Optical element

Abstract

This optical element (10) has a plurality of laminated liquid crystal cells (100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4), each of the liquid crystal cells including: a first substrate (110-1) provided with a first transparent electrode (120-1), a second transparent electrode (120-2), a first pad (190-1), a second pad (190-2), and a third pad (190-3); a second substrate (110-2) provided with a third transparent electrode (120-3) and a fourth transparent electrode (120-4); and a liquid crystal layer (150) between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first pad, the second pad, and third pad of each of the plurality of liquid crystal cells are respectively electrically connected to a first inter-cell conductive material (170-1), a second inter-cell conductive material (170-2), and a third inter-cell conductive material (170-3) each extending in the lamination direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to an optical element that uses liquid crystal and controls the light distribution of light emitted from a light source.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an optical element, so-called a liquid crystal lens, that adjusts the potential applied to liquid crystal and utilizes the change in the refractive index of the liquid crystal has been known. Also, the development of a lighting device using a light source and a liquid crystal lens has been underway (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, in an optical element including a plurality of liquid crystal cells, an FPC is connected to each of the plurality of liquid crystal cells. That is, it is common to drive the optical element using a plurality of FPCs. However, in such an optical element, since the number of wirings is large, the mounting process becomes complicated, and the manufacturing cost may increase.

[0005] One object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an optical element having an electrical connection capable of simultaneously driving a plurality of liquid crystal cells by inputting one signal in view of the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An optical element according to an embodiment of the present invention is an optical element in which a plurality of liquid crystal cells are stacked. Each of the plurality of liquid crystal cells includes a first substrate provided with a first transparent electrode, a second transparent electrode, a first pad, a second pad, and a third pad, a second substrate provided with a third transparent electrode and a fourth transparent electrode, and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first pad, the second pad, and the third pad of each of the plurality of liquid crystal cells are electrically connected to a first inter-cell conductor, a second inter-cell conductor, and a third inter-cell conductor that extend in the stacking direction, respectively.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 1C

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Figure 6

Figure 7A

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Figure 7F

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Figure 9A

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Figure 10A

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Figure 11

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Figure 15A

Figure 15B

Figure 16

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Figure 19A

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Figure 19C

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings and the like. However, the present invention can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of its technical idea, and is not to be construed as being limited to the description content of the embodiments exemplified below.

[0009] For the sake of clearer explanation, the drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment, but this is merely an example, and the illustrated shape itself does not limit the interpretation of the present invention. Also, in the drawings, elements having the same functions as those described with respect to the previously shown figures in the specification may be given the same reference numerals even in different figures, and duplicate explanations may be omitted.

[0010] When a single film is processed to form a plurality of structures, each structure may have different functions and roles, and each structure may also have a different substrate on which it is formed. However, these plurality of structures are derived from a film formed as the same layer in the same process and have the same material. Therefore, these plurality of films are defined as being present in the same layer.

[0011] When expressing the mode of arranging another structure on a certain structure, when simply denoted as "on", unless otherwise specified, it includes both the case where another structure is arranged directly on a certain structure in contact therewith and the case where another structure is arranged above a certain structure via yet another structure.

[0012] <First Embodiment> With reference to FIGS. 1 to 7F, an optical element 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0013] [1. Configuration of Optical Element 10] FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C are a schematic perspective view, a top view, and a side view, respectively, of an optical element 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, the optical element 10 includes four liquid crystal cells 100 (a first liquid crystal cell 100-1, a second liquid crystal cell 100-2, a third liquid crystal cell 100-3, and a fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4) stacked in the z-axis direction. That is, in the optical element 10, the first liquid crystal cell 100-1, the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, the third liquid crystal cell 100-3, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 are stacked in order in the z-axis direction. Further, the first liquid crystal cell 100-1, the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, the third liquid crystal cell 100-3, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 overlap each other. Hereinafter, when explaining the vertical relationship of the optical element 10, the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 side may be described as the upper side and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 side may be described as the lower side. Further, hereinafter, the z-axis direction may be described as the stacking direction.

[0014] Although four liquid crystal cells 100 are shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, the number of liquid crystal cells 100 included in the optical element 10 is not limited thereto. The number of liquid crystal cells 100 included in the optical element 10 is preferably an even number, and may be two or six or more. However, since the transmittance decreases as the number of liquid crystal cells 100 increases, the number of liquid crystal cells 100 is preferably six or less, and particularly preferably four.

[0015] Two adjacent liquid crystal cells 100 are adhered via an optically elastic resin layer 160. As the optically elastic resin layer 160, for example, an adhesive containing a light-transmitting acrylic resin or epoxy resin can be used. Further, the liquid crystal cell 100 has a configuration in which two substrates 110 (a first substrate 110-1 and a second substrate 110-2) are bonded together by a sealing material 140.

[0016] The first substrate 110-1 is larger than the second substrate 110-2. That is, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, in the y-axis direction, the length of the first substrate 110-1 is longer than the length of the second substrate 110-2. In other words, the liquid crystal cell 100 has a side surface with an end portion of the first substrate 110-1 protruding. At the end portion of the first substrate 110-1, four pads 190 (the first pad 190-1, the second pad 190-2, the third pad 190-3, and the fourth pad 190-4) are provided.

[0017] The first pads 190-1 of each of the four liquid crystal cells 100 are electrically connected via a first inter-cell conductor 170-1 extending in the z-axis direction. Similarly, the second pad 190-2 is electrically connected via a second inter-cell conductor 170-2 extending in the z-axis direction, the third pad 190-3 is electrically connected via a third inter-cell conductor 170-3 extending in the z-axis direction, and the fourth pad 190-4 is electrically connected via a fourth inter-cell conductor 170-4 extending in the z-axis direction. Note that the four inter-cell conductors 170 (the first inter-cell conductor 170-1, the second inter-cell conductor 170-2, the third inter-cell conductor 170-3, and the fourth inter-cell conductor 170-4) are not electrically connected to each other.

[0018] At the upper ends of the first inter-cell conductor 170-1, the second inter-cell conductor 170-2, the third inter-cell conductor, and the fourth inter-cell conductor 170-4, there are provided a first pad portion 180-1, a second pad portion 180-2, a third pad portion 180-3, and a fourth pad portion 180-4, respectively. The first pad portion 180-1 may be provided so as to cover a part of the side surface at the upper end of the first inter-cell conductor 170-1. The second pad portion 180-2, the third pad portion 180-3, and the fourth pad portion 180-4 may have a similar configuration. A flexible printed circuit board (FPC) can be connected to the four pad portions 180 (the first pad portion 180-1, the second pad portion 180-2, the third pad portion 180-3, and the fourth pad portion 180-4). That is, the optical element 10 can be controlled by inputting a signal via the FPC connected to the pad portion 180. Note that a signal can also be input to the pad portion 180 without connecting an FPC to the pad portion 180.

[0019] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic cross-sectional views of the optical element 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element 10 in the yz plane cut along the line A1-A2 in FIG. 1B, and FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element 10 in the zx plane cut along the line B1-B2 in FIG. 1B. Note that hereinafter, the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction may be described as the first direction and the second direction, respectively. That is, the second direction is a direction intersecting the first direction.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, each of the four liquid crystal cells 100 includes not only the first substrate 110-1, the second substrate 110-2, and the sealing material 140, but also the first transparent electrode 120-1, the second transparent electrode 120-2, the third transparent electrode 120-3, the fourth transparent electrode 120-4, the first alignment film 130-1, the second alignment film 130-2, and the liquid crystal layer 150. On the first substrate 110-1, the first transparent electrode 120-1, the second transparent electrode 120-2, and the first alignment film 130-1 covering the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 are provided. Also, on the second substrate 110-2, the third transparent electrode 120-3, the fourth transparent electrode 120-4, and the second alignment film 130-2 covering the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 are provided. The first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2 are arranged such that the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 on the first substrate 110-1 face the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 on the second substrate 110-2. Also, the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2 are adhered via the sealing material 140 provided at the peripheral portions of the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2. However, the end portion of the first substrate 110-1 provided with the pad 190 is located outside the region surrounded by the sealing material 140. Also, liquid crystal is enclosed in the space surrounded by the first substrate 110-1 (more specifically, the first alignment film 130-1), the second substrate 110-2 (more specifically, the second alignment film 130-2), and the sealing material 140, and a liquid crystal layer 150 is provided between the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2. Note that spacers may be scattered or photo spacers may be formed on the first substrate 110-1 or the second substrate 110-2 so that the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2 are adhered. In this case, the gap of the liquid crystal layer 150 can be maintained by the spacers or the photo spacers.

[0021] As each of the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate, for example, a rigid substrate having translucency such as a glass substrate, a quartz substrate, or a sapphire substrate is used. Also, as each of the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2, for example, a flexible substrate having translucency such as a polyimide resin substrate, an acrylic resin substrate, a siloxane resin substrate, or a fluororesin substrate can be used.

[0022] Each of the first transparent electrode 120-1, the second transparent electrode 120-2, the third transparent electrode 120-3, and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 functions as an electrode for forming an electric field in the liquid crystal layer 150. As each of the first transparent electrode 120-1, the second transparent electrode 120-2, the third transparent electrode 120-3, and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4, for example, a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO) is used.

[0023] The liquid crystal layer 150 can refract the transmitted light or change the polarization state of the transmitted light according to the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules. As the liquid crystal of the liquid crystal layer 150, a nematic liquid crystal or the like is used. Although the liquid crystal described in this embodiment is a positive type, a configuration in which a negative type is applied by changing the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in a state where no potential is applied to the transparent electrode 120 is also possible. Further, it is preferable that the liquid crystal contains a chiral agent that imparts twist to the liquid crystal molecules.

[0024] Each of the first alignment film 130-1 and the second alignment film 130-2 aligns the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 in a predetermined direction. As each of the first alignment film 130-1 and the second alignment film 130-2, a polyimide resin or the like is used. Note that each of the first alignment film 130-1 and the second alignment film 130-2 may be imparted with alignment characteristics by an alignment treatment such as a rubbing method or a photo-alignment method. The rubbing method is a method of rubbing the surface of the alignment film in one direction. The photo-alignment method is a method of irradiating the alignment film with linearly polarized ultraviolet light.

[0025] As the sealing material 140, an adhesive containing an epoxy resin or an acrylic resin is used. Note that the adhesive may be an ultraviolet curable type or a thermosetting type.

[0026] As described above, four pads 190 are provided on the first substrate 110-1. As the pad 190, the same material as that of the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 can be used. That is, the pad 190 may be the same layer as the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2. Also, as the pad 190, not only a transparent conductive material but also a metal material can be used. Further, the pad 190 may have not only a single-layer structure but also a laminated structure (for example, a laminated structure of a transparent conductive material and a metal material).

[0027] Also, as described above, the four first pads 190-1 included in the four liquid crystal cells 100 are electrically connected via the first inter-cell conduction material 170-1. The first inter-cell conduction material 170-1 extends in the z-axis direction so as to cover the side surfaces of the ends of the first substrates 110-1 of at least the first liquid crystal cell 100-1, the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3. The second inter-cell conduction material 170-2, the third inter-cell conduction material 170-3, and the fourth inter-cell conduction material 170-4 have the same configuration. As the inter-cell conduction material 170, for example, a conductive adhesive containing a conductive filler can be used. As the conductive filler, for example, silver or carbon can be used.

[0028] Also, as described above, a first pad portion 180-1 is provided at the upper end of the first inter-cell conductor 170-1. The second pad portion 180-2, the third pad portion 180-3, and the fourth pad portion 180-4 have the same configuration. As the pad portion 180, for example, solder or the like can be used. As shown by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 1C, a configuration in which the pad portion 180 is provided on the outer surface of the inter-cell conductor 170 can also be adopted. In this case, the pad portion 180 will be provided in a direction intersecting the first substrate 110-1 of each liquid crystal cell 100. Note that the position of the pad portion 180 is not limited as long as it is on the outer surface of the inter-cell conductor 170. A configuration in which it is provided at a position facing the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 is of course possible, but it can also be provided at positions corresponding to the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 to the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4. Furthermore, a configuration in which the pad portion 180 has a length intersecting a plurality of liquid crystal cells 100 can also be adopted.

[0029] As described above, in the optical element 10, pads 190 are provided for each of the plurality of liquid crystal cells 100, and the pads 190 of the plurality of liquid crystal cells 100 are electrically connected via an inter-cell conductor 170 extending in the z-axis direction. Although details will be described later, one pad 190 is electrically connected to one of the first transparent electrode 120-1, the second transparent electrode 120-2, the third transparent electrode 120-3, and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4. Therefore, in the optical element 10, by inputting a signal through the inter-cell conductor 170, a potential corresponding to the signal can be applied to the transparent electrodes 120 of the plurality of liquid crystal cells 100. Also, when an FPC is connected to the pad portion 180, the number of FPCs can be reduced, so the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

[0030] Note that the light source 300 is disposed below the optical element 10, and the light emitted from the light source 300 passes through the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, the third liquid crystal cell 100-3, the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 in this order. At this time, by controlling the potential applied to the transparent electrode 120, the shape of the light passing through the liquid crystal cell 100 changes. Therefore, by controlling the potential applied to the transparent electrode 120, the shape of the light transmitted through the optical element 10 can be distributed into an arbitrary shape.

[0031] [2. Optical properties of the liquid crystal cell 100] FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining the optical properties of the liquid crystal cell 100 of the optical element 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the liquid crystal cell 100 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 extend in the y-axis direction, and the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 extend in the x-axis direction.

[0032] Figure 3A shows the liquid crystal cell 100 in a state where no potential is applied to the transparent electrode 120. The first alignment film 130-1 is aligned in the x-axis direction. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules on the first alignment film 130-1 have their major axes aligned along the x-axis direction. In other words, the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the first substrate 110-1 side is the x-axis direction. The second alignment film 130-2 is aligned in the y-axis direction. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules on the second alignment film 130-2 have their major axes aligned along the y-axis direction. In other words, the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the second substrate 110-2 side is the y-axis direction. Thus, when the initial alignment directions of the liquid crystal molecules intersect between the substrates 110 of the liquid crystal cell 100 (or the alignment directions of the alignment films 130 intersect), the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 rotate continuously little by little from the first substrate 110-1 side toward the second substrate 110-2 side when viewed in the thickness direction (z-axis direction) of the liquid crystal layer 150, changing the direction of the major axis from the x-axis direction to the y-axis direction. Hereinafter, when the liquid crystal layer 150 is in such a state, it is said that the liquid crystal layer 150 is in a twisted state. In this case, the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 150 has its polarization axis rotated from the x-axis direction to the y-axis direction according to the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules. That is, the polarization component of the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 150 rotates. In other words, the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 150 is optically active.

[0033] Figure 3B shows the liquid crystal cell 100 in a state where a potential is applied to the transparent electrode 120 in the liquid crystal cell 100 of FIG. 3A. For example, a High potential (H) is applied to the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the third transparent electrode 120-3, and a Low potential (L) is applied to the second transparent electrode 120-2 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4. That is, the potential is applied so that a potential difference occurs between two adjacent transparent electrodes 120. Hereinafter, the electric field generated between two adjacent transparent electrodes 120 may be referred to as a transverse electric field.

[0034] The liquid crystal molecules near the first substrate 110-1 side are oriented in a convex arc shape in the x-axis direction with respect to the first substrate 110-1 by the horizontal electric field between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2. Also, the liquid crystal molecules near the second substrate 110-2 side are oriented in a convex arc shape in the y-axis direction with respect to the second substrate 110-2 by the horizontal electric field between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4. At this time, the liquid crystal molecules located near the center between the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2 (the liquid crystal molecules located near the top when oriented in the above convex arc shape) hardly change their orientation due to any of the horizontal electric fields. Note that since the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2 have a sufficiently large substrate distance, the horizontal electric field between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 of the first substrate 110-1 does not affect, or has a negligibly small effect on, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 110-2 side. Similarly, the horizontal electric field between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of the second substrate 110-2 does not affect, or has a negligibly small effect on, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 110-1 side. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules that were in a twisted state before the horizontal electric field was generated maintain the twisted state even after the horizontal electric field is generated and are given a refractive index distribution, as shown in FIG. 3B. In this case, the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 150 rotates the polarization while diffusing the polarization component parallel to the direction of the liquid crystal molecules.

[0035] Furthermore, the case where light passes through the liquid crystal cell 100 shown in FIG. 3B will be described in detail. The light emitted from the light source 300 has a polarization component in the x-axis direction (P polarization component) and a polarization component in the y-axis direction (S polarization component). Hereinafter, for convenience, the light will be described separately as the P polarization component and the S polarization component. That is, the light emitted from the light source 300 includes the first polarization 1000-1 having the P polarization component and the second polarization 1000-2 having the S polarization component (see (1) in FIG. 3B).

[0036] In FIG. 3B, since the first polarized light 1000-1 incident on the liquid crystal cell 100 is the same as the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 110-1 side, it is diffused in the x-axis direction according to the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules (see (2) in FIG. 3B). When the first polarized light 1000-1 travels from the first substrate 110-1 to the second substrate 110-2, the first polarized light 1000-1 rotates, and the polarization component changes from a P-polarization component to an S-polarization component. Since the first polarized light 1000-1 that has become an S-polarization component is the same as the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 110-2 side, it is diffused in the y-axis direction according to the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules (see (3) in FIG. 3B). Also, the first polarized light 1000-1 emitted from the liquid crystal cell 100 has an S-polarization component (see (4) in FIG. 3B).

[0037] On the other hand, since the second polarized light 1000-2 incident on the liquid crystal cell 100 is different from the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 110-1 side, the second polarized light 1000-2 is not diffused (see (2) in FIG. 3B). When the second polarized light 1000-2 travels from the first substrate 110-1 to the second substrate 110-2, the second polarized light 1000-2 rotates, and the polarization component changes from an S-polarization component to a P-polarization component. Since the second polarized light 1000-2 that has become a P-polarization component is different from the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 110-2 side, the second polarized light 1000-2 is not diffused (see (3) in FIG. 3B). Also, the second polarized light 1000-2 emitted from the liquid crystal cell 100 has a P-polarization component (see (4) in FIG. 3B).

[0038] As described above, in the liquid crystal cell 100, by controlling the potential applied to the transparent electrode 120, the shape of the light transmitted through the liquid crystal cell 100 changes. Therefore, by controlling the potential applied to the transparent electrode 120, the shape of the light transmitted through the optical element 10 can be distributed into an arbitrary shape.

[0039] [3. Electrode Pattern of Liquid Crystal Cell 100] Each of FIGS. 4A and 4B is a schematic diagram for explaining the electrode patterns of the liquid crystal cell 100 of the optical element 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram showing the electrode pattern A on the first substrate 110-1 and the electrode pattern B on the second substrate 110-2 in each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing the electrode pattern C on the first substrate 110-1 and the electrode pattern D on the second substrate 110-2 in each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4.

[0040] The electrode pattern A has a pattern in which a plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1 and a plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2 extending in the x-axis direction are electrically connected to a first pad 190-1 and a second pad 190-2 provided at the ends of the first substrate 110-1, respectively. Further, the electrode pattern A has a pattern in which a first connection region 200-1 and a second connection region 200-2 provided in the peripheral portion of the first substrate 110-1 are electrically connected to a third pad 190-3 and a fourth pad 190-4 provided at the ends of the first substrate 110-1, respectively. The third pad 190-3 and the fourth pad 190-4 are located outside the first pad 190-1 and the second pad 190-2. That is, the first pad 190-1 and the second pad 190-2 are located between the third pad 190-3 and the fourth pad 190-4.

[0041] The electrode pattern B has a pattern in which a plurality of third transparent electrodes 120-3 and a plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120-4 extending in the y-axis direction are electrically connected to a third connection region 200-3 and a fourth connection region 200-4 provided in the peripheral portion of the second substrate 110-2, respectively.

[0042] In each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, when the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2 are bonded together, the first connection region 200-1 overlaps the third connection region 200-3, and the second connection region 200-2 overlaps the fourth connection region 200-4.

[0043] The electrode pattern C has a pattern in which a plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1 extending in the y-axis direction and a plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2 are electrically connected to a third pad 190-3 and a fourth pad 190-4 provided at the end of the first substrate 110-1, respectively. Further, the electrode pattern C has a pattern in which a fifth connection region 200-5 and a sixth connection region 200-6 provided near the end of the first substrate 110-1 are electrically connected to a first pad 190-1 and a second pad 190-2 provided at the end of the first substrate 110-1, respectively.

[0044] The electrode pattern D has a pattern in which a plurality of third transparent electrodes 120-3 extending in the x-axis direction and a plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120-4 are electrically connected to a seventh connection region 200-7 and an eighth connection region 200-8 provided at the periphery of the second substrate 110-2, respectively.

[0045] In each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, when the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2 are bonded together, the fifth connection region 200-5 overlaps with the seventh connection region 200-7, and the sixth connection region 200-6 overlaps with the eighth connection region 200-8.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 of the optical element according to an embodiment of the present invention. The third connection region 200-3 overlaps with the first connection region 200-1 and is electrically connected to the first connection region 200-1 via the conductive paste 210. Similarly, the fourth connection region 200-4 overlaps with the second connection region 200-2 and is electrically connected to the second connection region 200-2 via the conductive paste 210. The seventh connection region 200-7 that overlaps with the fifth connection region 200-5 and the eighth connection region 200-8 that overlaps with the sixth connection region 200-6 also have the same configuration.

[0047] Therefore, in each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, the first transparent electrode 120-1, the second transparent electrode 120-2, the third transparent electrode 120-3, and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 are electrically connected to the first pad 190-1, the second pad 190-2, the third pad 190-3, and the fourth pad 190-4, respectively. On the other hand, in each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, the first transparent electrode 120-1, the second transparent electrode 120-2, the third transparent electrode 120-3, and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 are electrically connected to the third pad 190-3, the fourth pad 190-4, the first pad 190-1, and the second pad 190-2, respectively.

[0048] As described above, the pads 190 of each of the four liquid crystal cells 100 are electrically connected via the inter-cell conductor 170. Therefore, in the optical element 10, a potential corresponding to the signal can be simultaneously applied to the first transparent electrodes 120-1 of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, as well as the third transparent electrodes 120-3 of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, by the signal input through the first inter-cell conductor 170-1. Also, a potential corresponding to the signal can be simultaneously applied to the second transparent electrodes 120-2 of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, as well as the fourth transparent electrodes 120-4 of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, by the signal input through the second inter-cell conductor 170-2. Further, a potential corresponding to the signal can be simultaneously applied to the third transparent electrodes 120-3 of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, as well as the first transparent electrodes 120-1 of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, by the signal input through the third inter-cell conductor 170-3. Additionally, a potential corresponding to the signal can be simultaneously applied to the fourth transparent electrodes 120-4 of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, as well as the second transparent electrodes 120-2 of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, by the signal input through the fourth inter-cell conductor 170-4.

[0049] As described above, in the optical element 10, a potential corresponding to the signal can be simultaneously applied to the transparent electrodes 120 of the plurality of liquid crystal cells 100 by the signals input through each of the four inter-cell conductors 170. Therefore, in the optical element 10, it is only necessary for one FPC to be connected to the pad portion 180 provided at the upper end of the inter-cell conductor 170, and the electrical connection in the mounting process can be simplified.

[0050] [4. Method for fabricating the inter-cell conductor 170] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing the inter-cell conductive material 170 of the optical element 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, the dispenser 400 is provided with a nozzle that projects a conductive adhesive at its tip. The dispenser 400 can send the conductive adhesive to the nozzle by pressure and discharge the conductive adhesive from the nozzle. Therefore, by moving the dispenser 400 in the z-axis direction while discharging the conductive adhesive from the nozzle of the dispenser 400, the inter-cell conductive material 170 extending in the z-axis direction can be formed. Note that the conductive adhesive discharged from the nozzle can also be introduced between two adjacent first substrates 110-1 by utilizing capillary action.

[0052] As described above, the inter-cell conductive material 170 of the optical element 10 can be manufactured using a simple method. Therefore, since large-scale equipment investment is not required, it is possible to manufacture the optical element 10 at low cost without increasing the manufacturing cost.

[0053] [5. Light distribution control of the optical element 10] Each of FIGS. 7A, 7C, and 7E is a timing chart showing signals input to the inter-cell conductive material 170 of the optical element 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 7A, 7C, and 7E, the first signal S1, the second signal S2, the third signal S3, and the fourth signal S4 respectively indicate signals input to the first inter-cell conductive material 170-1, the second inter-cell conductive material 170-2, the third inter-cell conductive material 170-3, and the fourth inter-cell conductive material 170-4. Hereinafter, for convenience, the intermediate potential between the High potential and the Low potential will be described as 0V, but the value of the intermediate potential is not limited to 0V. For example, when the High potential and the Low potential are 30V and 0V, respectively, the intermediate potential may be 15V.

[0054] Further, each of FIGS. 7B, 7D, and 7F is a schematic diagram for explaining the light distribution control of the optical element 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIGS. 7B, 7D, and 7F respectively show the light distribution control of the optical element 10 in the cases of FIGS. 7A, 7C, and 7E.

[0055] [Linear light distribution in the x-axis direction] In FIG. 7A, each of the third signal S3 and the fourth signal S4 has an alternating rectangular wave of AC in which a High potential and a Low potential are alternately repeated. However, the phase of the third signal S3 and the fourth signal S4 is inverted. Also, each of the first signal S1 and the second signal S2 is 0V. In this case, a horizontal electric field is generated between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 extending in the y-axis direction of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 extending in the y-axis direction of each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4. In other words, as shown in FIG. 7B, a horizontal electric field in the x-axis direction is generated on the second substrate 110-2 side of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and on the first substrate 110-1 side of each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7B, each of the first polarized light 1000-1 having a P polarization component and the second polarized light 1000-2 having an S polarization component emitted from the light source 300 located below the fourth liquid crystal cell 100 is rotated by each liquid crystal cell 100 to change the polarization component, and when having a P polarization component, is diffused in the x-axis direction by the liquid crystal molecules oriented by the horizontal electric field in the x-axis direction. That is, the light emitted from the light source 300 is always controlled to be diffused in the x-axis direction. Therefore, according to the optical element 10 driven by the timing chart shown in FIG. 7A, the light distribution can be controlled to have a linear shape in the x-axis direction. Note that the diffusion width in the x-axis direction (the light distribution angle in the x-axis direction) can be controlled by adjusting the potential difference between the High potential and the Low potential. For example, when the potential difference increases, the diffusion width in the x-axis direction increases.

[0056] [5-2. Linear light distribution in the y-axis direction] In FIG. 7C, each of the third signal S3 and the fourth signal S4 is 0V. Also, each of the first signal S1 and the second signal S2 has an alternating rectangular wave in which a high potential and a low potential are alternately repeated. However, the phases of the first signal S1 and the second signal S2 are inverted. In this case, between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 extending in the x-axis direction of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 extending in the x-axis direction of each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, a horizontal electric field is generated. In other words, as shown in FIG. 7D, on the side of the first substrate 110-1 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and on the side of the second substrate 110-2 of each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, a horizontal electric field in the y-axis direction is generated. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7D, each of the first polarization 1000-1 having a P polarization component and the second polarization 1000-2 having an S polarization component emitted from the light source 300 located below the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 is rotated by each liquid crystal cell 100 while changing the polarization component, and when having an S polarization component, is diffused in the y-axis direction by the liquid crystal molecules oriented by the horizontal electric field in the y-axis direction. That is, the light emitted from the light source 300 is always controlled to be diffused in the y-axis direction. Therefore, according to the optical element 10 driven by the timing chart shown in FIG. 7C, the light distribution can be controlled to have a linear shape in the y-axis direction. Note that the diffusion width in the y-axis direction (the light distribution angle in the y-axis direction) can be controlled by adjusting the potential difference between the high potential and the low potential. For example, when the potential difference increases, the diffusion width in the y-axis direction increases.

[0057] [5-3. Circular light distribution] In FIG. 7E, each of the first signal S1, the second signal S2, the third signal S3, and the fourth signal S4 has an alternating rectangular AC waveform in which a High potential and a Low potential are alternately repeated. However, the phase of the first signal S1 and the second signal S2 is inverted, and the phase of the third signal S3 and the fourth signal S4 is inverted. Also, the phase of the first signal S1 and the third signal S3 is the same, and the phase of the second signal S2 and the fourth signal S4 is the same. In this case, a horizontal electric field is generated between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 extending in the y-axis direction of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 extending in the x-axis direction. Also, a horizontal electric field is generated between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 extending in the y-axis direction of each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, and between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 extending in the x-axis direction. In other words, as shown in FIG. 7F, a horizontal electric field in the x-axis direction is generated on the second substrate 110-2 side of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and on the first substrate 110-1 side of each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4. Also, a horizontal electric field in the y-axis direction is generated on the first substrate 110-1 side of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and on the second substrate 110-2 side of each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7F, each of the first polarized light 1000-1 having a P polarization component and the second polarized light 1000-2 having an S polarization component emitted from the light source 300 located below the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 is rotated by each liquid crystal cell 100 and the polarization component changes. The first polarized light 1000-1 is diffused in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction by the liquid crystal molecules aligned by the horizontal electric fields in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction in the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4. The second polarized light 1000-2 is diffused in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction by the liquid crystal molecules aligned by the horizontal electric fields in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction in the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3.That is, the light emitted from the light source 300 is controlled to be uniformly diffused in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction. Therefore, according to the optical element 10 driven by the timing chart shown in FIG. 7E, the light distribution can be controlled to have a circular shape. Note that the size of the circle (the light distribution angle in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction) can be controlled by adjusting the potential difference between the High potential and the Low potential. For example, when the potential difference increases, the circle becomes larger. Also, when the potential difference between the High potential and the Low potential in the first signal S1 and the second signal S2 is different from the potential difference between the High potential and the Low potential in the third signal S3 and the fourth signal S4, the light distribution can also be controlled to have an elliptical shape.

[0058] As described above, in the optical element 10, each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 has the electrode pattern A and the electrode pattern B, and each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 has the electrode pattern C and the electrode pattern D. The transparent electrodes 120 of each of the plurality of liquid crystal cells 100 are electrically connected to the inter-cell conductive material 170, and a potential corresponding to the signal input through the inter-cell conductive material 170 is simultaneously applied to the plurality of transparent electrodes 120. That is, the optical element 10 has a simple electrical connection with a small number of wirings, and can simultaneously drive the plurality of liquid crystal cells 100 so as to distribute the shape of the transmitted light into an arbitrary shape.

[0059] <Second Embodiment> With reference to FIGS. 8 to 10C, the optical element 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, when the configuration of the optical element 20 is the same as that of the optical element 10, the description of the configuration of the optical element 20 may be omitted.

[0060] [1. Configuration of Optical Element 20] FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of the optical element 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, a first pad 190-1, a second pad 190-2, and a third pad 190-3 are provided on the first substrate 110-1 of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1, but the fourth pad 190-4 is not provided. That is, three pads 190 are provided on the first substrate 110-1 of each of the four liquid crystal cells 100 of the optical element 20. Further, the first pads 190-1 of the four liquid crystal cells 100 are electrically connected via a first inter-cell conductor 170-1 extending in the z-axis direction. Similarly, the second pad 190-2 is electrically connected via a second inter-cell conductor 170-2 extending in the z-axis direction, and the third pad 190-3 is electrically connected via a third inter-cell conductor 170-3 extending in the z-axis direction.

[0061] [2. Electrode Pattern of Liquid Crystal Cell 100] Each of FIGS. 9A and 9B is a schematic diagram for explaining the electrode pattern of the liquid crystal cell 100 of the optical element 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram showing the electrode pattern E on the first substrate 110-1 and the electrode pattern F on the second substrate 110-2 in each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram showing the electrode pattern G on the first substrate 110-1 and the electrode pattern H on the second substrate 110-2 in each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4.

[0062] The electrode pattern E has a pattern in which a plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1 extending in the x-axis direction are electrically connected to a first pad 190-1 provided at an end of the first substrate 110-1. Also, the electrode pattern E has a pattern in which a first connection region 200A-1 provided at a peripheral portion of the first substrate 110-1 is electrically connected to a second pad 190-2 provided at an end of the first substrate 110-1. Further, the electrode pattern E has a pattern in which a plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2 extending in the x-axis direction and a second connection region 200A-2 provided at a peripheral portion of the first substrate 110-1 are electrically connected to a third pad 190-3 provided at an end of the first substrate 110-1. Note that the first pad 190-1 is located between the second pad 190-2 and the third pad 190-3.

[0063] The electrode pattern F has a pattern in which a plurality of third transparent electrodes 120-3 and a plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120-4 extending in the y-axis direction are electrically connected to a third connection region 200A-3 and a fourth connection region 200A-4 provided at a peripheral portion of the second substrate 110-2, respectively. In the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, the third connection region 200A-3 overlaps with the second connection region 200A-2 and is electrically connected to the second connection region 200A-2 via a conductive paste. Similarly, the fourth connection region 200A-4 overlaps with the first connection region 200A-1 and is electrically connected to the first connection region 200A-1 via a conductive paste.

[0064] The electrode pattern G has a pattern in which a fifth connection region 200A-5 provided near the end of the first substrate 110-1 is electrically connected to a first pad 190-1 provided at the end of the first substrate 110-1. Also, a plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1 extending in the y-axis direction have a pattern that is electrically connected to a second pad 190-2 provided at the end of the first substrate 110-1. Further, a plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2 extending in the y-axis direction and a sixth connection region 200A-6 provided near the end of the first substrate 110-1 have a pattern that is electrically connected to a third pad 190-3 provided at the end of the first substrate 110-1.

[0065] The electrode pattern H has a pattern in which a plurality of third transparent electrodes 120-3 and a plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120-4 extending in the x-axis direction are electrically connected to a seventh connection region 200A-7 and an eighth connection region 200A-8 provided at the peripheral portion of the second substrate 110-2, respectively. Note that in the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, the seventh connection region 200A-7 overlaps with the fifth connection region 200A-5 and is electrically connected to the fifth connection region 200A-5 via a conductive paste. Similarly, the eighth connection region 200A-8 overlaps with the sixth connection region 200A-6 and is electrically connected to the sixth connection region 200A-6 via a conductive paste.

[0066] Therefore, in each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, the first transparent electrode 120-1 is electrically connected to the first pad 190-1, the second transparent electrode 120-2 and the third transparent electrode 120-3 are electrically connected to the third pad 190-3, and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 is electrically connected to the second pad 190-2. On the other hand, in each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 are electrically connected to the third pad 190-3, the second transparent electrode 120-2 is electrically connected to the second pad 190-2, and the third transparent electrode 120-3 is electrically connected to the first pad 190-1.

[0067] Each pad 190 of the four liquid crystal cells 100 is electrically connected via an inter-cell conductor 170. Therefore, in the optical element 20, a signal input through the first inter-cell conductor 170-1 can simultaneously apply a potential corresponding to the signal to each of the first transparent electrodes 120-1 of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and to each of the third transparent electrodes 120-3 of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4. Also, a signal input through the second inter-cell conductor 170-2 can simultaneously apply a potential corresponding to the signal to each of the fourth transparent electrodes 120-4 of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and to each of the second transparent electrodes 120-2 of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4. Further, a signal input through the third inter-cell conductor 170-3 can simultaneously apply a potential corresponding to the signal to each of the second transparent electrodes 120-2 and the third transparent electrodes 120-3 of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and to each of the first transparent electrodes 120-1 and the fourth transparent electrodes 120-4 of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4.

[0068] As described above, in the optical element 20, a signal input through each of the three inter-cell conductors 170 can simultaneously apply a potential corresponding to the signal to the transparent electrodes 120 of the plurality of liquid crystal cells 100. Therefore, in the optical element 20, one FPC only needs to be connected to the pad portion 180 provided at the upper end of the inter-cell conductor 170, and the electrical connection in the mounting process can be simplified.

[0069] [3. Light Distribution Control of Optical Element 20] Each of FIGS. 10A to 10C is a timing chart showing signals input to the inter-cell conductor 170 of the optical element 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first signal S1, the second signal S2, and the third signal S3 in FIGS. 10A to 10C respectively indicate signals input to the first inter-cell conductor 170-1, the second inter-cell conductor 170-2, and the third inter-cell conductor 170-3.

[0070] [3-1.Linear light distribution in the x-axis direction] In FIG. 10A, the second signal S2 has an alternating rectangular wave in which a high potential and a low potential are alternately repeated. Also, each of the first signal S1 and the third signal S3 is 0V. In this case, between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 extending in the y-axis direction of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell, and between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 extending in the y-axis direction of each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, a horizontal electric field is generated. In other words, as shown in FIG. 7B, on the second substrate 110-2 side of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and on the first substrate 110-1 side of each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, a horizontal electric field in the x-axis direction is generated. Therefore, each of the first polarization 1000-1 having a P polarization component and the second polarization 1000-2 having an S polarization component emitted from the light source 300 located below the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 is diffused in the x-axis direction by the liquid crystal molecules oriented by the horizontal electric field in the x-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 7B. That is, the light emitted from the light source 300 is controlled to be diffused in the x-axis direction. Therefore, according to the optical element 20 driven by the timing chart shown in FIG. 10A, the light distribution can be controlled to have a linear shape in the x-axis direction.

[0071] [3-2.Linear light distribution in the y-axis direction] In FIG. 10B, the first signal S1 has an alternating rectangular wave in which a High potential and a Low potential are alternately repeated. Also, each of the second signal S2 and the third signal S3 is 0V. In this case, between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 extending in the x-axis direction of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 extending in the x-axis direction of each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, a transverse electric field is generated. In other words, as shown in FIG. 7D, on the side of the first substrate 110-1 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and on the side of the second substrate 110-2 of each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, a transverse electric field in the y-axis direction is generated. Therefore, each of the first polarization 1000-1 having a P polarization component and the second polarization 1000-2 having an S polarization component emitted from the light source 300 located below the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 is diffused in the y-axis direction by the liquid crystal molecules oriented by the transverse electric field in the y-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 7D. That is, the light emitted from the light source 300 is controlled to be diffused in the y-axis direction. Therefore, according to the optical element 20 driven by the timing chart shown in FIG. 10B, the light distribution can be controlled to have a linear shape in the y-axis direction.

[0072] [3-3. Circular light distribution] In FIG. 10C, each of the first signal S1 and the second signal S2 has an alternating rectangular AC waveform in which a High potential and a Low potential are alternately repeated. Note that the first signal S1 and the second signal S2 have the same phase. Also, the third signal S3 is 0V. In this case, between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 extending in the y-axis direction of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 extending in the x-axis direction, a transverse electric field is generated. Also, between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 extending in the y-axis direction of each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, and between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 extending in the x-axis direction, a transverse electric field is generated. In other words, as shown in FIG. 7F, a transverse electric field in the x-axis direction is generated on the second substrate 110-2 side of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and on the first substrate 110-1 side of each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4. Also, a transverse electric field in the y-axis direction is generated on the first substrate 110-1 side of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and on the second substrate 110-2 side of each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4. Therefore, the first polarized light 1000-1 having a P polarization component emitted from the light source 300 located below the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 is diffused in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction by the liquid crystal molecules oriented by the transverse electric fields in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction in the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, as shown in FIG. 7F. Also, the second polarized light 1000-2 is diffused in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction by the liquid crystal molecules oriented by the transverse electric fields in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction in the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3. That is, the light emitted from the light source 300 is controlled to be uniformly diffused in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction. Therefore, according to the optical element 20 driven by the timing chart shown in FIG. 10C, the light distribution can be controlled to have a circular shape.

[0073] In addition, by making the amplitudes of the first signal S1 and the second signal S2 different (different potential differences), the light distribution can also be controlled to have an elliptical shape.

[0074] As described above, in the optical element 20, each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 has the electrode pattern E and the electrode pattern F, and each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 has the electrode pattern G and the electrode pattern H. The transparent electrodes 120 of each of the plurality of liquid crystal cells 100 are electrically connected to the inter-cell conductive material 170, and the potential corresponding to the signal input through the inter-cell conductive material 170 is simultaneously applied to the plurality of transparent electrodes 120. That is, the optical element 20 has a simple electrical connection with a small number of wirings, and can simultaneously drive the plurality of liquid crystal cells 100 so as to distribute the shape of the transmitted light into an arbitrary shape.

[0075] <Third Embodiment> With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the optical element 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, when the configuration of the optical element 30 is the same as that of the optical element 10, the description of the configuration of the optical element 30 may be omitted.

[0076] [1. Configuration of Optical Element 30] FIG. 11 is a schematic top view of an optical element 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, on the first substrate 110-1 of the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1, a first pad 190-1, a second pad 190-2, a third pad 190-3, and a fourth pad 190-4 are provided. Further, on the first substrate 110-1 of the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1, a first terminal 230B-1, a second terminal 230B-2, a third terminal 230B-3, and a fourth terminal 230B-4 are provided. That is, in the optical element 30, the terminal 230B is directly provided on the first substrate 110-1 of the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1 without overlapping the inter-cell conductive material 170.

[0077] [2. Electrode Pattern of First Liquid Crystal Cell 100-1] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the electrode pattern of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 of the optical element 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the electrode pattern I on the first substrate 110-1 and the electrode pattern J on the second substrate 110-2 in the first liquid crystal cell 100-1.

[0078] The electrode pattern I has a pattern in which a plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1 and a plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2 extending in the x-axis direction are electrically connected to a first pad 190-1 and a second pad 190-2 provided at the ends of the first substrate 110-1, respectively. Further, the electrode pattern I has a pattern in which a first connection region 200B-1 and a second connection region 200B-2 provided in the peripheral portion of the first substrate 110-1 are electrically connected to a third pad 190-3 and a fourth pad 190-4 provided at the ends of the first substrate 110-1, respectively.

[0079] Also, the first terminal 230B-1, the second terminal 230B-2, the third terminal 230B-3, and the fourth terminal 230B-4 are electrically connected to the first pad 190-1, the second pad 190-2, the third pad 190-3, and the fourth pad 190-4, respectively. As shown in FIG. 12, the wiring connecting the fourth terminal 230B-4 and the fourth pad 190-4 is a bridge wiring. The bridge wiring intersects with the wiring group extending from the first terminal 230B-1, the second terminal 230B-2, and the third terminal 230B-3 at the first intersection 240B-1 via an insulating layer. Further, the bridge wiring is connected to the wiring on the fourth terminal 230B-4 side and the wiring on the fourth pad 190-4 side via contact holes at both ends.

[0080] Also, the wiring connecting the first terminal 230B-1 and the first pad 190-1 and the wirings connecting the second terminal 230B-2 and the third terminal 230B-3 to the second pad 190-2 and the third pad 190-3 respectively intersect with each other via an insulating layer at the second intersection 240B-2. Further, the wiring connecting the second terminal 230B-2 and the second pad 190-2 and the wiring connecting the third terminal 230B-3 and the third pad 190-3 intersect with each other via an insulating layer at the third intersection 240B-3. The configurations of the second intersection 240B-2 and the third intersection 240B-3 have the same structure as that of the first intersection 240B-1.

[0081] The electrode pattern J has a pattern in which a plurality of third transparent electrodes 120-3 and a plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120-4 extending in the y-axis direction are electrically connected to a third connection region 200B-3 and a fourth connection region 200B-4 provided at the peripheral portion of the second substrate 110-2 respectively.

[0082] Note that an electrode pattern A and an electrode pattern B are provided on the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2 of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 respectively (however, the positions of the pads 190 are adjusted according to the first liquid crystal cell 100-1). Also, an electrode pattern C and an electrode pattern D are provided on the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2 of each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 respectively (however, the positions of the pads 190 are adjusted according to the first liquid crystal cell 100-1).

[0083] Therefore, in each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, the first transparent electrode 120-1, the second transparent electrode 120-2, the third transparent electrode 120-3, and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 are electrically connected to the first pad 190-1, the second pad 190-2, the third pad 190-3, and the fourth pad 190-4, respectively. On the other hand, in each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, the first transparent electrode 120-1, the second transparent electrode 120-2, the third transparent electrode 120-3, and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 are electrically connected to the third pad 190-3, the fourth pad 190-4, the first pad 190-1, and the second pad 190-2, respectively.

[0084] In the optical element 30 according to the present embodiment, a terminal 230B electrically connected to the FPC is provided separately from the pad 190 in contact with the inter-cell conductive material 170 (see FIG. 12). Therefore, the FPC can be easily connected to the optical element 30 regardless of the formation method and shape of the inter-cell conductive material 170.

[0085] <Fourth Embodiment> With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, an optical element 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, when the configuration of the optical element 40 is the same as that of the optical element 10, the description of the configuration of the optical element 40 may be omitted.

[0086] [1. Configuration of Optical Element 40] FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of an optical element 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, each of the plurality of liquid crystal cells 100 of the optical element 40 has one side surface where the end of the first substrate 110C-1 protrudes, and the other side surface located opposite to one side surface where the second substrate 110C-2 protrudes. At the end of the first substrate 110C-1, a first pad 190C-1 and a second pad 190C-2 are provided (for the first pad 190C-1, refer to FIG. 14 described later). Also, at the end of the second substrate 110C-2, a third pad 190C-3 and a fourth pad 190C-4 are provided (for the fourth pad 190C-4, refer to FIG. 14 described later). The first pads 190C-1 and the second pads 190C-2 of the plurality of liquid crystal cells 100 are electrically connected to a first inter-cell conductor 170C-1 and a second inter-cell conductor 170C-2, respectively, on one side surface (the first inter-cell conductor 170C-1 has the same configuration as the second inter-cell conductor 170C-2). Also, the third pads 190C-3 and the fourth pads 190C-4 of the plurality of liquid crystal cells 100 are electrically connected to a third inter-cell conductor 170C-3 and a fourth inter-cell conductor 170C-4, respectively, on the other side surface (the fourth inter-cell conductor 170C-4 has the same configuration as the third inter-cell conductor 170C-3).

[0087] [2. Electrode Pattern of Liquid Crystal Cell 100] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining the electrode pattern of the liquid crystal cell 100 of the optical element 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the electrode pattern K on the first substrate 110-1 and the electrode pattern L on the second substrate 110-2 in four liquid crystal cells 100.

[0088] The electrode pattern K has a pattern in which a plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1 and a plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2 extending in the x-axis direction are electrically connected to a first pad 190C-1 and a second pad 190C-2 provided at the ends of the first substrate 110-1, respectively.

[0089] The electrode pattern L has a pattern in which a plurality of third transparent electrodes 120-3 and a plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120-4 extending in the y-axis direction are electrically connected to a third pad 190C-3 and a fourth pad 190C-4 provided at the end of the second substrate 110-2, respectively.

[0090] Therefore, the first transparent electrode 120-1, the second transparent electrode 120-2, the third transparent electrode 120-3, and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of each of the four liquid crystal cells 100 are electrically connected to the first pad 190C-1, the second pad 190C-2, the third pad 190C-3, and the fourth pad 190C-4, respectively. Also, the pads 190C of each of the four liquid crystal cells are electrically connected via the inter-cell conductive material 170C. Therefore, in the optical element 40, a potential corresponding to the signal can be simultaneously applied to the first transparent electrode 120-1 of each of the four liquid crystal cells 100 by the signal input through the first inter-cell conductive material 170C-1. Also, a potential corresponding to the signal can be simultaneously applied to the second transparent electrode 120-2 of each of the four liquid crystal cells 100 by the signal input through the second inter-cell conductive material 170C-2. Also, a potential corresponding to the signal can be simultaneously applied to the third transparent electrode 120-3 of each of the four liquid crystal cells 100 by the signal input through the third inter-cell conductive material 170C-3. Also, a potential corresponding to the signal can be simultaneously applied to the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of each of the four liquid crystal cells 100 by the signal input through the fourth inter-cell conductive material 170C-4.

[0091] As described above, in the optical element 40, each of the four liquid crystal cells has the electrode pattern K and the electrode pattern L. The transparent electrodes of each of the plurality of liquid crystal cells 100 are electrically connected to the inter-cell conduction material 170C, and a potential corresponding to a signal input through the inter-cell conduction material 170C is simultaneously applied to the plurality of transparent electrodes 120. That is, the optical element 40 has a simple electrical connection with a small number of wirings, and can simultaneously drive the plurality of liquid crystal cells 100 so as to distribute the shape of the transmitted light into an arbitrary shape. Further, in the optical element 40, since the distance between two adjacent inter-cell conduction materials 170 can be increased, a short circuit between two adjacent inter-cell conduction materials 170 can be suppressed.

[0092] <Fifth Embodiment> With reference to FIGS. 15A and 15B, an optical element 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, when the configuration of the optical element 50 is the same as that of the optical element 10, the description of the configuration of the optical element 50 may be omitted.

[0093] FIGS. 15A and 15B are a schematic side view and a top view, respectively, of an optical element 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] In the optical element 50, a terminal forming substrate 220D is provided on the first liquid crystal cell 100-1. Although not shown, the terminal forming substrate 220D may be provided on the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 via the optical elastic resin layer 160. The terminal forming substrate 220D includes a third substrate 110D-3 having translucency, and a first terminal 230D-1, a second terminal 230D-2, a third terminal 230D-3, and a fourth terminal 230D-4 are provided on the third substrate 110D-3. The first terminal 230D-1, the second terminal 230D-2, the third terminal 230D-3, and the fourth terminal 230D-4 are electrically connected to the first inter-cell conduction material 170-1, the second inter-cell conduction material 170-2, the third inter-cell conduction material 170-3, and the fourth inter-cell conduction material 170-4, respectively.

[0095] In addition, a first pad portion 180-1, a second pad portion 180-2, a third pad portion 180-3, and a fourth pad portion 180-4 are provided on the first terminal 230D-1, the second terminal 230D-2, the third terminal 230D-3, and the fourth terminal 230D-4, respectively. That is, in the optical element 50, the FPC can be connected to a terminal forming substrate 220D different from the liquid crystal cell 100. The FPC is connected to the four pad portions 180 on the terminal forming substrate 220D, and the optical element 50 can be controlled by inputting a signal via the FPC connected to the pad portion 180.

[0096] <Modification Example 1 of the Fifth Embodiment> Referring to FIG. 16, an optical element 51, which is a modification of the optical element 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention, will be described. Hereinafter, when the configuration of the optical element 51 is the same as that of the optical element 50, the description of the configuration of the optical element 51 may be omitted.

[0097] FIG. 16 is a schematic top view of an optical element 51 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] In the optical element 51, a terminal forming substrate 220E is provided on the first liquid crystal cell 100-1. On the terminal forming substrate 220E, a first terminal 230E-1, a second terminal 230E-2, a third terminal 230E-3, and a fourth terminal 230E-4 are provided on a light-transmissive third substrate 110E-3. The first terminal 230E-1, the second terminal 230E-2, the third terminal 230E-3, and the fourth terminal 230E-4 are a transparent conductive film such as ITO or a metal film with a sufficiently small line width. Therefore, the transmittance of the terminal forming substrate 220E is sufficiently ensured. The first inter-cell conductive member 170-1, the second inter-cell conductive member 170-2, the third inter-cell conductive member 170-3, and the fourth inter-cell conductive member 170-4 are provided on one side surface of the optical element 51. Therefore, one end of the terminal 230 is connected to the inter-cell conductive member 170 at the upper end of one side surface of the optical element 51. On the other hand, the other end of the terminal 230 is located at the upper end of the other side surface opposite to one side surface. Also, the pad portion 180 is provided at the other end of the terminal 230. That is, in the optical element 51, an FPC can be connected to the four pad portions 180 on the side opposite to the position of the inter-cell conductive member 170.

[0099] <Modification Example 2 of the Fifth Embodiment> With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, an optical element 52, which is another modification example of the optical element according to an embodiment of the present invention, will be described. Hereinafter, when the configuration of the optical element 52 is the same as that of the optical element 50, the description of the configuration of the optical element 51 may be omitted.

[0100] FIGS. 17 and 18 are a schematic side view and a top view, respectively, of an optical element 52 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] In the optical element 52, a terminal forming substrate 220F is provided on the first liquid crystal cell 100-1. The configuration of the liquid crystal cell 100 of the optical element 52 is the same as that of the liquid crystal cell 100 of the optical element 40. Also, the configuration of the inter-cell conduction material 170F is the same as that of the inter-cell conduction material 170C, but the inter-cell conduction material 170F is different from the inter-cell conduction material 170C in that the inter-cell conduction material 170F is connected to the terminal forming substrate 220F provided on the first liquid crystal cell 100-1.

[0102] The terminal forming substrate 220F includes a light-transmissive third substrate 110F-3, and a first terminal 230F-1, a second terminal 230F-2, a third terminal 230F-3, and a fourth terminal 230F-4 are provided on the third substrate 110F-3. Each of the first terminal 230F-1 and the second terminal 230F-2 is provided at one end of the third substrate 110F-3, and each of the third terminal 230F-3 and the fourth terminal 230F-4 is provided at the other end located opposite to one end of the third substrate 110F-3. The first terminal 230F-1, the second terminal 230F-2, the third terminal 230F-3, and the fourth terminal 230F-4 are electrically connected to a first inter-cell conduction material 170F-1, a second inter-cell conduction material 170F-2, a third inter-cell conduction material 170F-3, and a fourth inter-cell conduction material 170F-4, respectively.

[0103] Also, a first pad portion 180-1, a second pad portion 180-2, a third pad portion 180-3, and a fourth pad portion 180-4 are provided on the first terminal 230F-1, the second terminal 230F-2, the third terminal 230F-3, and the fourth terminal 230F-4, respectively. That is, in the optical element 52, an FPC can be connected to a terminal forming substrate 220F separate from the liquid crystal cell 100. An FPC is connected to the four pad portions 180 on the terminal forming substrate 220F, and the optical element 52 can be controlled by inputting a signal via the FPC connected to the pad portion 180.

[0104] As described above, including the modification examples, the optical element 50 includes the terminal forming substrate 220D, and the electrical connection between the optical element 50 and the FPC can be performed using the terminal forming substrate 220D. Therefore, since the wirings or electrodes in the mounting process can be aggregated on the terminal forming substrate 220D, the mounting process can be simplified.

[0105] <Sixth Embodiment> With reference to FIGS. 19A to 19C, an optical element 60 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, when the configuration of the optical element 60 is the same as that of the optical element 20, the description of the configuration of the optical element 60 may be omitted.

[0106] [1. Configuration of Optical Element 60] FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C are a schematic side view, a top view, and a front view, respectively, of an optical element 60 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the liquid crystal cell 100 of the optical element 60 is the same as that of the liquid crystal cell 100 of the optical element 20. However, in the optical element 60, the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 have the electrode pattern E and the electrode pattern F, and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 have the electrode pattern G and the electrode pattern H.

[0107] In the optical element 60, a first terminal forming substrate 220G-1 is provided above the first liquid crystal cell 100-1, and a second terminal forming substrate 220G-2 is provided below the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4. The first terminal forming substrate 220G-1 includes a light-transmissive third substrate 110G-3, and a first terminal 230G-1, a second terminal 230G-2, and a third terminal 230G-3 are provided on the third substrate 110G-3. Further, the second terminal forming substrate 220G-2 includes a light-transmissive fourth substrate 110G-4, and a fourth terminal 230G-4, a fifth terminal 230G-5, and a sixth terminal 230G-6 are provided on the fourth substrate 110G-4. The first terminal 230G-1, the second terminal 230G-2, the third terminal 230G-3, the fourth terminal 230G-4, the fifth terminal 230G-5, and the sixth terminal 230G-6 are electrically connected to a first inter-cell conductive material 170G-1, a second inter-cell conductive material 170G-2, a third inter-cell conductive material 170G-3, a fourth inter-cell conductive material 170G-4, a fifth inter-cell conductive material 170G-5, and a sixth inter-cell conductive material 170G-6, respectively.

[0108] The first inter-cell conductive material 170G-1 is electrically connected to the first pads 190-1 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2. The second inter-cell conductive material 170G-2 is electrically connected to the second pads 190-2 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2. The third inter-cell conductive material 170G-3 is electrically connected to the third pads 190-3 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2. On the other hand, the fourth inter-cell conductive material 170G-4 is electrically connected to the first pads 190-1 of each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4. The fifth inter-cell conductive material 170G-5 is electrically connected to the second pads 190-2 of each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4. The sixth inter-cell conductive material 170G-6 is electrically connected to the third pads 190-3 of each of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4.

[0109] In the optical element 60 according to this embodiment, it is possible to drive each of a plurality of divided liquid crystal cells 100 independently by a signal input through six inter-cell conduction members 170. Specifically, separate and independent potentials can be applied to the transparent electrodes 120 of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 located above the optical element 10, and the transparent electrodes 120 of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 located below the optical element 10.

[0110] Note that the optical element 60 can also control the light distribution shape of the light emitted from the light source 300, similar to the above-described optical element 20.

[0111] As described above, in the optical element 60, each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 has an electrode pattern E and an electrode pattern F, and each of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 has an electrode pattern G and an electrode pattern H. Also, using the first terminal forming substrate 220G-1 and the second terminal forming substrate 220G-2, the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 can be driven separately and independently. Therefore, the optical element 60 can simultaneously drive a plurality of liquid crystal cells 100 so as to distribute the shape of the transmitted light into an arbitrary shape while having an electrical connection that enables simplification of the mounting process.

[0112] Within the scope of the idea of the present invention, those skilled in the art can conceive various modifications and variations, and it is understood that such modifications and variations also fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, with respect to each of the above-described embodiments, those made by those skilled in the art by appropriately adding, deleting, or changing the design of components, or adding, omitting, or changing the conditions of the process, also fall within the scope of the present invention as long as they have the gist of the present invention.

[0113] In addition, for other operational effects brought about by the embodiments that are apparent from the descriptions in this specification or that can be appropriately conceived by those skilled in the art, they are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0114] 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 51, 52, 60: Optical element, 100: Liquid crystal cell, 110: Substrate, 120: Transparent electrode, 130: Alignment film, 140: Sealant, 150: Liquid crystal layer, 160: Optically elastic resin layer, 170: Inter-cell conduction material, 180: Pad portion, 190: Pad, 200: Connection region, 210: Conductive paste, 220: Terminal forming substrate, 230: Terminal, 240: Intersection portion, 300: Light source, 400: Dispenser, 1000-1: First polarization, 1000-2: Second polarization

Claims

An optical element in which a plurality of liquid crystal cells including a first liquid crystal cell and a second liquid crystal cell superimposed on the first liquid crystal cell are stacked, wherein each of the plurality of liquid crystal cells, a first substrate provided with a first transparent electrode, a second transparent electrode, a first pad, a second pad, a third pad, and a fourth pad; a second substrate provided with a third transparent electrode and a fourth transparent electrode; a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the first pad, the second pad, the third pad, and the fourth pad of each of the plurality of liquid crystal cells are electrically connected to a first inter-cell conductor, a second inter-cell conductor, a third inter-cell conductor, and a fourth inter-cell conductor extending in the stacking direction, respectively; in each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode extend in a first direction; the third transparent electrode and the fourth transparent electrode extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction; the first pad is electrically connected to the first transparent electrode; the second pad is electrically connected to the second transparent electrode; the third pad is electrically connected to the third transparent electrode via a first conductive paste; the fourth pad is electrically connected to the fourth transparent electrode via a second conductive paste, an optical element. **Claim 2** The plurality of liquid crystal cells further include a third liquid crystal cell superimposed on the second liquid crystal cell and a fourth liquid crystal cell superimposed on the third liquid crystal cell, in each of the third liquid crystal cell and the fourth liquid crystal cell, the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode extend in the second direction; the third transparent electrode and the fourth transparent electrode extend in the first direction; the first pad is electrically connected to the third transparent electrode via a third conductive paste; the second pad is electrically connected to the fourth transparent electrode via a fourth conductive paste; the third pad is electrically connected to the first transparent electrode; the fourth pad is electrically connected to the second transparent electrode, The optical element according to claim 1. **Claim 3** A first surface on which the first inter-cell conductor and the second inter-cell conductor are provided is different from a second surface on which the third inter-cell conductor and the fourth inter-cell conductor are provided, The optical element according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. On the first substrate of the first liquid crystal cell, there are further provided a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal that are electrically connected to the first pad, the second pad, the third pad, and the fourth pad, respectively. An insulating layer is provided between a first wiring that connects the first pad and the first terminal and a second wiring that connects the second pad and the second terminal. The optical element according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. Furthermore, the optical element according to claim 4 includes a flexible printed circuit board that is electrically connected to the first terminal, the second terminal, the third terminal, and the fourth terminal.

6. Furthermore, it includes a terminal forming substrate disposed above or below one of the plurality of liquid crystal cells. The terminal forming substrate has a first terminal electrically connected to the first inter-cell conductor, a second terminal electrically connected to the second inter-cell conductor, a third terminal electrically connected to the third inter-cell conductor, and a fourth terminal electrically connected to the fourth inter-cell conductor. The optical element according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. Furthermore, the optical element according to claim 6 includes a flexible printed circuit board that is electrically connected to the first terminal, the second terminal, the third terminal, and the fourth terminal.

8. An optical element in which a plurality of liquid crystal cells including a first liquid crystal cell and a second liquid crystal cell adjacent to the first liquid crystal cell are stacked, wherein each of the plurality of liquid crystal cells includes a first substrate provided with a first transparent electrode, a second transparent electrode, a first pad, a second pad, and a third pad, a second substrate provided with a third transparent electrode and a fourth transparent electrode, and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first pad, the second pad, and the third pad of each of the plurality of liquid crystal cells are electrically connected to a first inter-cell conductor, a second inter-cell conductor, and a third inter-cell conductor that extend in the stacking direction, respectively. In each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode extend in a first direction, the third transparent electrode and the fourth transparent electrode extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the first pad is electrically connected to the first transparent electrode. The second pad is electrically connected to the third transparent electrode via a first conductive paste. The third pad is electrically connected to the second transparent electrode and is also electrically connected to the fourth transparent electrode via a second conductive paste. Optical element. Claim 9 The plurality of liquid crystal cells further includes a third liquid crystal cell adjacent to the second liquid crystal cell and a fourth liquid crystal cell adjacent to the third liquid crystal cell. In each of the third liquid crystal cell and the fourth liquid crystal cell, the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode extend in the second direction. the third transparent electrode and the fourth transparent electrode extend in the first direction. The first pad is electrically connected to the third transparent electrode via a third conductive paste. The second pad is electrically connected to the first transparent electrode. The third pad is electrically connected to the second transparent electrode and is also electrically connected to the fourth transparent electrode via a fourth conductive paste. The optical element according to claim 8. Claim 10 An optical element in which a plurality of liquid crystal cells including a first liquid crystal cell, a second liquid crystal cell adjacent to the first liquid crystal cell, a third liquid crystal cell adjacent to the second liquid crystal cell, and a fourth liquid crystal cell adjacent to the third liquid crystal cell are stacked, each of the plurality of liquid crystal cells, a first substrate provided with a first transparent electrode, a second transparent electrode, a first pad, a second pad, and a third pad, a second substrate provided with a third transparent electrode and a fourth transparent electrode, a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the first pad, the second pad, and the third pad of each of the plurality of liquid crystal cells are electrically connected to a first inter-cell conductor, a second inter-cell conductor, and a third inter-cell conductor extending in the stacking direction, respectively. In each of the first liquid crystal cell and the third liquid crystal cell, the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode extend in the first direction. the third transparent electrode and the fourth transparent electrode extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first pad is electrically connected to the first transparent electrode. The second pad is electrically connected to the third transparent electrode via a first conductive paste. The third pad is electrically connected to the second transparent electrode and is also electrically connected to the fourth transparent electrode via a second conductive paste. In each of the second liquid crystal cell and the fourth liquid crystal cell, the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode extend in the second direction. The third transparent electrode and the fourth transparent electrode extend in the first direction. The first pad is electrically connected to the third transparent electrode via a third conductive paste. The second pad is electrically connected to the first transparent electrode. The third pad is electrically connected to the second transparent electrode and is also electrically connected to the fourth transparent electrode via a fourth conductive paste. Optical element. **Claim 11** Furthermore, it includes a terminal forming substrate disposed above or below the plurality of liquid crystal cells, The terminal forming substrate includes a first terminal electrically connected to the first inter-cell conductive material, a second terminal electrically connected to the second inter-cell conductive material, and a third terminal electrically connected to the third inter-cell conductive material. The optical element according to any one of claims 8 to 10. **Claim 12** Furthermore, it includes a flexible printed circuit board electrically connected to the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal. The optical element according to claim 11.

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