Liquid crystal element

Abstract

To provide a liquid crystal element capable of easily adjusting the emitting direction of light.SOLUTION: The liquid crystal element 1 includes a plurality of first electrode sets 30 including a first electrode 31 and a second electrode 32 arranged on the first substrate 10 and a third electrode 33 and a fourth electrode 34 arranged on the second substrate 20, a plurality of second electrode sets 40 including a fifth electrode 41 and a sixth electrode 42 arranged on the second substrate 20, a liquid crystal layer 60 between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, and a plurality of light-shielding films 50. The first electrodes 31 and the second electrodes 32 face each other in the second direction D2. The third electrode 33 overlaps the first electrode 31 in a plan view. The fourth electrode 34 overlaps the second electrode 32 in a plan view. The fifth electrode 41 and the sixth electrode 42 face each other in the second direction D2. The first electrodes 30 and the second electrodes 40 are alternately arranged along the second direction D2. The light-shielding film 50 overlaps a gap between the third electrode 33 and the fourth electrode 34 in each of the plurality of first electrode sets 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid crystal device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a headlight with controllable light distribution. The headlight in Patent Document 1 reflects light from a light source using a mirror, and then focuses the reflected light using a lens to irradiate it ahead of the vehicle. The direction of the light irradiation can be adjusted by adjusting the angle of the mirror.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an illumination device including a lamp unit including a light source and an arm connected to the lamp unit. The arm includes a first arm and a second arm connected to be rotatable relative to each other. The lamp unit and the second arm are connected to be rotatable relative to each other. The angle between the first arm and the second arm and the angle between the lamp unit and the second arm are adjusted to adjust the direction in which light from the light source is emitted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-174551 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-63255 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In devices capable of adjusting the direction of light emission, such as those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the adjustment of the direction of light emission is performed by operating a movable part in a mechanism including multiple mechanical parts. There is a demand for such devices with a simple configuration.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a liquid crystal element that can easily adjust the light emission direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A liquid crystal element of the present disclosure includes a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, a plurality of first electrode sets including a first electrode and a second electrode arranged on the first substrate and a third electrode and a fourth electrode arranged on the second substrate, a plurality of second electrode sets including a fifth electrode and a sixth electrode arranged on the second substrate, a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a plurality of light-shielding films, and in each of the plurality of first electrode sets, the first electrode and the second electrode extend along a first direction and face each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The third electrode extends along the first direction and overlaps with the first electrode in a planar view, the fourth electrode extends along the first direction and overlaps with the second electrode in a planar view, the fifth electrode and the sixth electrode in each of the plurality of second electrode groups extend along the first direction and face each other in the second direction, the first electrode group and the second electrode group are arranged alternately along the second direction, and the light-shielding film overlaps with the gap between the third electrode and the fourth electrode in each of the plurality of first electrode groups in a planar view.

[0008] The liquid crystal element of the present disclosure includes a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, a plurality of first electrode sets including a first electrode and a second electrode arranged on the first substrate and a third electrode and a fourth electrode arranged on the second substrate, and a plurality of second electrode sets including a fifth electrode and a sixth electrode arranged on the second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first electrodes, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode each extend along a first direction, and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a length of the first electrodes is longer than a length of the second electrodes, a length of the third electrode, and a length of the fourth electrode. In one of the plurality of first electrode sets, the second electrode is arranged closer to the second substrate than the first electrode and overlaps with a first end of the first electrode on a first end side in the second direction in a planar view, the third electrode overlaps with a second end of the first electrode on a second end side in the second direction in a planar view, the fourth electrode overlaps with the second electrode in a planar view, the fifth electrode and the sixth electrode in each of the plurality of second electrode sets extend along the first direction and face each other in the second direction, the first electrode set and the second electrode set are arranged alternately along the second direction, and the first electrode has light-blocking properties. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a liquid crystal element according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the liquid crystal element according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element taken along line III-III shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the first electrodes and the second electrodes shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the third electrode and the fourth electrode shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the degree of tilt of liquid crystal molecules when the liquid crystal element shown in FIG. 3 refracts emitted light along a fourth direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the phase difference of emitted light passing through the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal element shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal element of a first comparative example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the degree of tilt of liquid crystal molecules when the liquid crystal element of the first comparative example shown in FIG. 8 refracts emitted light along the fourth direction. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal element of a second comparative example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the degree of tilt of liquid crystal molecules when the liquid crystal element of the second comparative example shown in FIG. 10 refracts emitted light along the fourth direction. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal element according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal element according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments. Furthermore, the components described below include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art and those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the components described below can be combined as appropriate.

[0011] It should be noted that the disclosure is merely an example, and appropriate modifications that a person skilled in the art can easily conceive of while maintaining the gist of the present disclosure are naturally included within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in order to clarify the explanation, the drawings may show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part schematically compared to the actual embodiment, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in this specification and each drawing, elements similar to those described above with respect to the previous drawings may be given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 shown in the drawings correspond to directions parallel to the plate surfaces of substrates included in the liquid crystal element 1, which will be described later. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 correspond to the sides of the liquid crystal element 1. In the first direction D1, the side indicated by the arrow is the +D1 side, and the side opposite the +D1 side is the -D1 side. In the second direction D2, the side indicated by the arrow is the +D2 side, and the side opposite the +D2 side is the -D2 side.

[0013] The third direction D3 corresponds to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal element 1. In the third direction D3, the side indicated by the arrow is the +D3 side, and the side opposite to the +D3 side is the -D3 side. The +D3 side of the third direction D3 corresponds to the front side of the liquid crystal element 1, and the -D3 side of the third direction D3 corresponds to the rear side of the liquid crystal element 1. In this specification, "planar view" means viewing the liquid crystal element 1 along the third direction D3. Note that the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to these directions.

[0014] First Embodiment 1 is a conceptual diagram of a liquid crystal element 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The liquid crystal element 1 is a refraction plate that refracts light. Light L emitted from a light source S is incident on the liquid crystal element 1. The light source S is, for example, a lighting device such as a vehicle headlight or spotlight.

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

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

[0017] The liquid crystal element 1 includes a first substrate 10, a second substrate 20, a plurality of first electrode pairs 30, a plurality of second electrode pairs 40, a plurality of light-shielding films 50, and a liquid crystal layer 60.

[0018] The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 face each other. The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are light-transmitting. The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are, for example, glass substrates, resin substrates, or resin films.

[0019] The plurality of first electrode sets 30 are aligned along the second direction D2. Each of the plurality of first electrode sets 30 includes a first electrode 31 and a second electrode 32 disposed on the first substrate 10, and a third electrode 33 and a fourth electrode 34 disposed on the second substrate 20.

[0020] Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the first electrodes 31 and the second electrodes 32 shown in Fig. 3. The first electrodes 31 and the second electrodes 32 each extend along a first direction D1.

[0021] 3 and 4, in each of the multiple first electrode groups 30, the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 face each other in the second direction D2, and in the first embodiment, the first electrode 31 is located on the +D2 side of the second electrode 32. The lengths of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 in the second direction D2 are equal to each other. Note that the lengths of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 in the second direction D2 may be different from each other. The first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 overlap a refraction region RA that refracts the emitted light L in a planar view.

[0022] 4, the liquid crystal element 1 further includes a first stem electrode 11 and a second stem electrode 12 arranged on the first substrate 10. The first stem electrode 11 and the second stem electrode 12 are arranged apart from each other in a plan view. The first stem electrode 11 and the second stem electrode 12 are spaced apart from the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 in the third direction D3.

[0023] The first stem electrode 11 is located outside (on the -D1 side of) the refractive area RA in a plan view and extends along the second direction D2. The first stem electrode 11 overlaps with the plurality of first electrodes 31 in a plan view and is electrically connected to the plurality of first electrodes 31 via connecting members. The first stem electrode 11 is electrically insulated from the second electrode 32.

[0024] The second stem electrode 12 is located outside (on the -D1 side of) the refractive area RA in a plan view and extends along a second direction D2. The second stem electrode 12 overlaps with the plurality of second electrodes 32 in a plan view and is electrically connected to the plurality of second electrodes 32 via connecting members. The second stem electrode 12 is electrically insulated from the first electrode 31.

[0025] The first stem electrode 11 and the second stem electrode 12 are electrically connected to a control circuit (not shown). The control circuit applies a voltage to the first electrode 31 via the first stem electrode 11. The control circuit applies a voltage to the second electrode 32 via the second stem electrode 12.

[0026] Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the third electrode 33 and the fourth electrode 34 shown in Fig. 3. The third electrode 33 and the fourth electrode 34 each extend along the first direction D1.

[0027] 3 and 5, in each of the multiple first electrode groups 30, the third electrode 33 and the fourth electrode 34 face each other in the second direction D2. In the second direction D2, the length of the second electrode 32, the length of the third electrode 33, and the length of the fourth electrode 34 are all equal. Note that the length of the second electrode 32, the length of the third electrode 33, and the length of the fourth electrode 34 may be different from each other in the second direction D2. The third electrode 33 and the fourth electrode 34 overlap with a refractive region RA that refracts the emitted light L in a planar view.

[0028] 3, the third electrode 33 overlaps with the first electrode 31 in a plan view. The fourth electrode 34 overlaps with the second electrode 32 in a plan view.

[0029] The first electrode sets 30 and the second electrode sets 40 are arranged alternately in the second direction D2. In other words, each second electrode set 40 is located between two first electrode sets 30 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2. Each of the second electrode sets 40 includes a fifth electrode 41 and a sixth electrode 42 disposed on the second substrate 20. As shown in FIG. 5 , the fifth electrode 41 and the sixth electrode 42 each extend along the first direction D1.

[0030] 3 and 5, in each of the multiple second electrode groups 40, the fifth electrode 41 and the sixth electrode 42 face each other in the second direction D2, and in the first embodiment, the sixth electrode 42 is located on the +D2 side of the fifth electrode 41. In the second direction D2, the lengths of the second electrode 32, the fifth electrode 41, and the sixth electrode 42 are all equal. Note that, in the second direction D2, the lengths of the second electrode 32, the fifth electrode 41, and the sixth electrode 42 may be different from each other. The fifth electrode 41 and the sixth electrode 42 overlap a refractive region RA that refracts the emitted light L in a planar view.

[0031] 3, between two first electrode groups 30 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2, the fifth electrode 41 is located closer to one of the two first electrode groups 30 than a bisector B that bisects the space between the two first electrode groups 30 in the second direction D2. In the first embodiment, the fifth electrode 41 is located on the -D2 side of the bisector B.

[0032] Furthermore, between two first electrode sets 30 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2, the sixth electrode 42 is located closer to the other of the two first electrode sets 30 than the bisector B. In the first embodiment, the sixth electrode 42 is located on the +D2 side of the bisector B.

[0033] As described above, the first electrode groups 30 and the second electrode groups 40 are alternately arranged in the second direction D2. Thus, in the first embodiment, the first electrodes 31 and the second electrodes 32 are alternately arranged on the first substrate 10. On the second substrate 20, the third electrodes 33, the fifth electrodes 41, the sixth electrodes 42, and the fourth electrodes 34 are repeatedly arranged in this order along the second direction D2. Furthermore, the first length H1 along the second direction D2 between two first electrode groups 30 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 is equal to or greater than the second length H2 of the first electrode groups 30 along the second direction D2.

[0034] 5, the liquid crystal element 1 further includes a third stem electrode 21, a fourth stem electrode 22, a fifth stem electrode 23, and a sixth stem electrode 24 arranged on the second substrate 20. The third stem electrode 21, the fourth stem electrode 22, the fifth stem electrode 23, and the sixth stem electrode 24 are arranged apart from one another in a plan view as shown in Fig. 4. The third stem electrode 21, the fourth stem electrode 22, the fifth stem electrode 23, and the sixth stem electrode 24 are apart from the third electrode 33, the fourth electrode 34, the fifth electrode 41, and the sixth electrode 42 in the third direction D3.

[0035] The third stem electrode 21 is located outside (on the -D1 side of) the refractive area RA in a plan view and extends along the second direction D2. The third stem electrode 21 overlaps with the plurality of third electrodes 33 in a plan view and is electrically connected to the plurality of third electrodes 33 via connecting members. The third stem electrode 21 is electrically insulated from the fourth electrode 34, the fifth electrode 41, and the sixth electrode 42.

[0036] The fourth stem electrode 22 is located outside (on the -D1 side of) the refractive area RA in a plan view and extends along the second direction D2. The fourth stem electrode 22 overlaps with the plurality of fourth electrodes 34 in a plan view and is electrically connected to the plurality of fourth electrodes 34 via connecting members. The fourth stem electrode 22 is electrically insulated from the third electrode 33, the fifth electrode 41, and the sixth electrode 42.

[0037] The fifth stem electrode 23 is located outside (on the -D1 side of) the refractive area RA in a plan view and extends along the second direction D2. The fifth stem electrode 23 overlaps with the plurality of fifth electrodes 41 in a plan view and is electrically connected to the plurality of fifth electrodes 41 via connecting members. The fifth stem electrode 23 is electrically insulated from the third electrode 33, the fourth electrode 34, and the sixth electrode 42.

[0038] The sixth stem electrode 24 is located outside (on the -D1 side of) the refractive area RA in a plan view and extends along the second direction D2. The sixth stem electrode 24 overlaps with the plurality of sixth electrodes 42 in a plan view and is electrically connected to the plurality of sixth electrodes 42 via connecting members. The sixth stem electrode 24 is electrically insulated from the third electrode 33, the fourth electrode 34, and the fifth electrode 41.

[0039] The third stem electrode 21, the fourth stem electrode 22, the fifth stem electrode 23, and the sixth stem electrode 24 are electrically connected to a control circuit (not shown). The control circuit applies a voltage to the third electrode 33 via the third stem electrode 21. The control circuit applies a voltage to the fourth electrode 34 via the fourth stem electrode 22. The control circuit applies a voltage to the fifth electrode 41 via the fifth stem electrode 23. The control circuit applies a voltage to the sixth electrode 42 via the sixth stem electrode 24.

[0040] Hereinafter, when the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, the third electrode 33, the fourth electrode 34, the fifth electrode 41, and the sixth electrode 42 are described without distinction, they will be simply referred to as "electrodes." Also, when the first stem electrode 11, the second stem electrode 12, the third stem electrode 21, the fourth stem electrode 22, the fifth stem electrode 23, and the sixth stem electrode 24 are described without distinction, they will be simply referred to as "stem electrodes."

[0041] The electrodes and stem electrodes are made of conductive materials such as molybdenum tungsten alloy (MoW) and titanium (Ti) and aluminum (Al) laminated TAT (Ti / Al / Ti). In this case, the electrodes and stem electrodes have light-shielding properties.

[0042] The material of the electrodes and stem electrodes may be a light-transmitting conductive material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide), IGO (Indium Gallium Oxide), and IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide). In this case, the electrodes and stem electrodes do not have light-shielding properties (i.e., they are light-transmitting).

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid crystal element 1 further includes a first insulating layer IL1 and a first alignment film AL1 disposed on the first substrate 10, and a second insulating layer IL2 and a second alignment film AL2 disposed on the second substrate 20.

[0044] The first insulating layer IL1 electrically insulates the first trunk electrode 11 from the second trunk electrode 12. The first insulating layer IL1 also electrically insulates the first electrode 31 from the second electrode 32.

[0045] The first alignment film AL1 is disposed on the +D3 side of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32. The first alignment film AL1 is disposed in a state spaced apart from the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32. The first alignment film AL1 may be in contact with the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32.

[0046] The second insulating layer IL2 electrically insulates the third stem electrode 21, the fourth stem electrode 22, the fifth stem electrode 23, and the sixth stem electrode 24. The second insulating layer IL2 also electrically insulates the third electrode 33, the fourth electrode 34, the fifth electrode 41, and the sixth electrode 42.

[0047] The second alignment film AL2 is disposed on the -D3 side of the third electrode 33, the fourth electrode 34, the fifth electrode 41, and the sixth electrode 42. The second alignment film AL2 is disposed in a state spaced apart from the third electrode 33, the fourth electrode 34, the fifth electrode 41, and the sixth electrode 42. The second alignment film AL2 may be in contact with the third electrode 33, the fourth electrode 34, the fifth electrode 41, and the sixth electrode 42.

[0048] The light-shielding film 50 shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 blocks the transmission of light. The material of the light-shielding film 50 is a molybdenum-tungsten alloy (MoW), for example. The light-shielding film 50 is indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 5. The light-shielding film 50 extends along a first direction D1 and is aligned along a second direction D2. The light-shielding film 50 overlaps with a refraction region RA that refracts the emitted light L in plan view. That is, in the refraction region RA, the space between two light-shielding films 50 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 corresponds to an opening K through which light passes.

[0049] The light-shielding film 50 overlaps the gap between the third electrode 33 and the fourth electrode 34 in each of the multiple first electrode groups 30. In the first embodiment, the light-shielding film 50 overlaps the first electrode groups 30 in a plan view, and the length of the light-shielding film 50 in the second direction D2 is equal to the second length H2, which is the length of the first electrode groups 30 in the second direction D2. In other words, the light-shielding film 50 overlaps the first electrode groups 30. Therefore, the space between two first electrode groups 30 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 corresponds to an opening K. The length of the opening K in the second direction D2 corresponds to the first length H1. As described above, the first length H1 is equal to or greater than the second length H2. This allows the opening K to be larger, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the emitted light L.

[0050] The liquid crystal layer 60 is located between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. The liquid crystal layer 60 is sandwiched between a first alignment film AL1 and a second alignment film AL2. The first alignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2 determine the alignment (initial alignment) of the liquid crystal molecules LM contained in the liquid crystal layer 60 when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal element 1. The initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules LM is a direction in which the long axis Ax of the liquid crystal molecules LM is perpendicular to the third direction D3 (horizontal alignment). The alignment direction of the first alignment film AL1 and the alignment direction of the second alignment film AL2 are parallel to each other in a planar view.

[0051] The liquid crystal element 1 is an ECB (Electrically Controlled Birefringence) liquid crystal element, although it goes without saying that the liquid crystal element 1 is not limited to an ECB liquid crystal element.

[0052] Next, we will explain the operation of the liquid crystal element 1 when it refracts the light L emitted from the light source S. When a voltage is applied to the electrodes by the control circuit, the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the light L. The light L is incident on the liquid crystal element 1 from the rear surface of the first substrate 10 along the third direction D3. Note that the symbol in parentheses attached to the light L in the drawings indicates the direction in which the light L travels. Also, in FIG. 3, the light L emitted from the liquid crystal element 1 is shown on the +D3 side of the liquid crystal element 1.

[0053] When no voltage is applied to the electrodes, the alignment state of all the liquid crystal molecules LM contained in the liquid crystal layer 60 is the initial alignment (horizontal alignment), and the tilt degrees of all the liquid crystal molecules LM are equal to one another. Therefore, the amount of phase change of the output light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 60 is equal at all parts of the liquid crystal layer 60, and no phase difference occurs in the output light L. Therefore, the liquid crystal element 1 outputs the output light L without refracting it. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the liquid crystal element 1 outputs the output light L incident along the third direction D3 along the third direction D3 without refracting it.

[0054] When the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the light L emitted from the light source S, voltages are applied to the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, the third electrode 33 and the fourth electrode 34 so that the magnitude (ED1) of the first potential difference between the potential (E1) of the first electrode 31 and the potential (E3) of the third electrode 33 is different from the magnitude (ED2) of the second potential difference between the potential (E2) of the second electrode 32 and the potential (E4) of the fourth electrode 34.

[0055] Specifically, when the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the emitted light L so that it travels along a fourth direction D4 that is inclined toward the -D2 side with respect to the third direction D3, a voltage is applied to the electrodes so that the magnitude of the second potential difference is larger than the magnitude of the first potential difference (ED1 <ED2)。

[0056] Furthermore, voltages are applied to the third electrode 33 and the fourth electrode 34 such that the potential of the third electrode 33 and the potential of the fourth electrode 34 are different from each other. A potential between the potential of the third electrode 33 and the potential of the fourth electrode 34 is applied to the fifth electrode 41 and the sixth electrode 42.

[0057] Specifically, voltages are applied to the third electrode 33, the fourth electrode 34, the fifth electrode 41, and the sixth electrode 42 so that the potential of the fourth electrode 34 is lower than the potential of the third electrode 33, and the potentials decrease in the order of the potential of the third electrode 33 (E3), the potential of the fifth electrode 41 (E5), the potential of the sixth electrode 42 (E6), and the potential of the fourth electrode 34 (E4) (E3>E5>E6>E4). Note that voltages may also be applied to the third electrode 33, the fourth electrode 34, the fifth electrode 41, and the sixth electrode 42 so that the potential of the fourth electrode 34 is higher than the potential of the third electrode 33, and the potentials increase in the order of the potential of the third electrode 33, the potential of the fifth electrode 41, the potential of the sixth electrode 42, and the potential of the fourth electrode 34.

[0058] Furthermore, the magnitude of the potential difference between the third electrode 33 and the fourth electrode 34 is larger than the magnitude of the potential difference between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 (|E3-E4|>|E1-E2|). Note that the magnitude of the potential difference between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 may be larger than the potential difference between the third electrode 33 and the fourth electrode 34.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the degree of tilt of the liquid crystal molecules LM when the liquid crystal element 1 shown in FIG. 3 refracts the emitted light L along the fourth direction D4. In FIG. 6, the liquid crystal molecules LM are shown only by the long axes Ax of the liquid crystal molecules LM. FIG. 6 also shows the equipotential lines Lv of the electric field generated in the liquid crystal layer 60. As described above, the initial orientation of the liquid crystal molecules LM is horizontal. Therefore, when no voltage is applied to the electrodes, the long axes Ax of the liquid crystal molecules LM are aligned along the second direction D2.

[0060] When a voltage is applied to the electrodes, an electric field acts on the liquid crystal layer 60, causing the liquid crystal molecules LM to tilt. The greater the magnitude of the potential difference in the liquid crystal layer 60 in the third direction D3, the greater the degree of tilt of the liquid crystal molecules LM (the greater the angle between the long axis Ax of the liquid crystal molecule LM and the second direction D2).

[0061] Also, as the degree of inclination of the liquid crystal molecules LM increases, the phase of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 60 advances. That is, as the magnitude of the potential difference in the third direction D3 in the liquid crystal layer 60 increases, the phase of the emitted light L advances.

[0062] When the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the emitted light L so as to travel along the fourth direction D4, as described above, the magnitude of the second potential difference (ED2) is greater than the magnitude of the first potential difference (ED1) (ED1 < ED2). Therefore, the degree of inclination of the liquid crystal molecules LM between the second electrode 32 and the fourth electrode 34 is greater than the degree of inclination of the liquid crystal molecules LM between the first electrode 31 and the third electrode 33.

[0063] In FIG. 6, a state is shown in which a voltage is applied to the electrodes such that the potential (E2) of the second electrode 32 is greater than the potential (E1) of the first electrode 31 (E1 < E2), and the potential (E3) of the third electrode 33 is greater than the potential (E4) of the fourth electrode 34 (E4 < E3).

[0064] In FIG. 6, the potential (E3) of the third electrode 33 is greater than the potential (E1) of the first electrode 31 (E1 < E3), the potential (E1) of the first electrode 31 is greater than the potential (E4) of the fourth electrode 34 (E4 < E1), and the potential (E2) of the second electrode 32 is equal to the potential (E3) of the third electrode 33 (E2 = E3). That is, the relationship between the potentials of the electrodes in FIG. 6 is represented by the following formula (1).

[0065] E4 < E1 < E2 = E3 ···(1)

[0066] Furthermore, in FIG. 6, as represented by formula (2), the potential (E2) of the second electrode 32 and the potential (E4) of the fourth electrode 34 are the same in magnitude and different in polarity from each other.

[0067] E2 = (-1) × E4 ···(2)

[0068] When the relationship between the potentials of the electrodes satisfies the relationships of Expressions (1) and (2), it becomes possible to control the potential of the electrodes by a column inversion driving method in which the polarity of the potential of the electrodes is periodically inverted. Needless to say, the relationship between the potentials of the electrodes is not limited to the relationships of Expressions (1) and (2).

[0069] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the phase difference of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 60 of the liquid crystal element 1 shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 7, the relationship between the potentials of the electrodes is the relationship shown in Expressions (1) and (2), and the case where a voltage is applied to the electrodes such that the magnitude (ED2) of the second potential difference is twice the magnitude (ED1) of the first potential difference is shown. Further, in FIG. 7, the potential of the fifth electrode 41 and the potential of the sixth electrode 42 are potentials closer to the potential of the fourth electrode 34 than the central potential of the potential of the third electrode 33 and the potential of the fourth electrode 34.

[0070] The vertical axis of FIG. 7 indicates the phase difference of the emitted light L. The horizontal axis of FIG. 7 indicates the position in the second direction D2 of the liquid crystal layer 60. In FIG. 7, the range of “(31)” indicates the range of the first electrode 31 in the second direction D2, and the range of “(32)” indicates the range of the second electrode 32 in the second direction D2. In FIG. 7, in the liquid crystal element 1 of the present first embodiment, the phase difference of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 60 with the phase of the emitted light L passing between the first electrode 31 and the third electrode 33 as a reference (zero) is shown by a solid line.

[0071] Since the magnitude of the second potential difference is larger than the magnitude of the first potential difference (ED1 < ED2), the phase difference increases as it goes from the -D2 side to the +D2 side along the second direction D2 at the opening K. That is, the phase of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 60 advances as it goes from the -D2 side to the +D2 side along the second direction D2 at the opening K. As a result, the emitted light L is refracted so as to be emitted along the fourth direction D4.

[0072] On the other hand, when the emitted light L is refracted so as to travel along the fifth direction D5 in which the liquid crystal element 1 is inclined with respect to the third direction D3 toward the +D2 side, a voltage is applied to the electrodes such that the magnitude (ED1) of the first potential difference is larger than the magnitude (ED2) of the second potential difference (ED2 < ED1).

[0073] Also, for the third electrode 33, the fourth electrode 34, the fifth electrode 41, and the sixth electrode 42, the potential of the fourth electrode 34 is higher than the potential of the third electrode 33, and voltages are applied so that the potentials increase in the order of the potential of the third electrode 33, the potential of the fifth electrode 41, the potential of the sixth electrode 42, and the potential of the fourth electrode 34 (E3 < E5 < E6 < E4). Note that voltages may be applied to the third electrode 33, the fourth electrode 34, the fifth electrode 41, and the sixth electrode 42 so that the potential of the fourth electrode 34 is lower than the potential of the third electrode 33, and the potentials decrease in the order of the potential of the third electrode 33, the potential of the fifth electrode 41, the potential of the sixth electrode 42, and the potential of the fourth electrode 34.

[0074] Furthermore, the potential difference between the potential of the third electrode 33 and the potential of the fourth electrode 34 is larger than the potential difference between the potential of the first electrode 31 and the potential of the second electrode 32.

[0075] In this case, the relationship between the potentials of the electrodes may also be the relationship expressed by the following formulas (3) and (4).

[0076] E3 < E2 < E1 = E4 ···(3)

[0077] E1 = (-1) × E3 ···(4)

[0078] When the relationship between the potentials of the electrodes satisfies the relationships of formulas (3) and (4), it becomes possible to control the potentials of the electrodes by a column inversion driving method in which the polarities of the potentials of the electrodes are periodically inverted. Needless to say, the relationship between the potentials of the electrodes is not limited to the relationships of formulas (3) and (4).

[0079] Since the magnitude of the first potential difference is larger than the magnitude of the second potential difference (ED2 < ED1), the phase difference along the third direction D3 increases as it goes from the +D2 side to the -D2 side along the second direction D2 at the opening K. That is, the phase of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 60 advances as it goes from the +D2 side to the -D2 side along the second direction D2 at the opening K. As a result, the emitted light L is refracted so as to be emitted along the fifth direction D5.

[0080] In this way, the liquid crystal element 1 can easily adjust the emission direction of the emitted light L by controlling the voltage applied to the electrodes.

[0081] Next, the liquid crystal element 1a of the first comparative example and the liquid crystal element 1b of the second comparative example will be described, focusing mainly on the differences from the liquid crystal element 1 of the first embodiment.

[0082] 8 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal element 1a of the first comparative example. Unlike the liquid crystal element 1 described above, the liquid crystal element 1a of the first comparative example does not include a sixth electrode 42. Furthermore, the fifth electrode 41 overlaps with the bisector B.

[0083] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the degree of tilt of liquid crystal molecules LM when the liquid crystal element 1a of the first comparative example shown in Fig. 8 refracts emitted light L along the fourth direction D4. In the liquid crystal element 1a of the first comparative example, the potentials of the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, the third electrode 33, and the fourth electrode 34 are equal to the potentials of the electrodes of the liquid crystal element 1 shown in Fig. 6. The potential of the fifth electrode 41 is a midpoint between the potentials of the fifth electrode 41 and the sixth electrode 42 in Fig. 6.

[0084] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal element 1b of Comparative Example 2. Unlike the liquid crystal element 1 described above, the liquid crystal element 1b of Comparative Example 2 does not include the second electrode set 40.

[0085] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the degree of tilt of liquid crystal molecules LM when the liquid crystal element 1b of the second comparative example shown in Fig. 10 refracts the emitted light L along the fourth direction D4. In the liquid crystal element 1b of the second comparative example, the potentials of the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, the third electrode 33, and the fourth electrode 34 are equal to the potentials of the electrodes of the liquid crystal element 1 shown in Fig. 6.

[0086] 6, 9, and 11, in a region R located near the second substrate 20 of the liquid crystal layer 60 and on the -D2 side of the bisector B, the degree of tilt of the liquid crystal molecules LM decreases in the order of the above-mentioned liquid crystal element 1 (FIG. 6), the liquid crystal element 1a of the first comparative example (FIG. 9), and the liquid crystal element 1b of the second comparative example (FIG. 11). A smaller degree of tilt of the liquid crystal molecules LM means that a phase difference in the emitted light L is less likely to occur and the emitted light L is less likely to be refracted.

[0087] 7, the phase difference of the emitted light L between the first electrode 31 and the bisector B decreases and approaches zero in the order of the liquid crystal element 1 (FIG. 6), the liquid crystal element 1a of the first comparative example (FIG. 9), and the liquid crystal element 1b of the second comparative example (FIG. 11). That is, the refraction angle of the emitted light L between the first electrode 31 and the bisector B is smaller in the liquid crystal element 1a of the first comparative example and the liquid crystal element 1b of the second comparative example than in the liquid crystal element 1. Note that the phase difference between the bisector B and the second electrode 32 is also smaller in the liquid crystal element 1 and the liquid crystal element 1a of the first comparative example.

[0088] That is, by arranging an electrode between the third electrode 33 and the fourth electrode 34 in the second direction D2 as in the above-described liquid crystal element 1, the degree of tilt of the liquid crystal molecules LM can be increased (see FIGS. 6, 9, and 11). Furthermore, when the emitted light L is refracted along the fourth direction D4, by arranging an electrode (fifth electrode 41) closer to the third electrode 33 than the midpoint P as in the above-described liquid crystal element 1, the degree of tilt of the liquid crystal molecules LM can be further increased (see FIGS. 6 and 9).

[0089] 7, the liquid crystal element 1 has a larger phase difference of the emitted light L between the first electrode 31 and the bisector B, and a larger refraction angle of the emitted light L, compared to the liquid crystal element 1a of the first comparative example and the liquid crystal element 1b of the second comparative example. Therefore, the liquid crystal element 1 can refract the emitted light L in a desired direction, compared to the liquid crystal element 1a of the first comparative example and the liquid crystal element 1b of the second comparative example.

[0090] Furthermore, as described above, the magnitude of the potential difference between the potential of the third electrode 33 and the potential of the fourth electrode 34 is greater than the magnitude of the potential difference between the potential of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32. Therefore, by arranging the fifth electrode 41 and the sixth electrode 42 between the third electrode 33 and the fourth electrode 34 on the second substrate 20, the degree of tilt of the liquid crystal molecules LM in the second direction D2 can be made greater than when the fifth electrode 41 and the sixth electrode 42 are arranged between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 on the first substrate 10.

[0091] Second Embodiment Next, the liquid crystal element 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described, focusing mainly on the differences from the liquid crystal element 1 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0092] 12 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal element 1 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Unlike the liquid crystal element 1 according to the first embodiment, the liquid crystal element 1 according to the second embodiment does not include a light-shielding film 50. Furthermore, the liquid crystal element 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the first electrode 31 of the liquid crystal element 1 according to the first embodiment in terms of the shape and position of the first electrode 131.

[0093] In the second direction D2, the length of the first electrode 131 is longer than the length of the second electrode 32, the length of the third electrode 33, and the length of the fourth electrode 34. The length of the first electrode 131 corresponds to the second length H2.

[0094] Furthermore, the first electrode 131 is disposed closer to the first substrate 10 than the second electrode 32. The second electrode 32 and the fourth electrode 34 overlap, in plan view, a first end 131a on the first end side (-D2 side) of the first electrode 131 in the second direction D2. The third electrode 33 overlaps, in plan view, a second end 131b on the second end side (+D2 side) of the first electrode 131 in the second direction D2.

[0095] The first electrode 131 also has a light-shielding property. That is, the first electrode 131 functions as a light-shielding film. The material of the first electrode 131 is a conductive material such as molybdenum tungsten alloy (MoW) and TAT (Ti / Al / Ti) in which titanium (Ti) and aluminum (Al) are stacked. In the second embodiment, the opening K corresponds to a region in the refractive region RA between two first electrodes 131 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2.

[0096] The liquid crystal element 1 of the second embodiment refracts the emitted light L in the same manner as the liquid crystal element 1 of the first embodiment when a voltage is applied to the electrodes, as in the liquid crystal element 1 of the first embodiment.

[0097] Third Embodiment Next, the liquid crystal element 1 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described, focusing mainly on the differences from the liquid crystal element 1 according to the second embodiment described above.

[0098] 13 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal element 1 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Compared to the liquid crystal element 1 according to the second embodiment, the liquid crystal element 1 according to the third embodiment further includes a seventh electrode 235 included in the first electrode set 30. The seventh electrode 235 is disposed closer to the second substrate 20 than the first electrode 131.

[0099] The seventh electrode 235 extends along the first direction D1. In the second direction D2, the length of the seventh electrode 235 is equal to the length of the third electrode 33. The seventh electrode 235 overlaps with the second end 131b of the first electrode 131 and the third electrode 33 in a plan view.

[0100] When the liquid crystal element 1 of this third embodiment refracts the light L emitted from the light source S, voltages are applied to the second electrode 32, the third electrode 33, the fourth electrode 34 and the seventh electrode 235 so that the magnitude (ED2) of the second potential difference between the potential (E2) of the second electrode 32 and the potential (E4) of the fourth electrode 34 and the magnitude (ED3) of the third potential difference between the potential (E3) of the third electrode 33 and the potential (E7) of the seventh electrode 235 are different from each other.

[0101] Specifically, when the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the emitted light L so that it travels along the fourth direction D4, voltages are applied to the electrodes so that the magnitude of the second potential difference is greater than the magnitude of the third potential difference (ED3 <ED2)。

[0102] On the other hand, when the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the emitted light L so that it travels along the fifth direction D5, voltages are applied to the electrodes so that the magnitude of the third potential difference is greater than the magnitude of the second potential difference (ED2 <ED3)。

[0103] A potential between the potential of the second electrode 32 and the potential of the third electrode 33 is applied to the first electrode 131. The magnitude of the potential difference between the potential of the third electrode 33 and the potential of the fourth electrode 34 is larger than the magnitude of the potential difference between the potential of the seventh electrode 235 and the potential of the second electrode 32 (|E3-E4|>|E7-E2|). Note that the magnitude of the potential difference between the potential of the seventh electrode 235 and the potential of the second electrode 32 may be larger than the potential difference between the potential of the third electrode 33 and the potential of the fourth electrode 34.

[0104] When a voltage is applied in this manner, the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the emitted light L in the same manner as the liquid crystal element 1 of the first embodiment.

[0105] <Modification> Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. The contents disclosed in the embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Appropriate modifications made within the scope of the present disclosure also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0106] For example, in the first embodiment, the light-shielding film 50 may be disposed on the first substrate 10. In this case, the light-shielding film 50 overlaps the gap between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 in each of the multiple first electrode pairs 30.

[0107] In each of the above embodiments, the fifth electrode 41 and the sixth electrode 42 may be disposed on the first substrate 10. In this case, the first electrode group 30 and the second electrode group 40 are alternately disposed along the second direction D2. In this case, in the liquid crystal element 1 of the first embodiment and the liquid crystal element 1 of the second embodiment, the magnitude of the potential difference between the potential of the first electrode 31, 131 and the potential of the second electrode 32 may be larger than the potential difference between the potential of the third electrode 33 and the potential of the fourth electrode 34 (|E1-E2|>|E3-E4|). In this case, in the liquid crystal element 1 of the third embodiment, the magnitude of the potential difference between the potential of the seventh electrode 235 and the potential of the second electrode 32 may be larger than the potential difference between the potential of the third electrode 33 and the potential of the fourth electrode 34 (|E7-E2|>|E3-E4|).

[0108] In each of the above embodiments, the second electrode set 40 may further include an eighth electrode and a ninth electrode arranged on the first substrate 10. The eighth electrode and the ninth electrode extend along the first direction D1 and are arranged between the first electrode 131 and the second electrode 32 (between the seventh electrode 235 and the second electrode 32 in the third embodiment). In the second direction D2, the lengths of the eighth electrode and the ninth electrode are equal to the length of the second electrode 32. The lengths of the eighth electrode and the ninth electrode may be different from the length of the second electrode 32. The eighth electrode may overlap the fifth electrode 41 in a planar view. The ninth electrode may overlap the sixth electrode 42 in a planar view. In the liquid crystal element 1 of the first embodiment and the liquid crystal element 1 of the second embodiment, a potential between the potentials of the first electrodes 31 and 131 and the potential of the second electrode 32 is applied to the eighth electrode and the ninth electrode. In the liquid crystal element 1 of the third embodiment, a potential between the potential of the seventh electrode 235 and the potential of the second electrode 32 is applied to the eighth and ninth electrodes.

[0109] Furthermore, other effects and advantages brought about by the aspects described in each of the above embodiments that are clear from the description in this specification or that can be appropriately thought of by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1 LCD element 10 1st base board 20 2nd base plate 30 Electrode Group 1 31 First Electrode 32 Second electrode 33 Third electrode 34. Fourth electrode 40 Second electrode group 41. Fifth electrode 42. 6th electrode 50 shading film 60 liquid crystal layers 131a First end 131b Second end 235 Electrode No. 7 B. Bisector D1 Direction 1 D2 Direction 2

Claims

1. a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other; a plurality of first electrode sets including a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the first substrate and a third electrode and a fourth electrode disposed on the second substrate; a plurality of second electrode sets including a fifth electrode and a sixth electrode disposed on the second substrate; a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; a plurality of light-shielding films; In each of the plurality of first electrode sets, the first electrode and the second electrode extend along a first direction and face each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; the third electrode extends along the first direction and overlaps the first electrode in a plan view; the fourth electrode extends along the first direction and overlaps with the second electrode in a plan view; the fifth electrode and the sixth electrode in each of the second electrode sets extend along the first direction and face each other in the second direction; the first electrode sets and the second electrode sets are alternately arranged along the second direction, the light-shielding film overlaps with a gap between the third electrode and the fourth electrode in each of the plurality of first electrode pairs in a plan view; Liquid crystal element.

2. Between two of the first electrode pairs adjacent to each other in the second direction in a cross-sectional shape when cut along a plane orthogonal to the first direction, the fifth electrode is located closer to one of the two first electrode sets than a bisector that bisects the two first electrode sets in the second direction, the sixth electrode is located closer to the other of the two first electrode sets than the bisector; The liquid crystal device according to claim 1 .

3. a first length along the second direction between two of the first electrode sets adjacent to each other in the second direction is equal to or greater than a second length along the second direction of the first electrode sets; The liquid crystal device according to claim 1 .

4. Voltages are applied to the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode such that a first potential difference between a potential of the first electrode and a potential of the third electrode and a second potential difference between a potential of the second electrode and a potential of the fourth electrode are different from each other. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1 .

5. a voltage is applied to the third electrode and the fourth electrode such that a potential of the third electrode and a potential of the fourth electrode are different from each other; a potential between the potential of the third electrode and the potential of the fourth electrode is applied to the fifth electrode and the sixth electrode; The liquid crystal device according to claim 1 .

6. a potential difference between the third electrode and the fourth electrode is greater than a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode; The liquid crystal device according to claim 5 .

7. a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other; a plurality of first electrode sets including a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the first substrate and a third electrode and a fourth electrode disposed on the second substrate; a plurality of second electrode sets disposed on the second substrate and including a fifth electrode and a sixth electrode; a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode each extend along a first direction; In a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a length of the first electrode is longer than a length of the second electrode, a length of the third electrode, and a length of the fourth electrode; In one of the plurality of first electrode sets, the second electrode is disposed closer to the second substrate than the first electrode and overlaps, in a plan view, a first end of the first electrode on a first end side in the second direction; the third electrode overlaps, in a plan view, a second end portion of the first electrode on a second end side in the second direction, the fourth electrode overlaps with the second electrode in a plan view, the fifth electrode and the sixth electrode in each of the second electrode sets extend along the first direction and face each other in the second direction; the first electrode sets and the second electrode sets are alternately arranged along the second direction, the first electrode has a light-shielding property; Liquid crystal element.

8. Each of the plurality of first electrode sets further includes a seventh electrode disposed on the first substrate and extending along the first direction; In each of the plurality of first electrode sets, the seventh electrode is disposed closer to the second substrate than the first electrode and overlaps with the third electrode in a plan view. The liquid crystal device according to claim 7 .

9. voltages are applied to the second electrode, the third electrode, the fourth electrode, and the seventh electrode such that a second potential difference between a potential of the second electrode and a potential of the fourth electrode and a third potential difference between a potential of the third electrode and a potential of the seventh electrode are different from each other; The liquid crystal device according to claim 8 .

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