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Abstract

To provide a liquid crystal element that allows for easy adjustment of the direction of light emission. [Solution] The liquid crystal element 1 comprises a first substrate 10 and a second substrate 20 facing each other, a plurality of element sets 40 arranged on the first substrate 10 and including a first electrode 42 and a second electrode 43, a third electrode 60 arranged on the second substrate 20 and overlapping with the plurality of element sets 40 in a plan view, a liquid crystal layer 30 between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, and an insulating member 80 arranged on the liquid crystal layer 30 and having electrical insulating properties. In each of the plurality of element sets 40, the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 extend along a first direction D1 in a plan view and face each other in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The plurality of element sets 40 are arranged along the second direction D2. In a plan view, the insulating member 80 overlaps with the gap G between two adjacent element sets 40 in the second direction D2.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , ,

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

Background Art

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

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

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

[0007] The liquid crystal element of this disclosure comprises a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, a plurality of element assemblies disposed on the first substrate and including a first electrode and a second electrode, a third electrode disposed on the second substrate and overlapping with the plurality of element assemblies in a plan view, a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, and an insulating member disposed on the liquid crystal layer and having electrical insulating properties, wherein in each of the plurality of element assemblies, the first electrode and the second electrode extend along a first direction in a plan view and face each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the plurality of element assemblies are arranged along the second direction, and the insulating member overlaps with the gap between two adjacent element assemblies in the second direction in a plan view.

[0008] The liquid crystal element of this disclosure comprises a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, a plurality of element sets disposed on the first substrate and including a first electrode and a second electrode, a plurality of second element sets disposed on the second substrate and including a fourth electrode and a fifth electrode, a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, and an insulating member disposed on the liquid crystal layer and having electrical insulating properties, wherein in each of the plurality of element sets, the first electrode and the second electrode extend in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in a plan view. In each of the multiple second element sets, the fourth electrode extends along the first direction and overlaps in plan view with the first electrode of one of the multiple element sets, the fifth electrode extends along the first direction and overlaps in plan view with the second electrode of one of the element sets, the multiple element sets and the multiple second element sets are each aligned along the second direction, and the insulating member overlaps in plan view with the gap between two element sets that are adjacent to each other in the second direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a liquid crystal element according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of a liquid crystal element according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal element along the line III-III shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the electrical resistive film, the first electrode, and the second electrode. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the degree of tilt of the liquid crystal molecules when the liquid crystal element shown in Figure 3 refracts the emitted light along the fourth direction. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the phase difference of the emitted light passing through the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal element shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a comparative example liquid crystal element. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the degree of tilt of the liquid crystal molecules when the liquid crystal element of the comparative example shown in Figure 7 refracts the emitted light along the fourth direction. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal element according to a first modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a plan view showing the arrangement of insulating members in a liquid crystal element according to a second modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal element according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the first and second electrodes of the liquid crystal element shown in Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the second element assembly shown in Figure 11. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, the components described below include those that are readily conceivable to those skilled in the art, and those that are substantially the same. In addition, the components described below can be combined as appropriate.

[0011] Note that the disclosure is merely an example, and for those that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art with appropriate modifications while maintaining the gist of the present disclosure, they are naturally included in the scope of the present disclosure. Also, for the purpose of making the description clearer, the drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual aspect, but this is merely an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present disclosure. Also, in this specification and each drawing, the same reference numerals may be assigned to the same elements as those described above for the previously shown drawings, 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 surface of the substrate included in the liquid crystal element 1 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 pointed by the arrow is defined as the +D1 side, and the side opposite to the +D1 side is defined as the -D1 side. In the second direction D2, the side pointed by the arrow is defined as the +D2 side, and the side opposite to the +D2 side is defined as the -D2 side.

[0013] Also, the third direction D3 corresponds to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal element 1. In the third direction D3, the side pointed by the arrow is defined as the +D3 side, and the side opposite to the +D3 side is defined as 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 back side of the liquid crystal element 1. Also, in this specification, "planar view" means viewing the liquid crystal element 1 along the third direction D3. Note that the directions of the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to these directions.

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

[0015] When no voltage is applied, the liquid crystal element 1 transmits the emitted light L without changing the direction (emission direction) in which the emitted light L travels, as indicated by the solid arrow. On the other hand, when a voltage is applied, the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the emitted light L along 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 the line III-III shown in FIG. 2. The cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element 1 shown in FIG. 3 shows the cross-sectional shape of the liquid crystal element 1 cut in a plane orthogonal to the first direction D1.

[0017] The liquid crystal element 1 includes a first substrate 10, a second substrate 20, and a liquid crystal layer 30.

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

[0019] A plurality of element groups 40, a first insulating layer IL1, and a first alignment film AL1 are disposed on the first substrate 10. Each of the plurality of element groups 40 includes an electric resistance film 41, a first electrode 42, and a second electrode 43.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of electric resistance films 41 are arranged in a matrix along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 in plan view. The electric resistance film 41 extends along the first direction D1 in plan view. Specifically, the electric resistance film 41 has a rectangular shape in plan view in which the length in the first direction D1 is longer than the length in the second direction D2. In plan view, the plurality of electric resistance films 41 overlap with a refraction region RA that refracts the emitted light L.

[0021] The electrical resistance of the resistive film 41 is greater than the electrical resistance of the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43. The material of the resistive film 41 is a translucent conductive material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), zinc oxide (ZnO), and IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide).

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 are positioned on the back side of the electrical resistance film 41.

[0023] Figure 4 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the electrical resistance film 41, the first electrode 42, and the second electrode 43. The liquid crystal element 1 further comprises a plurality of first trunk electrodes 51 and a plurality of second trunk electrodes 52 arranged on the first substrate 10.

[0024] The first trunk electrode 51 extends along the second direction D2. The first trunk electrode 51 is located between two electrical resistive films 41 that are adjacent to each other in the first direction D1. In a plan view, the first trunk electrode 51 is separated from the electrical resistive films 41.

[0025] Multiple first electrodes 42 are electrically connected to the first trunk electrode 51. The first trunk electrode 51 is integrated with the multiple first electrodes 42. The multiple first electrodes 42 are electrically connected to the first trunk electrode 51 so as to protrude from the first trunk electrode 51 on both sides in the first direction D1. The first electrodes 42 extend along the first direction D1. The first electrodes 42 are electrically connected to two electrical resistive films 41 that are adjacent to each other with the first trunk electrode 51 in the first direction D1.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first electrodes 42 are arranged in multiple rows along the second direction D2 and, in a plan view, overlap with the -D2 side end of the resistive film 41 in the second direction D2, and are electrically connected to the resistive film 41. The first electrodes 42 are in contact with the resistive film 41.

[0027] The second trunk electrode 52 extends along the second direction D2. The second trunk electrode 52 is located between two electrical resistive films 41 that are adjacent to each other in the first direction D1. In a plan view, the second trunk electrode 52 is separated from the electrical resistive films 41.

[0028] The first trunk electrode 51 and the second trunk electrode 52 are located on opposite sides of each other in the first direction D1, across the electrical resistance film 41, in each of the multiple electrical resistance films 41. In other words, the first trunk electrode 51 and the second trunk electrode 52 are arranged alternately in the first direction D1.

[0029] Multiple second electrodes 43 are electrically connected to the second main electrode 52. The second main electrode 52 is integrated with the multiple second electrodes 43. The multiple second electrodes 43 are electrically connected to the second main electrode 52 so as to protrude from the second main electrode 52 on both sides in the first direction D1. The second electrodes 43 extend along the first direction D1. The second electrodes 43 are electrically connected to two electrical resistive films 41 that are adjacent to each other in the first direction D1, with the second main electrode 52 in between.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second electrodes 43 are arranged in multiple rows along the second direction D2 and, in a plan view, overlap with the +D2 side end of the resistive film 41 in the second direction D2, and are electrically connected to the resistive film 41. The second electrodes 43 are in contact with the resistive film 41. In each of the multiple element sets 40, the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 are electrically connected to the resistive film 41 while facing each other in the second direction D2.

[0031] Furthermore, the length in the first direction D1 of the portion of the first electrode 42 that is electrically connected to the end of the resistive film 41 is equal to the length in the first direction D1 of the portion of the second electrode 43 that is electrically connected to the resistive film 41. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the first electrode 42 and the cross-sectional shape of the second electrode 43 are the same. Therefore, the length in the second direction D2 of the first electrode 42 and the length in the second direction D2 of the second electrode 43 are equal to each other.

[0032] In this way, with the electrical resistive film 41, the first electrode 42, and the second electrode 43 arranged, the multiple element sets 40 are arranged in a matrix along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0033] The materials of the first electrode 42, the second electrode 43, the first main electrode 51, and the second main electrode 52 are conductive materials such as molybdenum tungsten alloy (MoW) and TAT (Ti / Al / Ti), which is a laminate of titanium (Ti) and aluminum (Al). Alternatively, the materials of the first electrode 42, the second electrode 43, the first main electrode 51, and the second main electrode 52 may be transparent conductive materials such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), zinc oxide (ZnO), and IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide).

[0034] The first main electrode 51 and the second main electrode 52 are electrically connected to a control circuit (not shown). The control circuit applies a voltage to the first electrode 42 via the first main electrode 51. The control circuit applies a voltage to the second electrode 43 via the second main electrode 52.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the resistive film 41, the portion that overlaps with the first electrode 42 in a plan view is designated as the first overlapping portion 41a, the portion that overlaps with the second electrode 43 in a plan view is designated as the second overlapping portion 41b, and the portion between the first overlapping portion 41a and the second overlapping portion 41b is designated as the intermediate portion 41c. In the second direction D2, the length of the intermediate portion 41c is longer than the combined length of the first overlapping portion 41a and the second overlapping portion 41b.

[0036] In this first embodiment, in the second direction D2, the -D2 end of the first electrode 42 is -D2 further than the -D2 end of the resistive film 41, and the +D2 end of the second electrode 43 is +D2 further than the +D2 end of the resistive film 41. In the second direction D2, the -D2 end of the first electrode 42 may coincide with the -D2 end of the resistive film 41, or the +D2 end of the second electrode 43 may coincide with the +D2 end of the resistive film 41.

[0037] The first insulating layer IL1 shown in Figure 3 electrically insulates the electrical resistance film 41, the first main electrode 51, and the second main electrode 52. Furthermore, the first insulating layer IL1 electrically insulates the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43.

[0038] The first orientation film AL1 is positioned on the front side of the electrical resistance film 41.

[0039] The second substrate 20 is equipped with a third electrode 60, a second insulating layer IL2, a plurality of light-shielding films 70, and a second orientation film AL2.

[0040] The third electrode 60 is placed on the second substrate 20. The third electrode 60 overlaps with the refraction region RA in a plan view. The third electrode 60 overlaps with the multiple element assemblies 40 in a plan view. The material of the third electrode 60 is a light-transmitting conductive material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), zinc oxide (ZnO), and IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide).

[0041] The third electrode 60 is electrically connected to a control circuit (not shown). The control circuit applies a voltage to the third electrode 60.

[0042] The second insulating layer IL2 shown in Figure 3 is placed between the second substrate 20 and the third electrode 60. The second orientation film AL2 is placed on the back side of the third electrode 60.

[0043] The light-shielding film 70 blocks the transmission of light. The light-shielding film 70 is conductive. The material of the light-shielding film 70 is molybdenum tungsten alloy (MoW), etc. The light-shielding film 70 is placed on the second substrate 20. The light-shielding film 70 is between the second substrate 20 and the second insulating layer IL2. In a plan view, the light-shielding film 70 overlaps with the gap G between two adjacent element sets 40 in the second direction D2.

[0044] The light-shielding film 70 is a strip extending along the first direction D1. As shown in Figure 3, in the second direction D2, the length of the element assembly 40 is greater than the length of the gap G. In this first embodiment, the light-shielding film 70 overlaps with the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 in a plan view. The light-shielding film 70 does not overlap with the intermediate portion 41c in a plan view.

[0045] The liquid crystal layer 30 is located between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. The liquid crystal layer 30 is sandwiched between the first alignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2. The first alignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2 determine the orientation (initial orientation) of the liquid crystal molecules LM contained in the liquid crystal layer 30 when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal element 1. The initial orientation of the liquid crystal molecules LM is such that the long axis Ax of the liquid crystal molecules LM is perpendicular to the third direction D3 (horizontal orientation). The orientation direction of the first alignment film AL1 and the orientation direction of the second alignment film AL2 are parallel to each other in a plan view.

[0046] Liquid crystal element 1 is an ECB (Electrically Controlled Birefringence) liquid crystal element. It goes without saying that liquid crystal element 1 is not limited to an ECB liquid crystal element.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the liquid crystal element 1 further comprises a plurality of insulating members 80 arranged in the liquid crystal layer 30. The insulating members 80 are indicated by dashed lines in Figure 4. The insulating members 80 overlap with the light-shielding film 70 in a plan view. The insulating members 80 have electrical insulating properties.

[0048] The insulating member 80 is strip-shaped and extends along the first direction D1. Specifically, the insulating member 80 is strip-shaped and extends along the first direction D1 from the -D1 side end to the +D1 side end of the refraction region RA, and is arranged to divide the liquid crystal layer 30 in a plan view.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the insulating member 80 overlaps with the gap G between two adjacent element sets 40 in the second direction D2 when viewed from above. In other words, the multiple insulating members 80 are aligned along the second direction D2. The insulating members 80 do not overlap with the intermediate portion 41c when viewed from above.

[0050] Furthermore, in the third direction D3 (corresponding to the "thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer 30"), the length of the insulating member 80 is greater than or equal to the length of the liquid crystal layer 30. The insulating member 80 is in contact with the first alignment film AL1 and the second alignment film AL2, and is positioned to divide the liquid crystal layer 30 in the cross-sectional shape shown in Figure 3. Also, as described above, the insulating member 80 is positioned in a state that divides the liquid crystal layer 30 in a plan view. In other words, each of the multiple insulating members 80 is positioned in a state that divides the liquid crystal layer 30. As a result, the parts of the liquid crystal layer 30 adjacent to each other with the insulating member 80 in between are not continuous and are spaced apart. The insulating member 80 is light-transmitting. However, the insulating member 80 may not be light-transmitting and may have light-shielding properties.

[0051] Next, the operation of the liquid crystal element 1 when it refracts the emitted light L from the light source S will be explained. The emitted light L is refracted by applying voltage to the first electrode 42, the second electrode 43, and the third electrode 60 by the control circuit. The emitted light L is incident on the liquid crystal element 1 from the back surface of the first substrate 10 along the third direction D3. The symbols in parentheses attached to the emitted light L indicate the direction in which the emitted light L travels. Also, in Figure 3, the emitted light L emitted from the liquid crystal element 1 is shown on the +D3 side of the liquid crystal element 1.

[0052] When no voltage is applied to the first electrode 42, the second electrode 43, and the third electrode 60, the orientation of all liquid crystal molecules LM contained in the liquid crystal layer 30 is in its initial orientation (horizontal orientation), and the degree of inclination of all liquid crystal molecules LM is equal to that of all of them. Therefore, the amount of phase change of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 is equal in all parts of the liquid crystal layer 30, and no phase difference occurs in the emitted light L. Consequently, the liquid crystal element 1 emits the emitted light L without refraction. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the liquid crystal element 1 emits the emitted light L incident along the third direction D3 without refraction along the third direction D3.

[0053] When the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the light L emitted from the light source S, voltages are applied to the first electrode 42, the second electrode 43, and the third electrode 60 such that the magnitude of the first potential difference between the potential of the first electrode 42 and the potential of the third electrode 60 is different from the magnitude of the second potential difference between the potential of the second electrode 43 and the potential of the third electrode 60. Hereafter, when the first electrode 42, the second electrode 43, and the third electrode 60 are described without distinction, they will simply be referred to as electrodes.

[0054] Specifically, when the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the emitted light L so that it travels along a fourth direction D4 that is tilted toward -D2 with respect to the third direction D3, a voltage is applied to the electrodes such that the magnitude of the second potential difference is greater than the magnitude of the first potential difference.

[0055] In this case, the potential of the electrical resistive film 41 changes in the second direction D2 from the first electrode 42 side to the second electrode 43 side, from the potential of the first electrode 42 to the potential of the second electrode 43. The change in the potential of the electrical resistive film 41 in the second direction D2 is linear.

[0056] Figure 5 shows the degree of tilt of the liquid crystal molecules LM when the liquid crystal element 1 shown in Figure 3 refracts the emitted light L along the fourth direction D4. In Figure 5, the liquid crystal molecules LM are shown only by their long axis Ax. Figure 5 also shows the equipotential lines Lv of the electric field generated in the liquid crystal layer 30. 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 axis Ax of the liquid crystal molecules LM is aligned along the second direction D2.

[0057] When a voltage is applied to the electrodes, the liquid crystal molecules LM tilt due to the electric field in the liquid crystal layer 30. The greater the potential difference in the third direction D3 in the liquid crystal layer 30, the greater the degree of tilt of the liquid crystal molecules LM (i.e., the angle between the long axis Ax of the liquid crystal molecules LM and the second direction D2 becomes larger).

[0058] Also, the larger the degree of inclination of the liquid crystal molecules LM, the more the phase of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 advances. That is, the larger the magnitude of the potential difference in the third direction D3 in the liquid crystal layer 30, the more the phase of the emitted light L advances.

[0059] FIG. 5 shows a state in which a voltage is applied to the electrodes such that the magnitude of the second potential difference (ED2) between the second electrode 43 and the third electrode 60 is greater than the magnitude of the first potential difference (ED1) between the first electrode 42 and the third electrode 60 (ED1 < ED2). Therefore, in FIG. 5, the degree of inclination of the liquid crystal molecules LM between the second electrode 43 and the third electrode 60 is greater than the degree of inclination of the liquid crystal molecules LM between the first electrode 42 and the third electrode 60. Also, the magnitude of the potential difference in the third direction D3 and the degree of inclination of the liquid crystal molecules LM increase as the direction from the first electrode 42 to the second electrode 43 in the second direction D2.

[0060] FIG. 5 shows a state in which a voltage is applied to the electrodes such that the potential (E1) of the first electrode 42 is greater than the potential (E2) of the second electrode 43 (E2 < E1), and the potential (E1) of the first electrode 42 is equal to the potential (E3) of the third electrode 60 (E1 = E3).

[0061] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the phase difference of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 of the liquid crystal element 1 shown in FIG. 5. The vertical axis of FIG. 6 indicates the phase difference of the emitted light L. The horizontal axis of FIG. 6 indicates the position in the second direction D2 of the liquid crystal layer 30. In FIG. 6, the range of "(42)" indicates the range of the first electrode 42 in the second direction D2, the range of "(43)" indicates the range of the second electrode 43 in the second direction D, and the range of "(41c)" indicates the range of the intermediate portion 41c in the second direction D2. In FIG. 6, the phase difference of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30, with the phase of the emitted light L passing between the first electrode 42 and the third electrode 60 as a reference (zero), is shown by a solid line

[0062] Since the magnitude of the second potential difference is greater than that of the first potential difference (ED1 < ED2) as described above, as shown in FIG. 6, the phase difference of the emitted light L increases as it travels from the -D2 side to the +D2 side along the second direction D2 between the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43. That is, the phase of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 advances as it travels from the -D2 side to the +D2 side along the second direction D2 between the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43. As a result, the emitted light L is refracted so as to be emitted along the fourth direction D4. As described above, the change in the potential of the electric resistance film 41 in the second direction D2 has linearity. Therefore, the change in the phase difference of the emitted light L in the second direction D2 has linearity.

[0063] On the other hand, when the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the emitted light L so as to travel along the fifth direction D5 that is inclined with respect to the third direction D3 toward the +D2 side, a voltage is applied to the electrodes so that the magnitude of the first potential difference becomes greater than that of the second potential difference (ED2 < ED1). For example, the potential (E2) of the second electrode 43 is made greater than the potential (E1) of the first electrode 42 (E1 < E2), and a voltage is applied to the electrodes so that the potential (E2) of the second electrode 43 and the potential (E3) of the third electrode 60 are equal (E2 = E3).

[0064] Since the magnitude of the first potential difference is greater than that of the second potential difference (ED2 < ED1), the phase difference of the emitted light L increases as it travels from the +D2 side to the -D2 side along the second direction D2 between the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43. That is, the phase of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 advances as it travels from the +D2 side to the -D2 side along the second direction D2 between the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43. As a result, the emitted light L is refracted so as to be emitted along the fifth direction D5.

[0065] In this way, by controlling the voltage applied to the electrodes, the liquid crystal element 1 can easily adjust the emission direction of the emitted light L.

[0066] Next, the configuration of the liquid crystal element 2 of the comparative example will be described.

[0067] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the comparative example liquid crystal element 2. The comparative example liquid crystal element 2 does not have an insulating member 80 compared to the liquid crystal element 1 described above. In other words, the liquid crystal layer 30 of the comparative example liquid crystal element 2 is not divided but continuous.

[0068] When the comparative example liquid crystal element 2 refracts the light emitted L from the light source S, voltages are applied to the first electrode 42, the second electrode 43, and the third electrode 60, similar to the liquid crystal element 1 described above, such that the magnitude of the first potential difference between the potential of the first electrode 42 and the potential of the third electrode 60 and the magnitude of the second potential difference between the potential of the second electrode 43 and the potential of the third electrode 60 are different from each other.

[0069] Figure 8 shows the degree of tilt of the liquid crystal molecules LM when the comparative example liquid crystal element 2 shown in Figure 7 refracts the emitted light L along the fourth direction D4. The electrode potential in the comparative example liquid crystal element 2 shown in Figure 8 is equal to the electrode potential in the liquid crystal element 1 shown in Figure 5.

[0070] Let's compare the comparative example liquid crystal element 2 shown in Figure 8 with the liquid crystal element 1 shown in Figure 5. In the comparative example liquid crystal element 2 shown in Figure 8, the liquid crystal layer 30 is continuous as described above. Therefore, the degree of inclination of the liquid crystal molecules LM changes continuously throughout the entire liquid crystal layer 30. In other words, the degree of inclination of the liquid crystal molecules LM of the liquid crystal layer 30 that overlaps with the element assembly 40 in a plan view is affected by the liquid crystal molecules LM of the liquid crystal layer 30 corresponding to the gap G between two adjacent element assembly 40 in the second direction D2.

[0071] On the other hand, in the liquid crystal element 1 shown in Figure 5, the liquid crystal layer 30 is divided by an insulating member 80 as described above. In this case, the degree of gradient of liquid crystal molecules LM between two liquid crystal layers 30 corresponding to two adjacent element sets 40 separated by the insulating member 80 does not affect each other. Therefore, for example, the degree of gradient of liquid crystal molecules LM between the first electrode 42 and the third electrode 60 is smaller in the liquid crystal element 1 shown in Figure 5 than in the comparative example liquid crystal element 2 shown in Figure 8. As a result, the difference in the degree of gradient of liquid crystal molecules LM between the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 in the second direction D2 is larger in the liquid crystal element 1 shown in Figure 5 than in the comparative example liquid crystal element 2 shown in Figure 8.

[0072] Therefore, as shown in Figure 6, the phase difference of the emitted light L in liquid crystal element 1, shown by the solid line, is greater than the phase difference of the emitted light L in comparative example liquid crystal element 2, shown by the dashed line. In other words, liquid crystal element 1 can increase the refraction angle of the emitted light L compared to comparative example liquid crystal element 2 by providing the insulating member 80. Note that the portion of the phase difference of the emitted light L in comparative example liquid crystal element 2 that overlaps with the phase difference of the emitted light L in liquid crystal element 1 is shown by the solid line.

[0073] Furthermore, compared to the comparative example liquid crystal element 2, liquid crystal element 1 can generate a phase difference in the emitted light L from the first electrode 42 to the second electrode 43 in the second direction D2. In other words, compared to the comparative example liquid crystal element 2, liquid crystal element 1 can refract the emitted light L in a desired direction.

[0074] <Modified form of the first embodiment> Next, a modified example of the first embodiment of this disclosure will be described, primarily in terms of its differences from the liquid crystal element 1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0075] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal element 1 according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In this first modification, in the third direction D3 (i.e., the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer 30), the length of the insulating member 180 is shorter than the length of the liquid crystal layer 30. Also, the insulating member 180 is in contact with the first alignment film AL1. In other words, the insulating member 180 is separated from the second alignment film AL2.

[0076] In other words, in this first modified example, the liquid crystal layer 30 is continuous with the insulating member 180 on the +D3 side. In this case, compared to the liquid crystal element 1 of the first embodiment described above, the liquid crystal can be easily distributed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 during the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal element 1. Therefore, in the liquid crystal element 1 of this first modified example, the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal layer 30 can be simplified, and the influence of the degree of tilt of the liquid crystal molecules LM can be suppressed between the two liquid crystal layers 30 corresponding to two adjacent element sets 40 in the second direction D2. The insulating member 80 may be in contact with the second alignment film AL2 and separated from the first alignment film AL1.

[0077] Figure 10 is a plan view showing the arrangement of insulating members 280 in a liquid crystal element 1 according to a second modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] In this second modified example, multiple insulating members 280 are arranged along the first direction D1. Furthermore, two insulating members 280 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 are separated from each other. In other words, in this second modified example, the liquid crystal layer 30 is continuous between two insulating members 280 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1. Therefore, in this second modified example, similar to the first modified example described above, the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal layer 30 can be simplified, and the influence of the degree of tilt of liquid crystal molecules LM can be suppressed between two liquid crystal layers 30 corresponding to two adjacent element sets 40 in the second direction D2.

[0079] Furthermore, in the first embodiment and each modified example of the first embodiment described above, the element assembly 40 does not need to include the electrical resistive film 41.

[0080] <Second Embodiment> Next, the liquid crystal element 1 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described, primarily in terms of its differences from the liquid crystal element 1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0081] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal element 1 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. The liquid crystal element 1 of this second embodiment does not include a third electrode 60. Furthermore, the element assembly 340 of the liquid crystal element 1 of this second embodiment does not include an electrical resistance film 41.

[0082] Figure 12 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the first electrode 342 and the second electrode 343 of the liquid crystal element 1 shown in Figure 11.

[0083] As shown in Figure 12, the first electrode 342 and the second electrode 343 extend along the first direction D1 from the -D1 end to the +D1 end of the refractive region RA. The first trunk electrode 351 is positioned outside the refractive region RA (-D1 side) and extends along the second direction D2, and is electrically connected to multiple first electrodes 342. The second trunk electrode 352 is positioned outside the refractive region RA (+D1 side) and extends along the second direction D2, and is electrically connected to multiple second electrodes 343.

[0084] As shown in Figure 11, the liquid crystal element 1 of this second embodiment further comprises a plurality of second element sets 390. Each of the plurality of second element sets 390 includes a fourth electrode 391 and a fifth electrode 392.

[0085] Figure 13 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the second element assembly 390 shown in Figure 11. As shown in Figure 13, the fourth electrode 391 and the fifth electrode 392 extend along the first direction D1 from the -D1 side end to the +D1 side end of the refractive region RA.

[0086] As shown in Figures 11 and 13, in one second element set 390, the fourth electrode 391 and the fifth electrode 392 face each other in the second direction D2. In the second direction D2, the lengths of the first electrode 342, the second electrode 343, the fourth electrode 391, and the fifth electrode 392 are equal to each other.

[0087] Furthermore, in each of the multiple second element sets 390, the fourth electrode 391 overlaps with the first electrode 342 of one of the multiple element sets 340 in a plan view, and the fifth electrode 392 overlaps with the second electrode 343 of the same element set 340 in a plan view. The multiple element sets 340 and the multiple second element sets 390 are each aligned along the second direction D2.

[0088] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the liquid crystal element 1 of this second embodiment further comprises a third trunk electrode 393 and a fourth trunk electrode 394.

[0089] The third trunk electrode 393 is positioned outside the refractive region RA (-D1 side) and extends along the second direction D2, and is electrically connected to a plurality of fourth electrodes 391. The third trunk electrode 393 is integrated with the plurality of fourth electrodes 391. The third trunk electrode 393 is electrically insulated from the fifth electrode 392.

[0090] The fourth trunk electrode 394 is positioned outside the refractive region RA (+D1 side) and extends along the second direction D2, and is electrically connected to multiple fifth electrodes 392. The fourth trunk electrode 394 is integrated with the multiple fifth electrodes 392. The fourth trunk electrode 394 is electrically insulated from the fourth electrode 391.

[0091] The third main electrode 393 and the fourth main electrode 394 are electrically connected to the control circuit. The control circuit applies a voltage to the fourth electrode 391 via the third main electrode 393. The control circuit applies a voltage to the fifth electrode 392 via the fourth main electrode 394.

[0092] The materials for the fourth electrode 391, the fifth electrode 392, the third main electrode 393, and the fourth main electrode 394 are conductive materials such as molybdenum tungsten alloy (MoW) and TAT (Ti / Al / Ti), which is a laminate of titanium (Ti) and aluminum (Al). Alternatively, the materials for the fourth electrode 391, the fifth electrode 392, the third main electrode 393, and the fourth main electrode 394 may be transparent conductive materials such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), zinc oxide (ZnO), and IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide).

[0093] Furthermore, the second insulating layer IL2 electrically insulates the fourth electrode 391 and the fifth electrode 392. Also, the second insulating layer IL2 electrically insulates the third main electrode 393 and the fourth main electrode 394.

[0094] The second orientation film AL2 is positioned on the -D3 side of the fourth electrode 391 and the fifth electrode 392. The second orientation film AL2 is positioned spaced apart from the fourth electrode 391 and the fifth electrode 392. However, the second orientation film AL2 may be in contact with the fourth electrode 391 and the fifth electrode 392.

[0095] Next, the operation of the liquid crystal element 1 in this second embodiment when it refracts the light emitted L from the light source S will be described. The control circuit applies voltage to the first electrode 342, the second electrode 343, the fourth electrode 391, and the fifth electrode 392, causing the liquid crystal element 1 to refract the light emitted L.

[0096] When no voltage is applied to the first electrode 342, the second electrode 343, the fourth electrode 391, and the fifth electrode 392, the orientation state of all liquid crystal molecules LM contained in the liquid crystal layer 30 is the initial orientation (horizontal orientation), and the degree of tilt of all liquid crystal molecules LM is equal to that of each other. In this case, the liquid crystal element 1 emits the emitted light L without refraction.

[0097] When the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the light L emitted from the light source S, voltages are applied to the first electrode 342, the second electrode 343, the fourth electrode 391, and the fifth electrode 392 such that the magnitude of the third potential difference (ED3) between the potential of the first electrode 342 (E1) and the potential of the fourth electrode 391 (E4) is different from the magnitude of the fourth potential difference (ED4) between the potential of the second electrode 343 (E2) and the potential of the fifth electrode 392 (E5).

[0098] When the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the emitted light L so that it travels along the fourth direction D4, a voltage is applied to the electrodes such that the magnitude of the fourth potential difference is greater than the magnitude of the third potential difference (ED3). <ED4)。

[0099] In this case, the degree of gradient of liquid crystal molecules LM between the second electrode 343 and the fifth electrode 392 is greater than the degree of gradient of liquid crystal molecules LM between the first electrode 342 and the fourth electrode 391. Furthermore, as one moves along the second direction D2 from the -D2 side to the +D2 side between the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43, the magnitude of the potential difference in the third direction D3 and the degree of gradient of liquid crystal molecules LM increase.

[0100] As a result, the phase of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 advances as it moves along the second direction D2 from the -D2 side to the +D2 side between the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43. Therefore, the emitted light L is refracted to be emitted along the fourth direction D4.

[0101] On the other hand, when the liquid crystal element 1 refracts the emitted light L so that it travels along the fifth direction D5, a voltage is applied to the electrodes such that the magnitude of the third potential difference (ED3) is greater than the magnitude of the fourth potential difference (ED4) (ED4 <ED3)。

[0102] As a result, the phase of the emitted light L passing through the liquid crystal layer 30 advances as it moves along the second direction D2 from the +D2 side to the -D2 side between the second electrode 43 and the first electrode 42. Therefore, the emitted light L is refracted to be emitted along the fifth direction D5.

[0103] <Modified form of the second embodiment> Next, a modified example of the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described, primarily in terms of its differences from the liquid crystal element 1 of the second embodiment described above.

[0104] Furthermore, in the liquid crystal element 1 of the second embodiment, similar to the liquid crystal element 1 of the first embodiment described above, the element assembly 340 may further include an electrical resistive film 41. In this case, the electrical resistive film 41 may be in the shape of a strip extending along the first direction D1 from the -D1 side end to the +D1 side end of the refractive region RA.

[0105] Furthermore, in the liquid crystal element 1 of the second embodiment, similar to the liquid crystal element 1 of the first modified example of the first embodiment described above, the length of the insulating member 80 in the third direction D3 may be shorter than the length of the liquid crystal layer 30. Also, multiple insulating members 80 may be arranged along the first direction D1.

[0106] <Other variations> While preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. The content disclosed in the embodiments is merely an example, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Any modifications made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure will naturally fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0107] For example, the light-shielding film 70 may be placed on the first substrate 10. Also, the liquid crystal element 1 does not need to have the light-shielding film 70.

[0108] Alternatively, the electrical resistance film 41 may be electrically connected to the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 43 while being separated from them.

[0109] Furthermore, the first orientation film AL1 and the second orientation film AL2 may have a gap between two adjacent element sets 40 in a plan view. In this case, the insulating member 80 may be in contact with the first insulating layer IL1 and the second insulating layer IL2. In this case, the insulating member 80 may also be in contact with the electrical resistance film 41.

[0110] Furthermore, any other effects and advantages brought about by the embodiments described above that are obvious from this specification or that can be appropriately conceived by a person skilled in the art are naturally provided by this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1. Liquid crystal element 10. First board 20 Second board 30 liquid crystal layers 40-element assembly 41 Electrical resistance film 42 1st electrode 43 Second electrode 60 3rd electrode 70 Light-shielding film 80 Insulating material D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction D3 Third direction (thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer)

Claims

1. A first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, The first substrate is arranged and comprises a plurality of element sets including a first electrode and a second electrode, A third electrode is arranged on the second substrate and overlaps with the plurality of element assemblies in a plan view, A liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, The liquid crystal layer comprises an insulating member having electrical insulating properties, In each of the multiple element sets, the first electrode and the second electrode extend along a first direction in a plan view and face each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Multiple sets of the element are arranged along the second direction, The insulating member, in a plan view, overlaps with the gap between two adjacent element sets in the second direction. Liquid crystal element.

2. In the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer, the length of the insulating member is shorter than the length of the liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal element according to claim 1.

3. Multiple insulating members are arranged along the first direction, The two insulating members adjacent to each other in the first direction are separated from each other. The liquid crystal element according to claim 1.

4. The element assembly further comprises an electrical resistive film that extends along the first direction and is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode. The liquid crystal element according to claim 1.

5. The first substrate and the second substrate are further provided with a light-shielding film that is disposed on one of them and, in a plan view, overlaps with the gap between two sets of elements that are adjacent to each other in the second direction. The liquid crystal element according to claim 1.

6. A first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, The first substrate is arranged and comprises a plurality of element sets including a first electrode and a second electrode, The second substrate is arranged and comprises a plurality of second element sets including a fourth electrode and a fifth electrode, A liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, The liquid crystal layer comprises an insulating member having electrical insulating properties, In each of the multiple element sets, the first electrode and the second electrode extend along a first direction in a plan view and face each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In each of the multiple sets of the second element, The fourth electrode extends along the first direction and overlaps in a plan view with the first electrode of one of the plurality of element sets, The fifth electrode extends along the first direction and overlaps with the second electrode of the one element assembly in a plan view. The plurality of element sets and the plurality of second element sets are arranged along the second direction, The insulating member, in a plan view, overlaps with the gap between two adjacent element sets in the second direction. Liquid crystal element.

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