the second transparent adhesive layer TA2 rises due to the heat radiated from the light source unit 106. The thermal expansion coefficients of the transparent adhesive layer TA2 and the third transparent adhesive layer TA3 are the same as those of the first substrate and the second substrate. It is preferable that the coefficient has a value close to the coefficient.

[0022] However, the first transparent adhesive layer TA1, the second transparent adhesive layer TA2, and the third transparent adhesive layer TA3 The thermal expansion coefficient is often higher than that of a glass substrate, for example, so stress relaxation during temperature rise must be taken into consideration. The first transparent adhesive layer TA1, the second transparent adhesive layer TA2, and the third transparent adhesive layer TA3 must be taken into consideration. The thickness of TA3 is set to be 1 / 2 mm to reduce thermal stress when the temperature rises. The cell gap (thickness of the liquid crystal layer) of the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 It is preferable that the thickness is thicker than 1 / 2 mm.

[0023] As will be described later, the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and The four liquid crystal cells 40 have substantially the same structure. The first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are compared with the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are rotated by 90 degrees and stacked on top of each other. The liquid crystal light control element 102 includes a plurality of liquid crystal cells, and includes at least one liquid crystal cell and a plurality of liquid crystal cells. At least one liquid crystal cell has adjacent (overlapping) liquid crystal cells rotated 90 degrees. In this embodiment, the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell The liquid crystal cell 40 is rotated by 90 degrees with respect to the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20. The rotation angle can be set within the range of 90±10 degrees.

[0024] 2 shows the arrangement of the third liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 as a reference. The third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are arranged in a state rotated by 90 degrees. When the cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are used as references, the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 2 0 can be said to be arranged in a rotated state within a range of 90 degrees. By stacking multiple liquid crystal cells and rotating some of them, the electrode arrangement can be adjusted. This allows for changes in the diffusion of light passing through the stacked liquid crystal cells. It is possible, and the details are explained below.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the liquid crystal light control element 102. The electrodes provided in the liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are For the sake of explanation, FIG. 3 shows the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. In this case, the X-axis direction refers to the direction along the X-axis, the Y-axis direction refers to the direction along the Y-axis, and the Z-axis direction refers to the direction along the The axial direction refers to the direction along the Z axis.

[0026] The first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are Z The liquid crystal light control element 102 is actually arranged so that the liquid crystal cells are closely spaced. However, for the sake of explanation, FIG. 3 shows the liquid crystal cells in an expanded state.

[0027] The first liquid crystal cell 10 includes a first substrate S11, a second substrate S12, a first electrode E11, and a second electrode E12. The first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 are connected to a first electrode E12 and a first liquid crystal layer LC1. The electrode E11 is disposed between the first substrate S11 and the first liquid crystal layer LC1, and the second electrode E12 is disposed between the first substrate S11 and the first liquid crystal layer LC1. The second substrate S12 is disposed between the first liquid crystal layer LC1. The first and second substrates S12 face each other, and the facing surfaces are the inner surfaces. In this case, the first electrode E11 is set on the inner surface of the first substrate. The second electrode E12 is provided on the inner surface of the second substrate. The same applies to the liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0028] The first electrode E11 includes a plurality of first strip-shaped electrodes E11A formed in a strip shape and a plurality of first strip-shaped electrodes E11B formed in a strip shape. The second electrode E12 includes a plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E11B, and a plurality of third strip-shaped electrodes E11B formed in strips. The first electrode E12A and the second electrode E12B are formed in a strip shape. The electrode E11A and the plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E11B are alternately spaced apart so as to interdigitate with each other. The third strip-shaped electrodes E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrodes E12B are arranged such that their comb teeth are interlocked. The electrodes are arranged alternately as shown below.

[0029] The longitudinal direction of the plurality of first strip-shaped electrodes E11A and the plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E11B is the Y-axis direction. A plurality of third strip-shaped electrodes E12A and a plurality of fourth strip-shaped electrodes E12B are arranged in parallel. The longitudinal direction of the first strip-shaped electrodes E11 is parallel to the X-axis direction. A and a plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E11B, a plurality of third strip-shaped electrodes E12A and a plurality of fourth strip-shaped electrodes E13A and E14A. The electrode E12B is disposed so that its longitudinal direction intersects with the electrode E12B. This intersection angle is preferably 9 It is 0±10 degrees, and more preferably 90 degrees (orthogonal).

[0030] The second liquid crystal cell 20 includes a first substrate S21, a second substrate S22, a first electrode E21, and a second electrode E22. The polarizer E22 and the second liquid crystal layer LC2 are disposed between the first substrate S21 and the second substrate S22. The first electrode E21 is disposed between the first substrate S21 and the second liquid crystal layer LC2, and the second electrode E22 is It is disposed between the second substrate S22 and the second liquid crystal layer LC2.

[0031] The first electrode E21 includes a plurality of first strip-shaped electrodes E21A formed in a strip shape and a plurality of strip-shaped electrodes E21B formed in a strip shape. The second electrode E22 includes a plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E21B, and a plurality of third strip-shaped electrodes E22 formed in strips. The first electrode E22A and the second electrode E22B are formed in a strip shape. The electrode E21A and the plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E21B are alternately arranged so that the teeth of the comb interdigitate with each other, The plurality of third strip-shaped electrodes E22A and the plurality of fourth strip-shaped electrodes E22B are interdigitated with each other. are arranged next to each other.

[0032] The longitudinal direction of the plurality of first strip-shaped electrodes E21A and the plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E21B is the Y-axis direction. A plurality of third strip-shaped electrodes E22A and a plurality of fourth strip-shaped electrodes E22B are arranged in parallel. The longitudinal direction of the first strip-shaped electrodes E21 is parallel to the X-axis direction. A and a plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E21B, a plurality of third strip-shaped electrodes E22A and a plurality of fourth strip-shaped electrodes E23A and The electrode E22B is disposed so that its longitudinal direction intersects with the electrode E22B. This intersection angle is preferably 9 It is 0±10 degrees, and more preferably 90 degrees (orthogonal).

[0033] The third liquid crystal cell 30 includes a first substrate S31, a second substrate S32, a first electrode E31, and a second electrode E32. The polarizer E32 and the third liquid crystal layer LC3 are disposed between the first substrate S31 and the second substrate S32. The first electrode E31 is disposed between the first substrate S31 and the third liquid crystal layer LC3, and the second electrode E32 is It is disposed between the second substrate S32 and the third liquid crystal layer LC3.

[0034] The first electrode E31 includes a plurality of first strip-shaped electrodes E31A formed in a strip shape and a plurality of strip-shaped electrodes E31B formed in a strip shape. The second electrode E32 includes a plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E31B, and a plurality of third strip-shaped electrodes E31B formed in strips. The electrode E32A and the plurality of fourth strip-shaped electrodes E32B formed in strip shapes are included. The electrode E31A and the plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E31B are alternately arranged so that the teeth of the comb interdigitate with each other, The plurality of third strip-shaped electrodes E32A and the plurality of fourth strip-shaped electrodes E32B are interdigitated with each other like comb teeth. are arranged next to each other.

[0035] The longitudinal direction of the plurality of first strip-shaped electrodes E31A and the plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E31B is the X-axis direction. A plurality of third strip-shaped electrodes E32A and a plurality of fourth strip-shaped electrodes E32B are arranged in parallel. The longitudinal direction of the first strip-shaped electrodes E31 is parallel to the Y-axis direction. A and a plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E31B, a plurality of third strip-shaped electrodes E32A and a plurality of fourth strip-shaped electrodes E33B, The electrode E32B is disposed so that its longitudinal direction intersects with the electrode E32B. This intersection angle is preferably 9 It is 0±10 degrees, and more preferably 90 degrees (orthogonal).

[0036] The fourth liquid crystal cell 40 includes a first substrate S41, a second substrate S42, a first electrode E41, and a second electrode E42. The polarizer E42 and the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4 are disposed between the first substrate S41 and the second substrate S42. The first electrode E41 is disposed between the first substrate S41 and the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4, and the second electrode E42 is It is disposed between the second substrate S42 and the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4.

[0037] The first electrode E41 includes a plurality of first strip-shaped electrodes E41A formed in a strip shape and a plurality of strip-shaped electrodes E41B formed in a strip shape. The second electrode E42 includes a plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E41B, and a plurality of third strip-shaped electrodes E41B formed in strips. The electrode E42A and the plurality of fourth strip-shaped electrodes E42B formed in strip shapes are included. The electrode E41A and the plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E41B are alternately arranged so that the teeth of the comb interdigitate with each other, The plurality of third strip-shaped electrodes E42A and the plurality of fourth strip-shaped electrodes E42B are interdigitated with each other. are arranged next to each other.

[0038] The longitudinal direction of the plurality of first strip-shaped electrodes E41A and the plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E41B is the X-axis direction. A plurality of third strip-shaped electrodes E42A and a plurality of fourth strip-shaped electrodes E42B are arranged in parallel. The longitudinal direction of the first strip-shaped electrodes E41 is parallel to the Y-axis direction. A and a plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E41B, a plurality of third strip-shaped electrodes E42A and a plurality of fourth strip-shaped electrodes E43A and The electrode E42B is disposed so that its longitudinal direction intersects with the electrode E42B. This intersection angle is preferably 9 It is 0±10 degrees, and more preferably 90 degrees (orthogonal).

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid crystal light control element 102 is connected to the first strip-shaped electrode E11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10. A and the longitudinal direction of the second strip-shaped electrodes E11B and the first strip-shaped electrodes E21A and E21B of the second liquid crystal cell 20. The longitudinal direction of the second strip-shaped electrodes E21B is the same as that of the first strip-shaped electrodes E21A of the third liquid crystal cell 30. The longitudinal direction of the electrode E31A and the second strip-shaped electrode E31B and the first strip-shaped electrode E The longitudinal directions of the second strip-shaped electrodes E41A and E41B are arranged in the same direction.

[0040] The first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the The longitudinal direction of the first strip-shaped electrodes E21A and the second strip-shaped electrodes E21B of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the longitudinal direction of the third liquid crystal cell 20 are The first strip electrodes E31A and the second strip electrodes E31B of the liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth strip electrodes E31A and the fourth strip electrodes E31B of the liquid crystal cell 40 The first strip-shaped electrode E41A and the second strip-shaped electrode E41B are arranged so as to intersect with each other in the longitudinal direction. This crossing angle is preferably 90±10 degrees, and more preferably 90 degrees (orthogonal )

[0041] Similarly, the liquid crystal light control element 102 has the third strip-shaped electrodes E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrodes E12B of the first liquid crystal cell 10. The longitudinal direction of the strip electrodes E12B and the third strip electrodes E22A and the fourth strip electrodes E22B of the second liquid crystal cell 20 are The third strip-shaped electrode E32 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 is arranged in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the electrode E22B. A and the longitudinal direction of the fourth strip-shaped electrodes E32B and the third strip-shaped electrodes E42A and E42B of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40. The longitudinal direction of the fourth strip-shaped electrode E42B is the same as that of the fourth strip-shaped electrode E42B.

[0042] The third strip-shaped electrode E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the The longitudinal direction of the third strip-shaped electrodes E22A and the fourth strip-shaped electrodes E22B of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the third liquid crystal The third strip-shaped electrodes E32A and the fourth strip-shaped electrodes E32B of the liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth strip-shaped electrodes E32A and E32B of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 The third strip-shaped electrode E42A and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E42B are arranged so as to intersect with each other in the longitudinal direction. This crossing angle is preferably 90±10 degrees, and more preferably 90 degrees (orthogonal )

[0043] As described above, the liquid crystal light control element 102 according to this embodiment has a first liquid crystal cell 10 and a second liquid crystal cell 11. The first electrodes E11 and E21 of the crystal cell 20 have an electrode shape in which a plurality of strip-shaped patterns are arranged. The third liquid crystal cell 30 and the second liquid crystal cell 31 are arranged so that their longitudinal directions are parallel to the Y-axis direction. The first electrodes E31 and E41 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 have an electrode shape in which a plurality of strip-shaped patterns are arranged. The first liquid crystal cell has a length direction parallel to the X-axis direction. The longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped patterns of the first electrodes E11 and E21 of the second liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, The longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped patterns of the first electrodes E31 and E41 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 The direction is arranged so that the longitudinal direction intersects with the direction of the wire. As shown in the figure, the angle is preferably in the range of 90±10 degrees, and more preferably perpendicular (90 degrees). I wish.

[0044] The first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 provided in the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20 the first electrode E21 and the second electrode E22 provided in the third liquid crystal cell 30; the electrode E31 and the second electrode E32, and the first electrode E41 and the second electrode E42 provided in the fourth liquid crystal cell 40. The two electrodes E42 have approximately the same size in a plan view. The light source unit 106 is disposed below the first liquid crystal cell 10. The light incident on the liquid crystal light control element 102 is transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, and the third liquid crystal cell 21. The light passes through all of the first liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 before being emitted.

[0045] The first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are Although they have substantially the same configuration, the first liquid crystal cell 10 will be described in more detail below as a representative example. Explain in a concrete manner.

[0046] FIG. 4A shows a plan view of the first substrate S11, and FIG. 4B shows a plan view of the second substrate S12. More specifically, FIG. 4A shows a plan view of the inner surface of the first substrate S11, and FIG. 4B shows a plan view of the inner surface of the second substrate S11. A plan view of the inner surface of plate S12 is shown.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4A, a first electrode E11 is provided on the first substrate S11. The first electrode E11A includes a plurality of first strip electrodes E11A and a plurality of second strip electrodes E11B. The electrode E11A and the plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E11B have a strip-shaped pattern. In this way, the plurality of first strip-shaped electrodes E11A and the plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E11B are spaced apart at predetermined intervals. They are spaced apart and arranged alternately.

[0048] Each of the plurality of first strip-shaped electrodes E11A is connected to a first power supply line PL11, and Each of the strip electrodes E11B is connected to a second power supply line PL12. The first power supply line PL11 is connected to the first connection terminal T11, and the second power supply line PL12 is connected to the second connection terminal T12. The first connection terminal T11 and the second connection terminal T12 are provided along one side of the edge of the first substrate S11. can be done.

[0049] The third connection terminal T13 is provided adjacent to the first connection terminal T11, and the fourth connection terminal T14 is The third connection terminal T13 is provided adjacent to the second connection terminal T12. The fifth power supply line PL15 is connected to the first power supply terminal PT11. The fourth connection terminal T14 is provided at a predetermined position on the surface of the first substrate S11. The sixth feed line PL16 is connected to the second feed terminal PT12. The second power supply terminal PT12 is provided at a predetermined position within the surface of the first substrate S11.

[0050] A plurality of first strip-shaped electrodes E11A connected to the first power supply line PL11 and a plurality of second power supply lines PL12 Different voltages or the same voltage are applied to the connected second strip-shaped electrodes E11B. The plurality of first strip-shaped electrodes E11A and the plurality of second strip-shaped electrodes E11B are respectively provided with different levels. When a voltage is applied, an electric field (transverse electric field) is generated due to the potential difference between the two electrodes.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4B, a second electrode E12 is provided on the second substrate S12. The third strip-shaped electrodes E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrodes E12B are included. The electrode E12A and the plurality of fourth strip-shaped electrodes E12B have a strip-shaped pattern. In this way, the plurality of third strip-shaped electrodes E12A and the plurality of fourth strip-shaped electrodes E12B are spaced apart at predetermined intervals. They are spaced apart and arranged alternately.

[0052] Each of the plurality of third strip-shaped electrodes E12A is connected to a third power supply line PL13, and Each of the strip electrodes E12B is connected to the fourth power supply line PL14. The third power supply line PL13 is connected to the third power supply terminal PT13, and the fourth power supply line PL14 is connected to the fourth power supply terminal PT14. The third power supply terminal PT13 is located at a position corresponding to the first power supply terminal PT11 on the first substrate S11 side. The fourth power supply terminal PT14 corresponds to the second power supply terminal PT12 on the first substrate S11 side. It is placed in a position where

[0053] A plurality of third strip-shaped electrodes E12A connected to the third power supply line PL13 and a fourth power supply line PL14 Different voltages or the same voltage are applied to the connected fourth strip-shaped electrodes E12B. The plurality of third strip-shaped electrodes E12A and the plurality of fourth strip-shaped electrodes E12B are respectively provided with different levels. When a voltage is applied, an electric field (transverse electric field) is generated due to the potential difference between the two electrodes.

[0054] The first substrate S11 is provided with a first connection terminal T11, a second connection terminal T12, and a third connection terminal T13 and the fourth connection terminal T14 are connected to a flexible wiring board (not shown). The second substrate S12 does not have a terminal to be connected to the flexible wiring substrate, but has a conductive The third power supply terminal PT13 is electrically connected to the first power supply terminal PT11 by the material. The power supply terminal PT14 is electrically connected to the second power supply terminal PT12.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first liquid crystal cell 10 taken along the line A1-A2 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Shows.

[0056] The first liquid crystal cell 10 has an effective area AA capable of polarizing and diffusing incident light. The first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 are disposed in the effective area AA. The second substrate S12 is disposed so that the first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 face each other. The first liquid crystal layer LC1 is adhered to the outside of the effective area AA by a seal material SE. It is formed in a region sandwiched between the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 and surrounded by the seal material SE.

[0057] The first electrode E11 on the first substrate S11 side is made up of a first strip-shaped electrode E11A and a second strip-shaped electrode E11 B, and the second electrode E12 on the second substrate S12 side includes a third strip-shaped electrode E12A and a fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B. FIG. 5 shows the longitudinal direction of the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B. The third strip-shaped electrode E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B are arranged so as to intersect with each other in the longitudinal direction. This shows an embodiment.

[0058] The first alignment film AL11 is provided on the first substrate S11, and the second alignment film AL12 is provided on the second substrate S1. The first alignment film AL11 is provided to cover the first electrode E11, and the second alignment film AL12 is provided to cover the first electrode E11. The film AL12 is provided to cover the second electrode E12.

[0059] The first power supply terminal PT11 and the third power supply terminal PT13 are disposed outside the seal material SE. The first power supply terminal PT11 and the third power supply terminal PT13 are electrically connected by a first conductive member CP11. The first conductive member CP11 is made of a conductive paste material, for example, silver paste. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the second power supply terminal P Similarly, T12 and the fourth power supply terminal PT14 are electrically connected by a conductive member.

[0060] The first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 are light-transmitting substrates, for example, glass substrates. The first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 are made of indium tin oxide (ITO ) and indium zinc oxide (IZO), etc. be. Power supply line (1st power supply line PL11, 2nd power supply line PL12, 3rd power supply line PL13, 4th power supply line Electric wire PL14, 5th feeder line PL15, 6th feeder line PL16), connection terminal (1st connection terminal T 11, second connection terminal T12, third connection terminal T13, fourth connection terminal T14), and power supply terminal (First power supply terminal PT11, second power supply terminal PT12, third power supply terminal PT13, fourth power supply terminal PT14) is made of metal materials such as aluminum, titanium, molybdenum, and tungsten. The power feeders (first power feeder PL11, second power feeder PL12, third power feeder PL L13, 4th feed line PL14, 5th feed line PL15, 6th feed line PL16) are the first electrode The first alignment film AL1 and the second electrode E12 may be formed of the same transparent conductive film. The second alignment film AL2 is formed of a horizontal alignment film having an alignment control force substantially parallel to the main surface of the substrate. The first liquid crystal layer LC1 is made of, for example, twisted nematic (TN) liquid crystal. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 A spacer may be provided between the two substrates to keep the gap between them constant.

[0061] Next, the electro-optical effect in the first liquid crystal cell 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. 6 to 8, only the configuration necessary for the explanation is shown.

[0062] 6A and 6B show a partial cross-sectional schematic structure of the first liquid crystal cell 10. The alignment direction of the first alignment film AL11 on the first substrate S11 side and the second alignment film AL12 on the second substrate S12 side Specifically, the alignment direction ALD1 of the first alignment film AL11 is different from the direction of the paper. The alignment direction ALD2 of the second alignment film AL12 is oriented in the left-right direction of the paper. The first electrode E11 includes a first strip-shaped electrode E11A and a second strip-shaped electrode E11B. The second electrode E12 is disposed so that its longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the alignment direction ALD1. The third strip-shaped electrode E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B are included, and the longitudinal direction of the third strip-shaped electrode E12A is the alignment direction ALD. The alignment film AL1 and the alignment film AL2 are arranged so as to be perpendicular to each other. The alignment treatment may be a rubbing treatment or a photo-alignment treatment. The alignment direction ALD1 of the film AL1 intersects with the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B. the angle between the alignment direction ALD2 of the second alignment film AL2 and the third strip-shaped electrodes E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrodes E12B. The angle at which it intersects with the shaped electrode E12B is not limited to being perpendicular, but can be set within the range of 90 degrees ±10 degrees. is.

[0063] The first liquid crystal layer LC1 is made of TN liquid crystal. The alignment direction ALD1 of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 and the alignment direction ALD2 of the second alignment film AL12 are perpendicular to each other. The molecules move from the first alignment film AL11 to the second alignment film AL12 without being affected by an external electric field. As a result, the liquid crystal molecules are aligned so that their long axis directions are twisted by 90 degrees. 11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, and the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in the long axis direction. Specifically, the liquid crystal molecules on the first alignment film AL11 side are twisted by 90 degrees. The long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is aligned in the normal direction to the paper surface, and the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second alignment film AL12 side is aligned in the normal direction to the paper surface. It is oriented in the left-right direction of the surface.

[0064] In addition, in FIG. 6A, the first liquid crystal layer LC1 is formed of a positive type twisted nematic liquid crystal (TN liquid crystal). The long axis of the liquid crystal molecules is aligned in the same direction as the alignment direction of the alignment film. The alignment direction is rotated by 90 degrees, that is, the alignment direction of each of the alignment films AL11 and AL12 is changed from the first The first electrode E11 of the substrate S11 and the second electrode E12 of the second substrate S12 are aligned in the extending direction. By doing so, it is possible to use negative liquid crystals. It is preferable that the chiral agent is contained.

[0065] FIG. 6B shows a configuration in which the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B are at the same potential (for example, the ground potential). A low level voltage VL is applied to the third strip-shaped electrode E12A, and a low level voltage VL is applied to the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B. In this state, a high-level voltage VH is applied to the electrode E12B. No electric field is generated on the 11 side, and a horizontal electric field is generated between the third strip-shaped electrode E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B. As shown in FIG. 6B, the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S12 side are not affected by the horizontal electric field. That is, the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S12 have their major axes aligned in the direction of the electric field. The orientation changes to face in a direction parallel to the field direction.

[0066] The low-level voltages VL and VL are applied to the third strip-shaped electrodes E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrodes E12B. The values ​​of the low-level voltage VL1 and the high-level voltage VH are set appropriately. For example, 0V is applied, and a voltage of 5 to 30V is applied as the high-level voltage VH1. The fourth strip-shaped electrode E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B are supplied with a low-level voltage VL and a high-level voltage VH. For example, as shown in FIG. 6C, a voltage VH is applied at a certain time. During this time, a low-level voltage VL is applied to the third strip-shaped electrode E12A and a low-level voltage VL is applied to the fourth strip-shaped electrode E1 A high-level voltage VH is applied to the third strip-shaped electrode E12A during the next certain period. A high-level voltage VH is applied to the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B, and a low-level voltage VL is applied to the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B. Voltage is applied between the two electrodes so that the voltage level changes periodically in synchronization. Good too.

[0067] The third strip electrode E12A and the fourth strip electrode E12B alternately receive a low-level voltage VL and a high-level voltage VH. By applying a voltage VH at a voltage level, an alternating electric field is generated, and the deterioration of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 is suppressed. It is possible to suppress the voltage applied to the third strip-shaped electrodes E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrodes E12B. The frequency of the applied voltage may be any frequency that allows the liquid crystal molecules to follow the change in the electric field. For example, A frequency in the range of 15 to 100 Hz is selected. The potential applied to the electrode E11B is the potential of the low level voltage and the potential of the high level voltage. It may be an intermediate potential between the above.

[0068] FIG. 7A is a partial perspective view of the first liquid crystal cell 10, showing the first strip electrodes E11A and the second strip electrodes E11B. Strip electrodes E11B, a first alignment film AL1, a third strip electrode E12A, and a fourth strip electrode E12B 7B and 7C show the first liquid crystal cell LC1, the second alignment film AL2, and the first liquid crystal layer LC1. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the first liquid crystal cell 10 shown in FIG. 7A from the side A shown in the figure. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the device as viewed from the side B shown in FIG. 7A. 7B and 7C show the alignment direction ALD1 of the first alignment film AL11 and the alignment direction ALD2 of the second alignment film AL12. It shows that the orientation direction of the film AL12 crosses the orientation direction ALD2 of the film AL12.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B are disposed in the middle. The third strip-shaped electrodes E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrodes E12B are arranged with a center distance W. The electrodes are arranged at a distance W from each other. This center distance W is determined by the width a of the first strip-shaped electrode E11A shown in FIG. 7A, With respect to the distance b from the end of the first strip-shaped electrode E11A to the end of the second strip-shaped electrode E11B, W =a+b. In addition, the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B have a relationship of The third strip-shaped electrode E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B are spaced apart and arranged perpendicular to each other. The first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 are disposed opposite each other with a distance D therebetween. The distance D substantially corresponds to the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer LC1. The second substrate S12 is provided with a strip-shaped electrode E11A and a first alignment film AL11. E12A and a second alignment film AL12, etc. are provided, and the thicknesses of these electrodes and alignment films are as follows: Since the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 is sufficiently smaller than the size of the distance D, the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 is considered to be the same as the distance D. It is possible.

[0070] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the distance D is equal to or greater than the center distance W of the strip electrodes. In other words, the distance D is preferably at least 1 time the center distance W. For example, the distance D is preferably set to a distance W between the centers of the strip electrodes. It is preferable that the width of the first strip-shaped electrode E11A is 5 μm or more. The width a of the first strip-shaped electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B is 5 μm. When the distance b from the end of the first strip-shaped electrode E11A to the end of the second strip-shaped electrode E11B is 5 μm, The center distance W of the electrodes is 10 μm. It is preferable that it has.

[0071] The distance W between the centers of the strip electrodes and the distance D have such a relationship, The electric field on the side of the electrode E11A and the second strip-shaped electrode E11B and the electric field on the side of the third strip-shaped electrode E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B are It is possible to suppress mutual interference with the electric field on the pole E12B side. As shown in FIG. 7C, the voltage generated between the third strip-shaped electrode E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B is When the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first strip electrodes E11A and It is necessary to avoid affecting the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the second strip-shaped electrode E11B. can.

[0072] It is known that the refractive index of liquid crystal changes depending on the orientation state. In this way, in the OFF state where no electric field is applied to the first liquid crystal layer LC1, the liquid crystal molecules The long axis direction is oriented horizontally to the surface of the substrate, and the direction from the first substrate S11 side to the second substrate S12 side The liquid crystal layer LC1 has a nearly uniform refractive index in this orientation. Therefore, the first polarized component (PL1) of the light incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10 ) and the second polarized component (PL2) perpendicular to the first polarized component (PL1) are the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules. Although the light is rotated by the influence of the direction of the liquid, it is hardly refracted (or scattered) and passes through the first liquid. Here, the first polarized component (PL1) is a component of natural light, for example, P The second polarized light component (PL2) corresponds to, for example, S-polarized light.

[0073] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, a voltage is applied to the third strip-shaped electrode E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B. In the ON state, when an electric field is applied, the first liquid crystal layer LC1 has a positive dielectric anisotropy. When the liquid crystal molecules have the electric field, the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules is aligned along the electric field. As shown in the figure, the liquid crystal molecules are arranged almost vertically above the third strip-shaped electrodes E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrodes E12B. The electric field distribution between the third strip electrode E12A and the fourth strip electrode E12B is The region obliquely oriented along the third strip-shaped electrode E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B. A region in which the initial alignment state is maintained is formed.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 6B, between the third strip-shaped electrode E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B, In this case, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in a convex arc shape along the direction in which the electric field is generated. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules and the third strip-shaped electrode E12A and The direction of the transverse electric field generated between the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B is the same. As a result, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules located approximately in the center between the two electrodes hardly changes. However, the liquid crystal molecules located on each electrode side from the center are oriented in the second group according to the electric field strength distribution. The third band-like structure is tilted in the normal direction to the surface of the plate S12. The liquid crystal molecules are aligned in an arc shape between the electrode E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B.

[0075] As described with reference to FIGS. 7B and 7C, the liquid crystal layer LC1 is sufficiently thick. Even if the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S12 side changes, the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S11 side The initial orientation state is maintained.

[0076] The liquid crystal molecules have a refractive index anisotropy Δn. Therefore, in the on state, the first liquid crystal layer LC1 has a refractive index distribution or retardation distribution according to the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules. Here, retardation is expressed as Δn·d, where d is the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer LC1. In the on-state, the first polarized component PL1 is transmitted through the first liquid crystal layer LC1. The light is diffused by the influence of the refractive index distribution of the first liquid crystal layer LC1. Since the dielectric constant distribution is formed, the incident light (polarized component parallel to the direction of the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules) minutes) will be diffused radially.

[0077] FIG. 8 shows the phenomenon in which the first polarized component PL1 and the second polarized component PL2 are diffused by the liquid crystal layer. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions used for the explanation are shown in FIG. In other words, in FIG. 8, the X axis is the left-right direction on the paper surface, and the Y axis is the The normal direction is the Z axis, and the Z axis is in the vertical direction of the paper.

[0078] FIG. 8 shows a state in which the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are stacked. The first substrates S11 and S21 of the crystal cell, the second substrates S12 and S22, and the first strip electrodes E11A and E 21A, second strip-shaped electrodes E11B, E21B, first alignment films AL11, AL21, second alignment film AL12, AL22, the first liquid crystal layer LC1, and the second liquid crystal layer LC2 are shown. The first transparent adhesive layer TA1 provided between the liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 is omitted.

[0079] The first strip-shaped electrodes E11A and the second strip-shaped electrodes E11B of the first liquid crystal cell 10, The first strip-shaped electrode E21A and the second strip-shaped electrode E21B of the cell 20 are arranged such that the longitudinal direction is in the X-axis direction. The third strip-shaped electrode E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B of the first liquid crystal cell 10 are disposed. The third strip-shaped electrode E22A and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E22B of the second liquid crystal cell 20 are aligned in the Y-axis direction. The alignment direction ALD of the first alignment films AL11 and AL21 is 1 is the same as the Y-axis direction, and the alignment direction ALD2 of the second alignment films AL12 and AL22 is the X The orientation direction is the same as the axial direction. Therefore, the orientation direction is regulated by the orientation film. The liquid crystal molecules of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 and the second liquid crystal layer LC2 have a long axis on the first substrate S11 and S21 side. are oriented in the Y-axis direction, and on the second substrates S12 and S22, the long axis is oriented in the X-axis direction. It is oriented.

[0080] FIG. 8 shows a state in which light including a first polarized component PL1 and a second polarized component PL2 is incident on the side of the first liquid crystal cell 10. 1. The process from when the light enters the first liquid crystal cell 20 to when it leaves the second liquid crystal cell 20 is shown in FIG. The polarization axis of the first polarized component PL1 is in the same direction as the X-axis direction, and the polarization axis of the second polarized component PL2 is In other words, the polarization axis of the first polarized component PL1 is aligned with the first alignment film A. The second alignment film AL12, AL The polarization axis of the second polarized component PL2 is parallel to the orientation direction ALD2 of the first orientation The alignment direction ALD1 of the first alignment films AL11 and AL21 is parallel to the alignment direction ALD1 of the second alignment films AL12 and AL21. It is in a direction perpendicular to the orientation direction ALD2 of L22.

[0081] FIG. 8 shows a case where the first strip-shaped electrodes E11A and the second strip-shaped electrodes E11B of the first liquid crystal cell 10 are the same. The third strip electrode E12 has a potential (or the same voltage is applied to both strip electrodes). A low level voltage VL is applied to one of the fourth strip electrodes E12A and E12B, and a high level voltage VL is applied to the other. The second liquid crystal cell 20 is similarly applied to the first strip electrodes E2. The first and second strip electrodes E21A and E21B have the same potential (or the same voltage is applied to both strip electrodes). A low level is applied to one of the third strip-shaped electrodes E22A and the fourth strip-shaped electrodes E22B. 1 shows a state in which a voltage VL is applied to one side and a high-level voltage VH is applied to the other side.

[0082] The third strip electrodes E12A and the fourth strip electrodes E12B of the first liquid crystal cell 10 Due to the action of the electric field, the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S12 side of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 stand up vertically. The regions where the orientation is oblique along the electric field distribution and the regions where the initial orientation state is maintained are formed. Similarly, the third strip-shaped electrodes E22A and the fourth strip-shaped electrodes E22B of the second liquid crystal cell 20 are Due to the action of the electric field generated by the second substrate S22, the liquid crystal molecules of the second liquid crystal layer LC2 are vertically aligned. There are regions where the molecules rise straight up, regions where the molecules are oriented obliquely along the distribution of the electric field, and regions where the initial orientation is maintained. On the other hand, the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S11 side of the first liquid crystal cell 10, and The liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S21 side of the second liquid crystal cell 20 maintain their initial alignment.

[0083] Next, the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 in this state are polarized with the first polarized component PL1 and the second polarized component PL2 passes through the first liquid crystal layer LC1 and the second liquid crystal layer LC2. The effects will be explained.

[0084] The first polarized component PL1 incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10 is optically rotated by the first liquid crystal layer LC1. The polarization axis changes from the X-axis to the Y-axis (the first polarization component PL1 changes to the second polarization component PL2 The first liquid crystal layer LC1 is connected to the third strip electrodes E12 on the second substrate S12 side. A and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B, the influence of the horizontal electric field formed by the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B is explained with reference to FIG. As explained above, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in a convex arc shape. The polarization axis of the polarized component rotated from the first polarized component PL1 to the second polarized component PL2 is the Y-axis direction. Since the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the plate S12 side is the X-axis direction, this polarized component is not diffused and is 1 liquid crystal layer LC1.

[0085] When the light passes through the first liquid crystal cell 10, the polarization axis of the light is rotated by 90 degrees, and the second polarized component PL The polarized light component 2 is subjected to the action of the second liquid crystal layer LC2 when passing through the second liquid crystal cell 20. The direction of the polarization axis is rotated by 90 degrees again to become the first polarized component PL1. The long axes of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S22 side of the second liquid crystal layer LC2 are aligned in a convex arc shape. The liquid crystal layer LC2 has a refractive index distribution according to the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules. The polarized component in the same direction as the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is expanded in the X-axis direction according to the change in the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules. That is, the polarized component PL2 is rotated to the first polarized component PL1. The polarization axis is in the X-axis direction, and the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S22 side is also in the X-axis direction. This polarized light component is diffused in the X-axis direction when passing through the second liquid crystal layer LC2.

[0086] On the other hand, the second polarized component PL2 incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10 is rotated by the first liquid crystal layer LC1. The polarization axis changes from the Y-axis to the X-axis (the second polarization component PL2 changes to the first polarization component The first liquid crystal layer LC1 is connected to the third strip line electrode on the second substrate S12 side. The liquid crystal molecules are affected by the horizontal electric field formed by the electrode E12A and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B. The long axis is aligned in a convex arc shape. The first liquid crystal layer LC1 has a refractive index that corresponds to the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules. Since the polarized light has a refractive index distribution, the polarized light component in the same direction as the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is The second polarized component PL2 is diffused in the X-axis direction according to the change in the index distribution. The polarization axis of the polarized component rotated in the component PL1 and the orientation of the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S12 side Since the direction is the same as the X-axis direction, this polarized component is polarized by the second group when it passes through the first liquid crystal layer LC1. The light is diffused in the X-axis direction on the plate S12 side.

[0087] When the light passes through the first liquid crystal cell 10, the polarization axis of the light is rotated by 90 degrees, and the second polarized component PL The polarized light component PL2 converted into the first polarized light component PL1 is converted into the second polarized light component PL2 when it passes through the second liquid crystal cell 20. Due to the action of the liquid crystal layer LC2, the direction of the polarization axis is rotated by 90 degrees again to become the second polarized component PL2. In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S22 side of the second liquid crystal layer LC2 are convex. The second liquid crystal layer LC2 converts the first polarized component PL1 into the second polarized component PL2. The polarization axis of the polarized component rotated in PL2 is the Y-axis direction, and the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S22 Since the orientation direction is the X-axis direction, this polarized component passes through the second liquid crystal layer LC2 without being diffused. do.

[0088] In this way, the first polarized component PL1 is transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20. The second polarized component PL is rotated twice when it is incident on the second substrate S22 and diffused once in the X-axis direction on the second substrate S22. 2 is rotated twice when transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, and The first polarized component PL1 and the second polarized component PL2 are diffused once in the X-axis direction on the side 12. PL2 is not diffused on the first substrate S11 and S21 side, and after being optically rotated by the liquid crystal layer, 12 or the second substrate S22, and is diffused in the X-axis direction.

[0089] In this way, each polarized component is rotated in the liquid crystal layer and then diffused. In other words, the loss of light can be reduced by expanding each polarization component before rotating it. By preventing scattering, it is possible to eliminate optical rotation while diffusing, and the loss of light during optical rotation This reduces the distortion of the light distribution pattern.

[0090] As is clear from the above, when two liquid crystal cells having the same structure are stacked, The polarization direction of the light passing through the crystal cell is changed twice, resulting in On the other hand, the polarization direction of the second substrate of each liquid crystal cell can be kept unchanged. By forming a convex arc-shaped refractive index distribution on the side opposite to the light incident side, the transmitted light is Specifically, the first liquid crystal cell 10 diffuses the second polarized component PL2. After being optically rotated, the light is diffused in the X-axis direction, and the second liquid crystal cell 20 converts the first polarized component PL1 into After the optical rotation, the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 11 can be diffused in the X-axis direction. The two liquid crystal cells 20 are stacked, and the liquid crystal layer on the second substrate side (opposite to the light incident side) of each liquid crystal cell is By forming a refractive index distribution, it is possible to diffuse light without changing the polarization state of the light. Cut.

[0091] As described above, by stacking two liquid crystal cells with the same structure, the polarization of incident light can be reduced. The direction of light is changed twice, and the polarization direction remains unchanged before and after passing through the two liquid crystal cells. On the other hand, a horizontal electric field is applied to the substrate on the opposite side of the liquid crystal layer from the light incident side, By forming a refractive index distribution, it is possible to refract the light passing through in a specific direction. Specifically, the first liquid crystal cell 10 rotates the second polarized component PL2 and then diffuses it in the X-axis direction. The second liquid crystal cell 20 rotates the light of the first polarized component PL1 and then diffuses it in the X-axis direction. This can be done.

[0092] In this way, the incident light passing through the first liquid crystal layer LC1 and the second liquid crystal layer LC2 is polarized as a first polarized component. The first polarized component PL1 is diffused by the second liquid crystal layer LC2, and the second polarized component PL2 is diffused by the first liquid crystal layer LC1. Furthermore, the incident light passing through the first liquid crystal layer LC1 and the second liquid crystal layer LC2 is The first polarized component P The incident light containing L1 and the second polarized component PL2 is polarized by the first liquid crystal cell 10. The first polarized component PL1 is diffused by the second liquid crystal cell 20. By overlapping the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, the diffusion of specific polarized light components can be individually controlled. This makes it possible to control the distribution of light emitted from the light source.

[0093] 3, the first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 have the same structure. However, the configuration of the first electrode E11 is not limited to this example. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the first electrode E11 may be a flat plate-shaped electrode corresponding to substantially the entire surface of the first liquid crystal layer LC1. The second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the third liquid crystal cell 31 may be formed of an electrode (solid electrode). The same applies to the fourth liquid crystal cell 40. The liquid crystal light control element 102 according to this embodiment The first electrode placed on the incident side does not form a convex arc-shaped refractive index distribution. The same effect can be obtained even if the electrode is formed of a flat electrode (solid electrode).

[0094] By the way, light is refracted at the boundary between different media, and the angle of refraction varies depending on the wavelength of the light. When light is incident on a liquid crystal layer with a refractive index distribution, the refraction angle for each wavelength is Therefore, depending on the type of light source and the distance to the object to be illuminated, the liquid crystal light control element 102 Color breakup is visible around the periphery of the light distribution pattern formed by transmitting light. There is a saying.

[0095] In contrast, the liquid crystal light control element 102 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, Four liquid crystal cells are stacked on top of each other in the light path of the light source, and at least two of the four liquid crystal cells are By rotating each liquid crystal cell by 90 degrees relative to the other liquid crystal cells, color breakup is suppressed. That is, the liquid crystal light control element 102 according to this embodiment reduces the loss of light during optical rotation and improves the light distribution. Not only can it suppress pattern disturbance, but it can also suppress color breakup in the light distribution pattern. .

[0096] The configuration and operation of the liquid crystal light control element 102 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be explained below with reference to several examples. The following describes each type in detail.

[0097] First embodiment: FIG. 10 shows the structure of the strip electrodes in each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal light control element 102 according to the first embodiment. The arrangement and the manner in which the polarization state and diffusion of incident light are controlled by each liquid crystal cell are shown. In the embodiment, a first liquid crystal cell 10, a second liquid crystal cell 20, a third liquid crystal cell 30, and a fourth liquid crystal cell The arrangement of the electrodes in the cell 40 is the same as the structure shown in FIG.

[0098] The liquid crystal light control element 102 has a first liquid crystal cell 10 and a second liquid crystal cell 20, and the liquid crystal alignment direction of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 is The strip electrodes (E11A, E11B, E21A) in the first electrodes E11 and E21 are the same. , E21B) are oriented in the same direction, and a second electrode intersecting these electrodes The longitudinal direction of the strip electrodes (E12A, E12B, E22A, E22B) in E12 and E22 The liquid crystals of the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are oriented in the same direction. The orientation direction is the same, and the strip electrodes (E31A, E31B) in the first electrodes E31 and E41 , E41A, E41B) are oriented in the same direction, and the electrodes intersect with each other. The strip electrodes (E32A, E32B, E42A, E42B) of the second electrodes E32 and E42 are The longitudinal directions of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 11 are oriented in the same direction. The strip electrodes (E12A, E12B, E22A, E2 2B), and the second electrode E32 in the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40. The E42 strip electrodes (E32A, E32B, E42A, E42B) are at a 90° angle with the longitudinal direction. They intersect at 90 degrees.

[0099] In addition, the first electrode (E11, E21, E31, E41) and the second electrode (E12 , E22, E32, E42) extend perpendicularly to each other. The same applies to the embodiments shown in Figs. 14 and 15. The third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are arranged in the range of 90 degrees ±10 degrees with respect to the second liquid crystal cell 20. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the first electrode (E 11, E21, E31, E41) and the extension of the second electrode (E12, E22, E32, E42) It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the direction is set within a range of 90 degrees ±10 degrees.

[0100] FIG. 10 shows a first liquid crystal cell 10, a second liquid crystal cell 20, a third liquid crystal cell 30, and a fourth liquid crystal cell. The electrode arrangement in module 40, the alignment direction (arrow) of the alignment film, and the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules are shown. The liquid crystal layer is made of positive liquid crystal, and in the initial state, no control signal is input to each liquid crystal cell. In this state, the long axis of the liquid crystal is aligned in a direction that intersects (is perpendicular to) the strip electrodes. That is, a first liquid crystal cell 10, a second liquid crystal cell 20, a third liquid crystal cell 30, and a fourth liquid crystal cell 40. The alignment direction of the alignment film (first alignment film) on the first substrate S11, S21, S31, and S41 side and the band The first electrodes E11, E21, E31, and E41 are arranged so that their longitudinal directions intersect. The alignment films (second alignment films) on the second substrates S12, S22, S32, and S42 are arranged as follows: the longitudinal direction of the second electrodes E12, E22, E32, and E42 having a strip-shaped pattern; are arranged so as to intersect.

[0101] According to the arrangement shown in FIG. 10, the first substrate S11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 The alignment direction of the alignment film (not shown) on the S21 side is parallel to the X-axis direction. The alignment direction of the alignment film (not shown) on the two substrates S12 and S22 is parallel to the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the first electrodes E11 and E2 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 The longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped pattern of the second electrode E1 is parallel to the Y-axis direction. 2. The longitudinal direction of the strip pattern of E22 is parallel to the X-axis direction. The alignment films (not shown) on the first substrates S31 and S41 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 The alignment direction of the second substrates S32 and S42 is parallel to the Y-axis direction. The orientation direction of the film (not shown) is parallel to the X-axis direction. The longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped patterns of the first electrodes E31 and E41 of the liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 The direction of the second electrodes E32 and E42 is parallel to the X-axis direction. The longitudinal direction of the alignment film is parallel to the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the electrodes have a strip-shaped pattern according to the definitions of the X-axis and Y-axis directions. It is set at a 90 degree angle to the extension direction, but it can also be set at 90±10 degrees. be.

[0102] In the following description, the same direction as the polarization direction of the first polarized component PL1 is the Y-axis direction, and the second polarized component The X-axis direction is the same as the polarization direction of the component PL2. Diffused light 1X) indicates that the polarized light component is diffused once in the X-axis direction before reaching the target position. (Diffused light 1X1Y) means that the polarized light component is diffused once in the X-axis direction before reaching the position, and 12 to 15, the image is also diffused once in the Y-axis direction.

[0103] In Fig. 10, the electrodes forming the transverse electric field are shown by hatching. Also, a table is inserted in Fig. 10. The light including the first polarized component PL1 and the second polarized component PL2 is incident on the first electrodes of the liquid crystal cells. The state of each polarized component as it passes through the first electrode, the liquid crystal layer, and the second electrode is determined as transmission, optical rotation, or diffusion. Here, "transmission" means that the polarized light component is transmitted without being diffused or rotated. "Optical rotation" means that the polarized component passes through the light as it is. "Diffusion" means that the polarized light component is affected by the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules. Therefore, in the diagram, for example, "transmission" at the first electrode indicates that the light is being transmitted through the first electrode. This indicates that the "transmission" phenomenon occurs in the vicinity of the first electrode of the liquid crystal layer. The term "optical rotation" in the liquid crystal layer refers to the polarization component passing through the liquid crystal layer from the first substrate side to the second substrate side. This shows that the polarization direction is shifted by 90 degrees during the process.

[0104] The liquid crystal light control element 102 is composed of, from the light incident side, a first liquid crystal cell 10, a second liquid crystal cell 20, and a third liquid crystal cell 21. The liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are arranged in this order. The incident light is divided into a first polarization component PL1 and a second polarization component PL Includes 2.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 10, the second electrode E12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second electrode E13 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 are The poles E22 are arranged with their longitudinal directions in the same direction, and diffuse the first polarized component PL1 in the Y-axis direction. In addition, the second electrode E32 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the second electrode E33 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 The electrodes E42 are arranged with their longitudinal directions in the same direction, and spread the second polarized component PL2 in the X-axis direction. It can be dispersed.

[0106] In order for the liquid crystal light control element 102 to control the polarization state and diffusion state of the incident light, each liquid crystal cell A control signal is input to the liquid crystal cell. Figure 11 shows an example of the waveform of the control signal applied to the electrode of each liquid crystal cell. Each liquid crystal cell receives one of the control signals A, B, and E shown in FIG. In the control signals A and B, VL1 is a low-level voltage, VH1 is a high-level voltage, For example, VL1 is a voltage of 0V or -15V, and VH1 is 30V (relative to 0V) or 15V (relative to -15V). Control signal A and control signal B B is synchronized, and when control signal A is at the level of VL1, control signal B is at the level of VH1. When the control signal A changes to the level of VH1, the control signal B changes to the level of VL1. The cycle of control signals A and B is about 15 to 100 Hz. On the other hand, control signal E is a constant voltage For example, the control signal E is an intermediate voltage between VL1 and VH1, and VL1=0V, When VH1=30V, VE=15V, VL1=-15V, VH1=+15V. In this case, VE=0V.

[0107] The liquid crystal light control device 100 selects a control signal to be applied to each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal light control element 102. By selecting the light source unit (106), the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the light source unit (106) can be controlled in various ways. In this embodiment, the liquid crystal light control element 102 controls the light emitted from the light source unit (106). An example of controlling the light distribution pattern to a square shape is shown below.

[0108] Table 1 shows the control signals applied to each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown in FIG. Note that the control signals A, B, and E shown in Table 1 correspond to the control signals shown in FIG. [Table 1]

[0109] As shown in FIG. 10 and Table 1, a control signal is input to each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal light control element 102. A control signal E is applied to the first strip electrodes E11A and the second strip electrodes E11B of the first liquid crystal cell 10. A control signal A is input to the third strip-shaped electrode E12A, and a control signal B is input to the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B. Signal B is input. As shown in Table 1, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and The control signals A, B, and E are input to the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 in the same manner as the first liquid crystal cell 10. That is, the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown in FIG. 10 applies a control signal E is applied to the second electrode, and control signals A and B are applied to the second electrode, and a transverse electric field is generated only on the second substrate side. There are.

[0110] When the liquid crystal light control element 102 is in operation, the control signals shown in Table 1 are applied to the strip electrodes of each liquid crystal cell. The first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell When the control signals shown in Table 1 are input to the liquid crystal display 40, each liquid crystal cell is turned on as shown in FIG. 7C. The liquid crystal molecules on the two substrates are affected by the horizontal electric field and their orientation changes.

[0111] In FIG. 10, when attention is focused on the first polarized component PL1, the first polarized component PL1 incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10 is The direction of the polarization axis of the light component PL1 is the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S11 side of the first liquid crystal layer LC1. The first electrode E11 generates a horizontal electric field. Therefore, the first polarized component PL1 is not diffused and goes directly to the second substrate S12 side. The first polarized component PL1 is incident on the first liquid crystal layer LC1 from the first substrate S11 side to the second substrate S12 side. As it travels towards the liquid crystal molecules, it is rotated by 90 degrees according to the twisted orientation of the liquid crystal molecules. On the second substrate S12 side, the second electrode E12 is The direction of the polarization axis of the second polarized component PL2 is the same as that of the liquid crystal on the second substrate S12 side. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S12 side are in the direction intersecting with the long axis direction of the molecules. Although the refractive index distribution is changed by the electric field generated by the pole E12, the second polarization component The first polarized component PL1 is not affected by the first liquid crystal and is transmitted as it is. While passing through the crystal cell 10, the light is converted into the second polarized component PL2, but is not diffused or otherwise processed. 2 and emitted from the substrate S12 side.

[0112] Then, the second polarized component PL2 emitted from the first liquid crystal cell 10 enters the second liquid crystal cell 20. The second polarized component PL2 is incident on the first substrate S of the second liquid crystal layer LC2. However, the first electrode E21 generates a horizontal electric field. Since the second polarized component PL2 is not diffused, it is directed directly toward the second substrate S22. The second polarized component PL2 is incident on the second liquid crystal layer LC2 from the first substrate S21 side to the second substrate S22 side. In the process of moving towards the 22 side, the liquid crystal molecules are rotated by 90 degrees according to the twisted orientation. The second polarization component PL2 transitions to the first polarization component PL1. Here, the polarization of the first polarization component PL1 The axis is parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S22 side. The refractive index distribution of the crystal molecules is changed by the transverse electric field generated by the second electrode E22. The first polarized component PL1 is diffused in the Y-axis direction and then emitted from the second liquid crystal cell 20. That is, the second polarized component PL2 incident on the second liquid crystal cell 20 is While passing through 20, the light is transformed into the first polarized component PL1 and diffused in the Y-axis direction.

[0113] In this way, the first polarized component PL1 of the incident light is incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10 and is incident on the second liquid crystal cell 11. Before being emitted from the filter 20, the light transits once to the second polarization component PL2 and then transits again to the first polarization component PL3. The liquid crystal transitions to PL1, and is diffused once in the Y-axis direction by the second liquid crystal cell 20.

[0114] The third liquid crystal cell 30 has a first electrode E31 whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the first electrode E11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10. and intersects with the first electrode E21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 at an angle of 90 degrees, and the longitudinal direction of the second electrode E32 The direction is the second electrode E12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second electrode E22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20. Similarly, the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 also has a first electrode E41 that intersects with the first electrode E42 at an angle of . The first electrode E11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first electrode E21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 are at a 90° angle. The second electrodes E42 intersect at an angle, and the longitudinal direction of the second electrode E42 intersects with the second electrodes E12 and E13 of the first liquid crystal cell 10. The third electrode E22 of the liquid crystal cell 20 intersects with the second electrode E22 at an angle of 90 degrees. In the liquid crystal cell and the fourth liquid crystal cell, the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 11 are polarized with respect to each polarization component. The phenomenon occurring in the crystal cell 20 is reversed. The crossing angle can be set within the range of 90±10 degrees. It is Noh.

[0115] The first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) that passes through the second liquid crystal cell 20 and is diffused once in the Y-axis direction When the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) enters the third liquid crystal cell 30, the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) The direction of the optical axis is parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S31 side of the third liquid crystal layer LC3. However, since the first electrode E31 does not generate a horizontal electric field, the voltage entering the third liquid crystal cell 30 The first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) incident on the third liquid crystal layer LC3 is not diffused, and is reflected by the first substrate S. In the process from the 31 side to the second substrate S32 side, the liquid crystal molecules are rotated by 90 degrees according to the twisted orientation. As a result, the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) is converted into the second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y). Here, the polarization axis of the second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) is shifted to the second substrate S32. The liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S32 are aligned parallel to the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules on the second electrode E. Since the refractive index distribution is changed by the transverse electric field generated by 32, the second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) is diffused in the X-axis direction and then emitted from the third liquid crystal cell 30. That is, the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) incident on the third liquid crystal cell 30 is The light passes through the liquid crystal cell 30 and is transformed into the second polarized component PL2, which is then diffused in the X-axis direction (diffusion). Scattered light 1X1Y).

[0116] The second polarized component PL2 (diffused light) emitted from the third liquid crystal cell 30 and incident on the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 The direction of the polarization axis of the diffused light (1X1Y) is the length of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S41 side of the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4. However, the first electrode E41 does not generate a transverse electric field. Therefore, the second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1X1Y) incident on the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 is not diffused. In the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4, the liquid crystal molecules The second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1X1 Y) is converted into the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1X1Y). The direction of the polarization axis of the diffused light (1X1Y) is perpendicular to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S42. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S42 side are oriented in the horizontal direction, and the horizontal direction is opposite to the horizontal direction. Although the refractive index distribution is changed by the field, the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1X1Y) The second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1X1) is not affected by the polarization and passes through as is. Y) changes to the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1X1Y) while passing through the fourth liquid crystal cell 40. The light is then transferred to the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, but is not diffused or otherwise emitted from the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0117] In this way, the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) incident on the third liquid crystal cell 30 is Before being emitted from the liquid crystal cell 40, the third liquid crystal layer LC3 and the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4 The light is rotated by 90 degrees and diffused in the X-axis direction by the third liquid crystal cell 30, resulting in the first polarized component PL1 (diffused The light is emitted from the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 as diffused light (1X1Y).

[0118] Therefore, the first polarized component PL1 emitted from the light source is incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10. Before being emitted from the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the polarization axis is rotated four times at an angle of 90 degrees, and X It is diffused once along the axis and once along the Y axis.

[0119] On the other hand, the second polarized component PL2 incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10 is polarized in the direction of its polarization axis. The direction is parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S11 side of the first liquid crystal layer LC1. However, since the first electrode E11 does not generate a transverse electric field, the second polarized component PL2 is diffused. The second polarized component PL2 is not incident on the first liquid crystal layer L1 but is directed directly to the second substrate S12. C1 from the first substrate S11 side to the second substrate S12 side, the twisted alignment of the liquid crystal molecules As a result, the second polarized component PL2 is converted into the first polarized component PL1. The direction of the polarization axis of the first polarized component PL1 is parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S12 side. The liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S12 side are oriented in the direction of the electric field generated by the second electrode E12. Since the refractive index distribution is changed by the first liquid crystal layer LC1, the first polarized component shifted by the first liquid crystal layer LC2 PL1 is expanded in the Y-axis direction due to the refractive index distribution formed by the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S12 side. That is, the second polarized component PL2 incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10 is scattered by the first liquid crystal cell While passing through 10, the light transitions to the first polarized component PL1 and is diffused in the Y direction (diffused light 1Y).

[0120] The first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) emitted from the first liquid crystal cell 10 is then incident on the second The first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) incident on the second liquid crystal cell 20. ) is polarized relative to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S21 side of the second liquid crystal layer LC2. However, the first electrode E21 does not generate a horizontal electric field. Therefore, the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) is not diffused and remains on the second substrate S22 side. The first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) passes through the second liquid crystal layer LC2 and travels toward the first substrate S2. In the process from the 1st side to the second substrate S22 side, the light is rotated by 90 degrees according to the twisted orientation of the liquid crystal molecules. As a result, the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) is converted into the second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y The direction of the polarization axis of the second polarized component PL2 is the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S22 side. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S22 are attracted to the second electrode E22. Although the refractive index distribution is changed by the electric field generated by the The scattered light 1Y) is not affected by the reflection and passes through the second liquid crystal cell 20. The first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) is converted into the second polarized component PL2 while passing through the second liquid crystal cell 20. Although it transitions to component PL2 (diffused light 1Y), it is transmitted without being diffused.

[0121] In this way, the second polarized component PL2 of the incident light is incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10 and is polarized by the second liquid crystal cell 11. Before being emitted from the filter 20, the light transits once to the first polarization component PL1 and then transits again to the second polarization component PL2. The liquid crystal transitions to PL2, and is diffused once in the Y-axis direction by the first liquid crystal cell 10.

[0122] The first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 each rotate the light by 90 degrees. The second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) diffused once in the Y-axis direction by the third liquid crystal cell 30 The polarization direction of the second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) incident on the third liquid crystal cell 30 The direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the third liquid crystal layer LC3 on the first substrate S31 side is perpendicular to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules. Since the first electrode E31 does not generate a horizontal electric field, the third liquid crystal cell 3 The second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) incident on the third liquid crystal layer LC3 is not diffused and passes through the first liquid crystal layer LC3. In the process from the substrate S31 side to the second substrate S32 side, the liquid crystal molecules are twisted by 90 degrees. As a result, the second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) is rotated to the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y). The polarization direction of the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) is The direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S32 is perpendicular to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S32. Although the refractive index distribution of the crystal molecules is changed by the electric field generated by the second electrode E32, The first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) is not affected by this and is transmitted as is. The second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) incident on the third liquid crystal cell 30 is While passing through the IR light, the light is converted to the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y), but is not diffused and passes through the IR light. Pass.

[0123] The light passes through the third liquid crystal cell 30, is diffused once in the Y direction, and passes through the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) rotated by 90 degrees by the third liquid crystal cell 30 When the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) enters the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) is polarized The direction is parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S41 side of the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4. However, since the first electrode E41 does not generate a horizontal electric field, the voltage applied to the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 is The first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) incident on the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4 is not diffused, and is reflected by the first substrate S. In the process from the 41 side to the second substrate S42 side, the liquid crystal molecules are rotated by 90 degrees according to the twisted orientation. As a result, the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) is converted again into the second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y). The polarization direction of this second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) is The liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S42 are aligned parallel to the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S43. The refractive index distribution is changed by the transverse electric field generated by the pole E42, so this second polarized light The component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) is affected by the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules and is diffused in the X-axis direction. The light is then reflected by the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 and emitted as the second polarized component (diffused light 1X1Y).

[0124] In this way, the second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) incident on the third liquid crystal cell 30 is Before being emitted from the liquid crystal cell 40, the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) is once transitioned to The second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) is then converted into the second polarized component PL3 ​​(diffused light 1Y) again, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 converts the polarized component PL3 ​​into the second polarized component PL4 (diffused light 1Y) along the X axis. The light is diffused once in one direction and emitted as the second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1X1Y).

[0125] Therefore, the second polarized component PL2 emitted from the light source is incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10. Before being emitted from the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the polarization axis is rotated four times at an angle of 90 degrees, and X It is diffused once along the axis and once along the Y axis.

[0126] According to the operation of the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown in FIG. 10, the light emitted from the light source unit 106 The first polarized component PL1 is diffused once in the X-axis direction and once in the Y-axis direction, and the second polarized component PL2 is diffused once in the X-axis direction and once in the Y-axis direction, resulting in a rectangular light distribution pattern. The first polarized component PL1 and the second polarized component PL2 are both optically rotated in the liquid crystal layer. After being rotated, the light is diffused in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, which reduces the loss of light during rotation. In other words, the first polarized component PL1 and the second polarized component PL2 are diffused before being first rotated. By avoiding this, it is possible to eliminate the optical rotation caused by diffusion during this process, This reduces the loss of light during optical rotation. When controlling the light distribution pattern of a light source, it is possible to suppress distortion of the shape of the light distribution pattern. .

[0127] Furthermore, according to the liquid crystal light control element 102 having the configuration shown in FIG. 10, The liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between electrodes on the opposite side of the light incident side, and one polarized component is Diffusion in the X-axis and Y-axis directions can prevent color breakup.

[0128] The operation mode of the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown in FIG. 10 is to generate a horizontal electric field at the first electrode of each liquid crystal cell. In order to prevent this, the liquid crystal light control element having the configuration shown in FIGS. 9 and 12 also produces a rectangular 9 and 12 show the configuration in which the first electrode of each liquid crystal cell is An example of a flat electrode (solid electrode) is shown in Figures 9 and 12. Alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules in each liquid crystal cell, arrangement of second electrodes (E12, E22, E32, E42) , and the control signal applied to the second electrode is the same as in the example shown in FIG. 10 (see FIG. 12).

[0129] As shown in the table inserted in FIG. 12, the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell The first polarized component PL1 and the second polarized component P The transition of L2 is the same as that in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Even if the first electrode is replaced with a flat electrode (solid electrode), the light source (106) The first polarized component PL1 of the light emitted from the lens is diffused once in the X-axis direction and once in the Y-axis direction. The polarized component PL2 can be diffused once in the X-axis direction and once in the Y-axis direction, and a rectangular arrangement Light patterns can be formed.

[0130] Second embodiment: This embodiment is a liquid crystal light control device that can distribute light emitted from a light source unit in a cross shape. FIG. 13 shows an example of the configuration and operation of the liquid crystal light control element 102 according to this embodiment. The arrangement of the strip electrodes in each liquid crystal cell in 2 and the polarization state and diffusion of the incident light by each liquid crystal cell The first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, and the third liquid crystal cell 21 shown in FIG. The arrangement of the strip electrodes in the first liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 is the same as in the first embodiment. .

[0131] Table 2 shows the control signals applied to each liquid crystal cell in the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown in FIG. Note that the control signals A, B, and E in Table 2 correspond to the control signals shown in FIG. That is why. [Table 2]

[0132] As shown in FIG. 13 and Table 2, a control signal is input to each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal light control element 102. A control signal E is applied to the first strip electrodes E11A and the second strip electrodes E11B of the first liquid crystal cell 10. A control signal A is input to the third strip-shaped electrode E12A, and a control signal B is input to the fourth strip-shaped electrode E12B. Signal B is input. As shown in Table 2, the third liquid crystal cell 30 is controlled in the same manner as the first liquid crystal cell 10. However, the third liquid crystal cell 30 is different in the longitudinal direction of the strip electrodes and the alignment film. The alignment direction and the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal molecules are different from those of the first liquid crystal cell 10. A control signal A is input to the first strip-shaped electrode E21A of the filter 20, and a control signal B is input to the second strip-shaped electrode E21B. A control signal B is input to the third strip-shaped electrode E22A and the fourth strip-shaped electrode E22B. As shown in Table 2, the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 receives the same control signal as the second liquid crystal cell 20. However, the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 has a different longitudinal direction of the strip electrodes, an alignment direction of the alignment film, and a liquid crystal layer. The orientation of the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is different from that of the first liquid crystal cell 10. The liquid crystal light control element 102 includes a first liquid crystal cell 10 and a third liquid crystal cell 30, a second substrate S12, A horizontal electric field is generated on the S32 side, and the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are , a transverse electric field is generated on the S41 side.

[0133] When the liquid crystal light control element 102 is in operation, the control signals shown in Table 2 are applied to the strip electrodes of each liquid crystal cell. When the control signals shown in Table 2 are input to the liquid crystal cells, the first liquid crystal cell 10 and In the third liquid crystal cell 30, a horizontal electric field is generated on the second substrates S12 and S32 side, and the second liquid crystal cell 20 and In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, a horizontal electric field is generated on the first substrates S21 and S41 side, and the liquid crystal molecules are biased by the horizontal electric field. The orientation state is changed as a result.

[0134] In FIG. 13, when attention is paid to the first polarized component PL1, the first polarized component PL1 is As in the first state, the light is transformed into the second polarized component PL2 while passing through the first liquid crystal cell 10, and is not diffused. The light is emitted from the second substrate S12 side without entering the chamber.

[0135] Then, the second polarized component PL2 emitted from the first liquid crystal cell 10 enters the second liquid crystal cell 20. The second polarized component PL2 is incident on the first substrate S of the second liquid crystal layer LC2. The liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S21 are aligned in a direction parallel to the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S21. The refractive index distribution is changed by the transverse electric field generated by the pole E21, so that the second polarized light The component PL2 is diffused in the X-axis direction. The second polarized component PL2 is diffused through the second liquid crystal layer LC2. In the process from the first substrate S21 side to the second substrate S22 side, the liquid crystal molecules are twisted in a 9 This results in a second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1X) diffused in the X-axis direction. The second electrode E22 does not generate a horizontal electric field, so the first polarized component PL1 The first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1X) is not diffused and passes through the second substrate S22 as it is. That is, the second polarized component PL2 that is incident on the second liquid crystal cell 20 is is diffused in the X-axis direction while passing through the second liquid crystal cell 20, and becomes the first polarized component PL1( The light is then converted into diffused light (1X) and emitted.

[0136] In this way, the first polarized component PL1 of the incident light is incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10 and is incident on the second liquid crystal cell 11. Before being emitted from the filter 20, the light transits once to the second polarization component PL2 and then transits again to the first polarization component PL3. The light transits to PL1 and is diffused once in the X-axis direction by the second liquid crystal cell 20.

[0137] As in the first embodiment, the third liquid crystal cell 30 has a first electrode E31 whose longitudinal direction is the same as that of the first liquid crystal cell. The first electrode E11 of the second liquid crystal cell 10 and the first electrode E21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 intersect at an angle of 90 degrees. The longitudinal direction of the second electrode E32 is parallel to the second electrode E12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20. The fourth liquid crystal cell 40 also intersects with the second electrode E22 at an angle of 90 degrees. The longitudinal direction of the first electrode E41 is aligned with the first electrode E11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second electrode E12 of the second liquid crystal cell 20. The second electrode E42 intersects with the first electrode E21 at a 90-degree angle, and the longitudinal direction of the second electrode E42 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first liquid crystal cell 10. The second electrode E12 and the second electrode E22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 intersect at an angle of 90 degrees. Therefore, in the third and fourth liquid crystal cells, the first liquid crystal The phenomenon occurring in the cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 is reversed. It can be set within a range of 0 degrees.

[0138] The first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1X) that passes through the second liquid crystal cell 20 and is diffused once in the X-axis direction ) enters the third liquid crystal cell 30, the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1X) is The direction of the optical axis is parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S31 side of the third liquid crystal layer LC3. However, since the first electrode E31 does not generate a horizontal electric field, the voltage entering the third liquid crystal cell 30 The first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1X) incident on the third liquid crystal layer LC3 is not diffused, and is reflected by the first substrate S. In the process from the 31 side to the second substrate S32 side, the liquid crystal molecules are rotated by 90 degrees according to the twisted orientation. As a result, the first polarized component PL1 (diffuse light 1X) is converted into the second polarized component PL2 (diffuse light 1X). The polarization axis of the second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1X) transitions to the second substrate S32. The liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S32 are aligned parallel to the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules on the second electrode E. Since the refractive index distribution is changed by the transverse electric field generated by 32, the second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1X) is diffused in the X-axis direction and then emitted from the third liquid crystal cell 30. That is, the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1X) incident on the third liquid crystal cell 30 is While passing through the liquid crystal cell 30, the light is converted into the second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1X) and then Diffuses axially.

[0139] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the first electrode E41 generates a horizontal electric field, and the liquid crystal on the first substrate S41 side The refractive index distribution of the crystal molecules is changed by the transverse electric field generated by the first electrode E41. However, the direction of the polarization axis of the second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 2X) incident on the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 is , which is in a direction intersecting with the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S41 side of the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4. Therefore, the light is not diffused, and passes through the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4 from the first substrate S41 side to the second substrate S42 side. During this process, the light is rotated by 90 degrees according to the twisted orientation of the liquid crystal molecules. This results in the second polarized component PL2 The second electrode E42 is a horizontal electrode. Since no field is generated, the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 2X) is not diffused and remains as it is. The light is transmitted through the second substrate S42 and emitted from the fourth liquid crystal cell 40. The second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 2X) incident on the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 passes through the fourth liquid crystal cell 40. The light is not diffused but transitions to the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 2X) and is emitted.

[0140] In this way, the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1X) incident on the third liquid crystal cell 30 is Before being emitted from the liquid crystal cell 40, the third liquid crystal layer LC3 and the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4 The light is rotated by 90 degrees and diffused in the X-axis direction by the third liquid crystal cell 30, resulting in the first polarized component PL1 (diffused The light is emitted from the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 as diffused light (2X).

[0141] Therefore, the first polarized component PL1 emitted from the light source is incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10. Before being emitted from the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the polarization axis is rotated four times at an angle of 90 degrees, and X It is diffused twice in the axial direction.

[0142] Next, in FIG. 13, the second polarized component PL2 is considered to be the first polarized component PL1. As in the embodiment, the light passes through the first liquid crystal cell 10 and is converted into the first polarized component PL1. The light is diffused in the Y-axis direction on the substrate S12 side and emitted from the second substrate S12 side.

[0143] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the first electrode E21 generates a horizontal electric field, and the liquid crystal on the first substrate S21 side The refractive index distribution of the crystal molecules is changed by the transverse electric field generated by the first electrode E21. However, the direction of the polarization axis of the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) incident on the second liquid crystal cell 20 is , a direction intersecting (perpendicular to) the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S21 side of the second liquid crystal layer LC2 The second liquid crystal layer LC2 is in the direction of the first substrate S21 and the second substrate S22. In the process of moving towards the 22 side, the liquid crystal molecules are rotated by 90 degrees according to the twisted orientation. The first polarization component PL1 (diffuse light 1Y) transitions to the second polarization component PL2 (diffuse light 1Y). Since the electrode E22 does not generate a transverse electric field, the second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) is diffused. The light is not reflected by the second substrate S22 and is emitted from the second liquid crystal cell 20. The first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) incident on the second liquid crystal cell 20 is When passing through 0, the light is not diffused but is converted into the second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) and emitted. .

[0144] In this way, the second polarized component PL2 of the incident light is incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10 and is polarized by the second liquid crystal cell 11. Before being emitted from the filter 20, the light is transferred once to the first polarized component PL1 and diffused once in the Y-axis direction. The second polarized light component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) is then converted again into the second polarized light component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) by the second liquid crystal cell 20.

[0145] The first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 each rotate the light by 90 degrees. The second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) diffused once in the Y-axis direction by the third liquid crystal cell 30 The polarization direction of the second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) incident on the third liquid crystal cell 30 The direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the third liquid crystal layer LC3 on the first substrate S31 side is perpendicular to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules. Since the first electrode E31 does not generate a horizontal electric field, the third liquid crystal cell 3 The second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) incident on the third liquid crystal layer LC3 is not diffused and passes through the first liquid crystal layer LC3. In the process from the substrate S31 side to the second substrate S32 side, the liquid crystal molecules are twisted by 90 degrees. As a result, the second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) is rotated to the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y). The polarization direction of the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) is The direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S32 is perpendicular to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S32. Although the refractive index distribution of the crystal molecules is changed by the electric field generated by the second electrode E32, The first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) is not affected by this and is transmitted as is. The second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) incident on the third liquid crystal cell 30 is While passing through the IR light, the light is converted to the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y), but is not diffused and passes through the IR light. Pass.

[0146] The light passes through the third liquid crystal cell 30, is diffused once in the Y-axis direction, and is then reflected by the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 11. The first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1) is rotated by 90 degrees by the third liquid crystal cell 30. When the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) enters the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) The polarization direction is parallel to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S41 side of the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4. The liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S41 side are polarized by the horizontal electric field generated by the first electrode E41. Since the refractive index distribution is changed, the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) is The first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) is diffused through the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4 by the first substrate In the process from the S41 side to the second substrate S42 side, the liquid crystal molecules undergo a 90-degree optical rotation according to their twisted orientation. As a result, the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 2Y) diffused in the Y-axis direction is The polarized light component PL2 (diffused light 2Y) is converted to the polarized light component PL2 and emitted from the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0147] In this way, the second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 1Y) incident on the third liquid crystal cell 30 is Before being emitted from the liquid crystal cell 40, the first polarized component PL1 (diffused light 1Y) is once transitioned to The second polarized component PL2 (diffused light 2 Y) and is emitted.

[0148] Therefore, the second polarized component PL2 emitted from the light source is incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10. Before being emitted from the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the polarization axis is rotated four times at an angle of 90 degrees, and Y It is diffused twice in the axial direction.

[0149] According to the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown in FIG. 13, the first polarization of the light emitted from the light source unit 106 The light component PL1 is diffused twice in the X-axis direction, and the second polarized component PL2 is diffused twice in the Y-axis direction. By this, a cross-shaped light distribution pattern is formed. The component PL2 is diffused in the Y-axis direction after being rotated by the liquid crystal layer, reducing the loss of light during rotation. In other words, the second polarized component PL2 can be prevented from being diffused before being optically rotated. By doing so, it is possible to eliminate the optical rotation while diffusing, and reduce the loss of light during optical rotation. This allows the liquid crystal light control element 102 to control the light distribution pattern of the light source. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the distortion of the shape of the light distribution pattern.

[0150] Furthermore, according to the liquid crystal light control element 102 having the configuration shown in FIG. 13, The liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between electrodes on the opposite side of the light incident side, and one polarized component is Diffusion in the X-axis or Y-axis direction can prevent color breakup.

[0151] Third embodiment: This embodiment shows a third configuration example of the liquid crystal light control element 102. The arrangement of the strip electrodes in each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal light control element 102 is shown in FIG. In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 The arrangement of the strip electrodes is the same as in the first embodiment, but the second liquid crystal layer LC2N of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and that a negative liquid crystal is used for the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4N of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40. .

[0152] Among the multiple liquid crystal cells, at least one liquid crystal cell uses a negative liquid crystal, and the other liquid crystal cells By using a positive liquid crystal in the In this embodiment, the first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 The first electrode E21 of the liquid crystal cell 20, the first electrode E31 of the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell The first electrode E41 of 40 is a flat electrode (solid electrode) shown in FIG. 12 in the first embodiment. can be replaced with

[0153] Fourth embodiment: This embodiment shows a fourth configuration example of the liquid crystal light control element 102. The arrangement of the strip electrodes in each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal light control element 102 is shown in FIG. In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 The arrangement of the strip electrodes is the same as in the first embodiment, but the alignment film (not shown) of the second liquid crystal cell 20 ) and the alignment direction of the alignment film (not shown) of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are the same as those of the first liquid crystal cell The first liquid crystal cell 10 and the third liquid crystal cell 30 are different from each other. The orientation direction of the orientation film (not shown) of the filter 30 is a direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the strip electrodes. On the other hand, the alignment of the alignment film (not shown) of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 The direction is the same as the longitudinal direction of the strip electrodes. As shown in FIG. 1, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layers of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the third liquid crystal cell 30 are aligned with the first electrode The electrodes E11 and E31 and the second electrodes E12 and E32 are oriented in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction thereof. On the other hand, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layers of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are aligned with the first electrode E21, E41 and the second electrodes E22, E42 are oriented in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electrodes. This differs from the first embodiment.

[0154] According to the arrangement shown in FIG. 15, the first substrate S11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 The alignment direction of the alignment film (not shown) on the S41 side is parallel to the X-axis direction. The alignment direction of the alignment film (not shown) on the two substrates S12 and S42 is parallel to the Y-axis direction. The longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped pattern of the first electrode E11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 is the Y-axis direction. The longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped pattern of the second electrode E12 is parallel to the X-axis direction. The longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped pattern of the first electrode E41 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 is The second electrode E42 is oriented in a direction parallel to the X-axis direction, and the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped pattern of the second electrode E42 is oriented in a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction. It is oriented parallel to the direction.

[0155] In addition, the alignment films ( The alignment direction of the second substrates S22 and S32 is parallel to the Y-axis direction. The alignment direction of the alignment film (not shown) on the first side is parallel to the X-axis direction. The longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped pattern of the first electrode E21 of the liquid crystal cell 20 is parallel to the Y-axis direction. The longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped pattern of the second electrode E22 is parallel to the X-axis direction. The longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped pattern of the first electrode E31 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 is parallel to the X-axis direction. The longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped pattern of the second electrode E32 is parallel to the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the alignment direction of the alignment film is the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. According to the definition of the axial direction, it is set at 90 degrees to the extension direction of the electrode with a strip-shaped pattern. However, it can also be set to a direction of 90±10 degrees.

[0156] Table 3 shows the control signals applied to each liquid crystal cell in the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown in FIG. The control signals A, B, and E in Table 3 correspond to the control signals shown in Figure 11. In addition, in Table 3, the alignment direction is indicated as crossed or parallel, and this is because the liquid crystal molecules This corresponds to the orientation of [Table 3]

[0157] As shown in FIG. 15 and Table 3, each liquid crystal cell of the liquid crystal light control element 102 has the same structure as that of the first embodiment. Similarly, control signals are input. When the liquid crystal light control element 102 is in operation, each strip of each liquid crystal cell The control signals shown in Table 3 are input to the electrodes.

[0158] In this embodiment, the first electrode E11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 The first electrode E21, the first electrode E31 of the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the first electrode E31 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 E41 can be replaced with the flat electrode (solid electrode) shown in FIG. 12 in the first embodiment. This can be done.

[0159] Fifth embodiment: In the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown in the first embodiment, the first electrode E1 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 Only the electrode 1 may be a flat electrode (solid electrode) as shown in FIG. 9. The first electrode E11 of the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown in the figure is a flat electrode E11. Even with such an electrode configuration, the liquid crystal light control element 102 shown in the first embodiment operates in the same manner. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and any of the first to fourth liquid crystal cells may be used. Alternatively, a configuration in which one or more electrodes on the first substrate side are the above-mentioned flat electrode can be adopted.

[0160] Sixth embodiment: This embodiment is a liquid crystal light control element shown in the first embodiment and a liquid crystal light control element shown in the second embodiment. The alignment shape of the element is shown.

[0161] FIG. 17A shows an alignment pattern obtained by the liquid crystal light control element shown in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17A, according to the liquid crystal light control element and its driving conditions shown in the first embodiment, A square alignment shape can be obtained.

[0162] FIG. 17B shows Reference Example 1. In Reference Example 1, the electrode arrangement of the liquid crystal cell is the same as that shown in the first embodiment. It is the same as the liquid crystal light control element, but the driving conditions are different. The figure shows the results of driving under the condition that a voltage is applied and no transverse electric field is generated on the second electrode side. As shown in 17B, in the case of Reference Example 1, an orientation shape close to a square was obtained, but Comparing with the result shown in FIG. 17A, it can be seen that the contour is distorted.

[0163] FIG. 18A shows an alignment pattern obtained by the liquid crystal light control element shown in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18A, the liquid crystal light control element and its driving conditions shown in the first embodiment are sufficient. A letter-shaped alignment pattern can be obtained.

[0164] FIG. 18B shows Reference Example 2. Reference Example 2 has the same electrode arrangement as that of the second embodiment. The driving conditions are opposite to those of the liquid crystal light control element, and the first electrode E11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell the second electrode E22 of the third liquid crystal cell 20, the first electrode E31 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, This shows the case where a horizontal electric field is generated by the electrode E42. As shown in FIG. 18B, in the case of Reference Example 1, Although an orientation shape close to a cross shape was obtained in the second embodiment, when compared with the result of FIG. 18A, It can be seen that the cross shape is sharper in the image shown in FIG.

[0165] As is clear from the results of FIGS. 17A and 17B, and FIGS. 18A and 18B, one liquid crystal When a transverse electric field is generated by only one electrode (electrode on the first substrate or the second substrate) in the cell, As shown in the first and second embodiments, in the liquid crystal cell on the light source side, It is better to diffuse the liquid crystal molecules on the opposite electrode (the second electrode on the second substrate) to obtain a sharper alignment. It can be seen that the following condition can be obtained.

[0166] That is, as shown in the above embodiment, at least the light incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10 By not diffusing the light before rotating it, it is possible to prevent the light from rotating while diffusing it. This reduces the loss of light during optical rotation and suppresses distortion of the light distribution pattern. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 10: first liquid crystal cell, 20: second liquid crystal cell, 30: third liquid crystal cell, 40: fourth liquid crystal cell, 100: Liquid crystal light control device, 102: Liquid crystal light control element, 104: Circuit board, 106: Light source unit , S11, S21, S31, S41: first substrate, S12, S22, S32, S42: second substrate, F1: first flexible wiring board, F2: second flexible wiring board, F3: third Flexible wiring board, F4: fourth flexible wiring board, TA1: first transparent adhesive layer, T A2: Second transparent adhesive layer, TA3: Third transparent adhesive layer, LC1: First liquid crystal layer, LC2: Second liquid Crystal layer, LC3: 3rd liquid crystal layer, LC4: 4th liquid crystal layer, E11, E21, E31, E41: 3rd liquid crystal layer 1 electrode, E11A, E21A, E31A, E41A: 1st strip electrode, E11B, E21B , E31B, E41B: second strip-shaped electrode, E12, E22, E32, E42: second electrode, E 12A, E22A, E32A, E42A: Third strip electrode, E12B, E22B, E32B , E42B: 4th strip electrode, PL11: 1st feed line, PL12: 2nd feed line, PL13: 3rd feed line, PL14: 4th feed line, PL15: 5th feed line, PL16: 6th feed line, T 11: First connection terminal, T12: Second connection terminal, T13: Third connection terminal, T14: Fourth connection terminal Terminal, PT11: 1st power supply terminal, PT12: 2nd power supply terminal, PT13: 3rd power supply terminal, P T14: fourth power supply terminal, AL11: first alignment film, AL12: second alignment film, SE: sealing material , CP11: first conductive member

Claims

1. a first liquid crystal cell; a second liquid crystal cell; a third liquid crystal cell; a fourth liquid crystal cell; Each of the first liquid crystal cell, the second liquid crystal cell, the third liquid crystal cell, and the fourth liquid crystal cell is a first substrate including a first electrode having a strip-shaped pattern and a first alignment film; a second substrate including a second electrode having a strip-shaped pattern and a second alignment film; a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; The alignment direction of the first alignment film and the alignment direction of the second alignment film are provided so as to intersect with each other, the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged so that a longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped pattern intersects with a longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped pattern of the second electrode; the first to fourth liquid crystal cells are arranged such that, from the light incident side, the first liquid crystal cell, the second liquid crystal cell, the third liquid crystal cell, and the fourth liquid crystal cell overlap in this order, and the second substrate of the first liquid crystal cell is adjacent to the first substrate of the second liquid crystal cell, the second substrate of the second liquid crystal cell is adjacent to the first substrate of the third liquid crystal cell, and the second substrate of the third liquid crystal cell is adjacent to the first substrate of the fourth liquid crystal cell; the first liquid crystal cell and the third liquid crystal cell are arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped pattern of the second electrode intersects with the alignment direction of the second alignment film within a range of 90±10 degrees; A liquid crystal light control device characterized in that the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped pattern of the first electrode of the second liquid crystal cell and the fourth liquid crystal cell intersects with the alignment direction of the first alignment film within a range of 90±10 degrees.

2. an alignment direction of the second alignment film of the first liquid crystal cell and an alignment direction of the second alignment film of the third liquid crystal cell intersect with each other; The liquid crystal light control device according to claim 1 , wherein the alignment direction of the first alignment film of the second liquid crystal cell intersects with the alignment direction of the first alignment film of the fourth liquid crystal cell.

3. the first electrodes include at least one first strip-shaped electrode having the strip-shaped pattern and at least one second strip-shaped electrode having the strip-shaped pattern, the at least one first strip-shaped electrode and the at least one second strip-shaped electrode being spaced apart and alternately arranged; 3. The liquid crystal light control device according to claim 1, wherein the second electrode includes at least one third strip electrode having the strip pattern and at least one fourth strip electrode having the strip pattern, and the at least one third strip electrode and the at least one fourth strip electrode are arranged alternately at a distance from each other.

4. The liquid crystal light control device of claim 1 , wherein the liquid crystal layer is a twisted nematic liquid crystal.

Images