Liquid crystal element, lighting device

Abstract

To provide a technique for providing a part capable of switching of transmission / non-transmission of light in a mutual region of each pixel electrode.SOLUTION: A liquid crystal element includes a plurality of segment regions including at least two segment regions with different sizes in a plan view. Each segment region is formed in each of regions where pixel electrodes and a common electrode overlap in a plan view. Each wiring part is connected to any of the pixel electrodes through a through-hole provided in a first insulating layer. Each auxiliary electrode is disposed to overlap with the mutual gap of two pixel electrodes including parts that are adjacent in a plan view and is connected to any of the two pixel electrodes including the adjacent parts through the through-hole provided in the first insulating layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-120730 (Patent Document 1) describes a liquid crystal element in which a counter electrode is provided on one surface side of a first substrate, and a plurality of inter-pixel electrodes, a plurality of wiring portions, and a plurality of pixel electrodes are provided on one surface side of a second substrate via an insulating layer, and a liquid crystal layer is provided between these substrates. In this liquid crystal element, in a plan view, a part of an inter-pixel electrode or a wiring portion connected to this inter-pixel electrode is arranged between the pixel electrodes, and by using these, light transmission / non-transmission can be switched also in the region between the pixel electrodes. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the region between the pixel electrodes from being conspicuous as bright spots or dark spots. However, depending on the shape, size, or layout of the pixel electrodes in a plan view, it may not be possible to configure the light transmission / non-transmission in the region between the pixel electrodes to be switchable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One of the objects of the specific aspect according to the present disclosure is to provide a technique for providing a portion capable of switching light transmission / non-transmission in the region between the pixel electrodes of a liquid crystal element.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] [1] The liquid crystal element according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a liquid crystal element including a plurality of segment regions each including at least two segment regions having different sizes in plan view, and includes: (a) a first substrate and a second substrate disposed to face each other on one side; (b) a plurality of wiring portions disposed on one side of the first substrate and having terminal portions for connection to the outside; (c) a plurality of auxiliary electrodes disposed on one side of the first substrate and configured separately from each of the wiring portions; (d) a first insulating layer disposed on one side of the first substrate to cover each of the wiring portions and each of the auxiliary electrodes; (e) a plurality of pixel electrodes disposed on the surface of the first insulating layer facing the second substrate, each having a substantially same shape in plan view as any of the segment regions; (f) at least one common electrode disposed on one side of the second substrate and facing each of the pixel electrodes; and (g) a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein (h) each of the segment regions is configured in each region where each of the pixel electrodes and the common electrode overlap in plan view. (i) The segment region has a light transmittance that is switched by the voltage between the pixel electrode and the common electrode. ( j ) Each of the wiring portions is connected to any one of the pixel electrodes through a through hole provided in the first insulating layer, ( k ) each of the auxiliary electrodes is disposed to overlap a gap between two of the pixel electrodes having adjacent portions in plan view, and is connected to any one of the two pixel electrodes having the adjacent portions through a through hole provided in the first insulating layer. [2] An illumination device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the liquid crystal element of [1], a light source that emits light incident on the liquid crystal element, a pair of polarizing elements disposed to face each other with the liquid crystal element interposed therebetween, and a lens that projects the light transmitted through the liquid crystal element.

[0006] According to the above configuration, a technique for providing a portion capable of switching light transmission / non-transmission in the region between each of the pixel electrodes of the liquid crystal element is obtained.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0008] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the pixel shape of the liquid crystal element according to the first embodiment. The illustrated liquid crystal element 100 includes a plurality (six in the illustrated example) of substantially square pixels 2a and a plurality (three in the illustrated example) of substantially rectangular pixels 2b arranged in the effective display area 1. These pixels 2a and 2b are each an independently light transmissive / non-transmissive switchable segment area (light modulation area). Each pixel 2a is arranged along the X direction (left-right direction) in the figure. Each pixel 2b has a longitudinal direction along the X direction in the figure and is arranged adjacent to each other along the Y direction (up-down direction) in the figure. Also, one pixel 2b is adjacent to the column composed of each pixel 2a in the Y direction. Each pixel 2a and each pixel 2b have different sizes (dimensions / areas) in plan view.

[0009] FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B) are schematic cross-sectional views showing the configuration of the liquid crystal element. Further, FIG. 3(A) is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the pixel electrode, wiring portion, and dummy electrode of the liquid crystal element, and FIG. 3(B) is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the wiring portion and dummy electrode. Note that the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 2(A) corresponds to the cross-section along line a-a in FIG. 3(A), and the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 2(B) corresponds to the cross-section along line b-b in FIG. 3(A). Although not shown, a pair of polarizing elements (such as a polarizing plate or a polarizing beam splitter) are arranged so as to face each other with the liquid crystal element 100 interposed therebetween. Further, an optical compensation plate may be appropriately arranged between these polarizing elements and the liquid crystal element.

[0010] As shown in each figure, the liquid crystal element 100 includes a first substrate 11, a second substrate 12, a wiring portion (wiring electrode) 13, a common electrode (opposing electrode) 14, an insulating layer (first insulating layer) 15, a pixel electrode 16, a first alignment film 17, a second alignment film 18, a liquid crystal layer 19, and a dummy electrode (auxiliary electrode) 20. In this liquid crystal element 100, the above-described pixels 2a and 2b are formed in each region (partial region) where each pixel electrode 16 and the common electrode 14 face each other with the liquid crystal layer 19 interposed therebetween.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 are each, for example, a rectangular substrate in plan view, and are arranged with their sides closer to their respective liquid crystal layers 19 (hereinafter referred to as the "one side") facing each other. As each substrate, for example, a light-transmissive substrate such as a glass substrate or a plastic substrate can be used. Between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, spherical spacers (not shown) made of, for example, a resin film are dispersedly arranged, and the substrate gap is maintained at a desired size (for example, about several μm) by these spherical spacers. Instead of the spherical spacers, columnar bodies made of resin or the like may be provided on the first substrate 11 side or the second substrate 12 side and used as spacers.

[0012] Each wiring portion 13 is provided on the one side of the first substrate 11. Also, each dummy electrode 20 is provided on the one side of the first substrate 11. The "dummy electrode" in the present embodiment refers to an island-shaped (floating island-shaped) electrode formed physically separated and independent from each wiring portion 13 (see FIG. 3(B) described later). Each wiring portion 13 and each dummy electrode 20 are formed by appropriately patterning a transparent conductive film such as indium tin oxide (ITO).

[0013] The common electrode 14 is provided on the one side of the second substrate 12. This common electrode 14 is integrally provided so as to face each pixel electrode 16. The common electrode 14 is formed by appropriately patterning a transparent conductive film such as indium tin oxide (ITO). Note that the common electrode 14 may be divided into a plurality (for example, when performing duty driving).

[0014] The insulating layer 15 is provided so as to cover each wiring portion 13 and each dummy electrode 20 on one surface side of the first substrate 11. This insulating layer 15 is for insulating between each wiring portion 13 and each dummy electrode 20 and each pixel electrode 16 (an interlayer insulating film). The insulating layer 15 may have good insulation properties and light transmittance, and can be formed using various insulating films such as an insulating film made of an acrylic-based insulating material or a siloxane-based photosensitive resin material, or an inorganic oxide film such as a silicon oxide film or a silicon nitride film.

[0015] Each pixel electrode 16 is provided on one surface side of the first substrate 11 on the surface close to the liquid crystal layer 19 of the insulating layer 15 (the surface facing the one surface of the second substrate 12). Each pixel electrode 16 is formed by appropriately patterning a transparent conductive film such as indium tin oxide (ITO), for example. Each pixel electrode 16 is electrically / physically connected to the wiring portion 13 and the dummy electrode 20 through each through hole 21 provided in the insulating layer 15.

[0016] The first alignment film 17 is disposed above each pixel electrode 16 so as to cover them on one surface side of the first substrate 11. The second alignment film 18 is disposed above the common electrode 14 so as to cover it on one surface side of the second substrate 12. These first alignment film 17 and second alignment film 18 are for defining the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer 19 in the initial state (when no voltage is applied). Each alignment film 17, 18 has been subjected to a uniaxial alignment treatment such as rubbing treatment, for example, and has a uniaxial alignment regulating force for regulating the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 19 along that direction. The direction in which the uniaxial alignment regulating force is exhibited is called the easy axis of alignment. The directions of the alignment treatment for each alignment film 17, 18 are set to be, for example, staggered (antiparallel). As each alignment film 17, 18, a horizontal alignment film or a vertical alignment film is appropriately used according to the operation mode of the liquid crystal layer 19. For example, in this embodiment, as each alignment film 17, 18, a vertical alignment film that regulates the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the interface with the liquid crystal layer 19 to be close to 90° (for example, 80° to 89.9°) in the vertical direction is used.

[0017] The liquid crystal layer 19 is provided between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The liquid crystal layer 19 is composed of, for example, a nematic liquid crystal material having fluidity. In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 19 is composed of a liquid crystal material having negative dielectric anisotropy. The layer thickness of the liquid crystal layer 19 can be, for example, about 4 μm. Note that depending on the operation mode of the liquid crystal layer 19, a liquid crystal material having positive dielectric anisotropy may be used.

[0018] Next, the structures of the respective wiring portions 13, the respective pixel electrodes 16, and the respective dummy electrodes 20 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B). In the following, the wiring portions 13 are denoted as wiring portions 13a, 13b,... 13h in order to distinguish them, and the pixel electrodes 16 are denoted as pixel electrodes 16a, 16b,... 16j in order to distinguish them. On the other hand, portions having common uses or functions and not particularly requiring distinction (for example, the dummy electrode 20 and the through hole 21) are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0019] The pixel electrodes 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f shown in FIG. 3(A) correspond to the respective pixels 2a described above, are electrically / physically separated from each other, and are arranged side by side along the X direction shown in the figure. The pixel electrodes 16g, 16h, 16j correspond to the respective pixels 2b described above, are electrically / physically separated from each other, and are arranged so as to have a longitudinal direction in the X direction shown in the figure. In the present embodiment, the planar view shapes of the pixel electrodes 16a to 16f are substantially the same as those of the respective pixels 2a, and the planar view shapes of the pixel electrodes 16g to 16i are substantially the same as those of the respective pixels 2b. In each of the regions where these pixel electrodes 16a and the like overlap with the common electrode 14 (see FIG. 2(A)), the respective pixels 2a, 2b (segment regions) are formed. By applying a voltage between the pixel electrodes 16a and the like and the common electrode 14, it is possible to cause a change in the alignment of liquid crystal molecules in the regions corresponding to the respective pixels 2a and the respective pixels 2b of the liquid crystal layer 19 and variably set the light transmittance.

[0020] The wiring portion 13a extends in the Y direction shown in the figure and is arranged to overlap with each of the pixel electrodes 16a, 16g, 16h, and 16j in plan view. One end region of this wiring portion 13a below the pixel electrode 16j in the figure is used as an external extraction electrode terminal (terminal portion). This wiring portion 13a is electrically / physically connected to the pixel electrode 16a via one through hole 21. Thereby, the voltage input from an external device (not shown) connected to the external extraction electrode terminal is applied to the pixel electrode 16a through the wiring portion 13a. In the plan view shown in Fig. 3(A), between each of the relatively small-sized pixel electrodes 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f and the external extraction electrode terminal, each of the relatively large-sized pixel electrodes 16g, 16h, 16j is arranged. That is, the wiring portion 13a is arranged from the external extraction electrode terminal side, passing under the relatively large-sized pixel electrode 16j, pixel electrode 16g, pixel electrode 16h, and pixel electrode 16a in order, and reaching below the pixel electrode 16a.

[0021] Also, the wiring portion 13a has a portion 131 that protrudes to the left of the pixel electrode 16a in plan view. Further, the wiring portion 13a has a portion 132 with a relatively large length (width) in the X direction. This portion 132 is arranged to overlap the gap between the pixel electrode 16a and the pixel electrode 16h and has approximately the same X-direction length (width) as the pixel electrode 16a. Since these portions 131 and 132 have approximately the same potential as the pixel electrode 16a, when a voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 16a, a voltage can also be applied to the liquid crystal layer 19 in the lower region and the left region of the pixel electrode 16a in the figure. Thereby, in conjunction with the region corresponding to the pixel electrode 16a, light transmission / non-transmission can also be switched in these lower region and left region.

[0022] In addition, the wiring portion 13a has portions (first portions) 133 and 134 with relatively small lengths (widths) in the X direction. The portion 133 is arranged to overlap with the gap between the pixel electrodes 16g and 16h, and the portion 134 is arranged to overlap with the gap between the pixel electrodes 16h and 16j. These portions 133 and 134 and the relatively wide portions (second portions) connected thereto define a concave region in plan view. And each dummy electrode 20 is arranged corresponding to each of these concave regions. In other words, each dummy electrode 20 is arranged to be adjacent in plan view to any of the portions 133 and 134. Also, each dummy electrode 20 is arranged between two wiring portions having adjacent portions in plan view among the wiring portions 13a to 13h (excluding the dummy electrode 20 arranged on the right side in the figure of the wiring portion 13h). For example, when looking at the wiring portion 13a and the wiring portion 13b, they are adjacent at least at the portions of the portions 133 and 134, and one dummy electrode 20 is arranged between them.

[0023] Moreover, since these portions 133 and 134 are at substantially the same potential as the pixel electrode 16a, when a voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 16a, a voltage is also applied to the liquid crystal layer 19 in the regions corresponding to these portions 133 and 134. However, since the width is relatively narrow, it does not stand out as a bright spot due to light transmission. In order to more reliably prevent light leakage and the like in these portions 133 and the like, a light-shielding film may be provided corresponding to these portions 133 and the like, or a columnar body made of resin or the like may be provided.

[0024] Regarding the other wiring portions 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, and 13f, although there are some differences in the plan view shape, they are provided with portions 131, 132, 133, and 134 having the same uses / functions as the portions 131, 132, 133, and 134 in the above-described wiring portion 13a. And in each of the wiring portions 13b to 13f, dummy electrodes 20 are arranged corresponding to the narrow portions 133 and 134. Also, in the wiring portions 13b, 13c, 13d, and 13e, the right-side portion of the portion 131 is configured in a substantially triangular shape.

[0025] Moreover, each of the wiring portions 13b-13f is arranged so as to overlap with the pixel electrodes 16b-16f in a plan view, and is also arranged so as to overlap with each of the pixel electrodes 16g, 16h, and 16j in a plan view. One end region of each of the wiring portions 13b-13f that is lower than the pixel electrode 16j in the figure is used as an external output electrode terminal. Each of the wiring portions 13b-13f is electrically / physically connected to the pixel electrodes 16b-16f via one through hole 21. Thereby, a voltage input from the external output electrode terminal is applied individually to each of the pixel electrodes 16b, etc. through each of the wiring portions 13b, etc.

[0026] The wiring portion 13g extends in the Y direction and is arranged so as to overlap the pixel electrodes 16g and 16j. The wiring portion 13g is electrically / physically connected to the pixel electrode 16g via one through hole 21. Thus, a voltage input from an external extraction electrode terminal is applied to the pixel electrode 16g through the wiring portion 13g. The wiring portion 13g has a portion 135 arranged so as to overlap the gap between the pixel electrodes 16g and 16j. The portion 135 has a length (width) in the X direction that is approximately the same as that of the entire wiring portion 13g. Since the portion 135 has approximately the same potential as the pixel electrode 16g, when a voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 16g, a voltage can be applied to the liquid crystal layer 19 also in the lower region of the pixel electrode 16g in the figure. Thus, light transmission / non-transmission can be switched in conjunction with the region corresponding to the pixel electrode 16g in this lower region as well.

[0027] The wiring portion 13h extends in the Y direction and is arranged so as to overlap with each of the pixel electrodes 16g, 16h, and 16j. The wiring portion 13h is electrically / physically connected to the pixel electrode 16h via one through hole 21. As a result, a voltage input from an external extraction electrode terminal is applied to the pixel electrode 16h through the wiring portion 13h. The wiring portion 13h also has a portion 136 arranged so as to overlap with a gap between the pixel electrodes 16h and 16g. The portion 136 has a relatively large length (width) in the X direction in the entire wiring portion 13h. Since the portion 136 has approximately the same potential as the pixel electrode 16h, the wiring portion 13h can apply a voltage to the liquid crystal layer 19 even in the lower region of the pixel electrode 16h in the figure when a voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 16h, in the same manner as each portion 134 in the wiring portion 13a described above. This allows the lower region to be switched between light transmission and non-transmission in conjunction with the region corresponding to the pixel electrode 16h. The wiring portion 13h also has a relatively narrow portion 134. A dummy electrode 20 is disposed in correspondence with the narrow portion 134.

[0028] The wiring portion 13j extends in the Y direction and is disposed so as to overlap with the pixel electrode 16j. The wiring portion 13j is electrically / physically connected to the pixel electrode 16j via one through-hole 21. As a result, a voltage input from an external output electrode terminal is applied to the pixel electrode 16j through the wiring portion 13j.

[0029] Next, each of the dummy electrodes 20 will be described in more detail. Each dummy electrode 20 provided corresponding to each part 133 of each wiring part 13a to 13e is arranged along the X direction so as to overlap the gap between the pixel electrode 16h and the pixel electrode 16g. And each dummy electrode 20 is connected to the pixel electrode 16h through one through hole 21 (indicated by black dots in the figure). In other words, each dummy electrode 20 shares one pixel electrode 16h and is electrically connected to each other using that pixel electrode 16h as a jumper wiring. Thereby, these dummy electrodes 20 have the same potential as the pixel electrode 16h, so that a voltage can be applied to the liquid crystal layer 19 even in the lower region in the figure of the pixel electrode 16h when a voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 16h. Combining with the action of the part 136 of the wiring part 13h described above, in most of the gap between the pixel electrode 16h and the pixel electrode 16g, the light transmission / non-transmission can be switched in conjunction with the switching of the light transmission / non-transmission due to the voltage application to the pixel electrode 16h.

[0030] Similarly, each dummy electrode 20 is provided corresponding to each part 134 of each of the wiring parts 13a to 13f, 13h, and each dummy electrode 20 is arranged along the X direction so as to overlap the gap between the pixel electrode 16g and the pixel electrode 16j. And each dummy electrode 20 is connected to the pixel electrode 16g through one through hole 21 (indicated by black dots in the figure). In other words, each dummy electrode 20 shares one pixel electrode 16g and is electrically connected to each other using this as a jumper wiring. Thereby, these dummy electrodes 20 have the same potential as the pixel electrode 16g, so that a voltage can be applied to the liquid crystal layer 19 even in the lower region in the figure of the pixel electrode 16g when a voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 16g. Combining with the action of the part 135 of the wiring part 13g described above, in most of the gap between the pixel electrode 16g and the pixel electrode 16j, the light transmission / non-transmission can be switched in conjunction with the switching of the light transmission / non-transmission due to the voltage application to the pixel electrode 16h.

[0031] Thus, in this embodiment, the island-shaped dummy electrodes 20 are provided at positions overlapping between the pixel electrodes, and by connecting them to the same potential as the adjacent pixel electrodes, it becomes possible to switch the transmission / non-transmission of light in conjunction with the pixel electrodes even between pixel electrodes that were difficult in the past depending on the pixel shape, layout, etc.

[0032] Here, the electrode configuration of the comparative example is shown in FIG. 4. In the illustrated comparative example, the configurations of the pixel electrodes 216a to 216h, 216j are the same as those of the liquid crystal element 100 described above, and the pixel electrodes 216a to 216f are connected to the wiring portions 213a to 213f and the through holes 221, respectively, and the pixel electrodes 216g, 216h, 216j are connected to the wirings 213g, 213h, 213j and the through holes 221, respectively. However, it does not have a configuration corresponding to the dummy electrode 20. For this reason, in the region 250 where the X-direction length (width) of each of the wiring portions 213a to 213f is narrow, light transmission / non-transmission cannot be switched in most of the gaps between the pixel electrode 216h and the pixel electrode 216g. Further, in the region 251 where the X-direction length (width) of each of the wiring portions 213a to 213f is wide, regardless of the voltage application situation to the pixel electrode 216g or the pixel electrode 216j, the light transmission / non-transmission is switched in conjunction with the voltage application situation to each of the pixel electrodes 216a, etc. The same applies to the region 252, and the light transmission / non-transmission is switched in conjunction with the voltage application situation to the pixel electrode 216h.

[0033] <Second Embodiment> FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the pixel shape of the liquid crystal element of the second embodiment. The illustrated liquid crystal element 100A includes a circular pixel 2c disposed in the effective display area 1, and annular pixels 2d, 2e disposed concentrically with respect to the pixel 2c. These pixels 2c, 2d, 2e are each a segment region (light modulation region) capable of independently switching the transmission / non-transmission of light. In the following description, the description of the content common to the first embodiment described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0034] Figs. 6(A) and 6(B) are schematic cross-sectional views showing the configuration of the first substrate of the liquid crystal element 100A. Further, Fig. 7(A) is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the pixel electrodes, wiring portions, and dummy electrodes of the liquid crystal element 100A, and Fig. 7(B) is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the wiring portions and dummy electrodes. Note that the cross-sectional view shown in Fig. 6(A) shows the cross-section along the line c-c in Fig. 5(A), and the cross-sectional view shown in Fig. 6(B) shows the cross-section along the line d-d in Fig. 7(A). However, the scales of the respective figures are appropriately adjusted for easy understanding of the drawings.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 6(A), wiring portions 313a, 313b, and 313c are provided on the first substrate 311, an insulating layer 315 is provided so as to cover these, and pixel electrodes 316a, 316b, and 316c are provided on the insulating layer 315. Further, as shown in Fig. 6(B), a dummy electrode 320 is provided on the first substrate 311, and this dummy electrode 320 is connected to the pixel electrode 316c via one through hole 321. Also, as shown in Fig. 7(A), the pixel electrodes 316a, 316b, and 316c are each connected to the wiring portions 313a, 313b, and 313c via one through hole 321.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 7(A), in plan view, the wiring portion 313a is arranged such that the annular portion overlaps the gap between the pixel electrode 316a and the pixel electrode 316b. The wiring portion 313b is arranged such that the annular portion overlaps the gap between the pixel electrode 316b and the pixel electrode 316c in plan view. The wiring portion 313c is arranged such that the annular portion overlaps the outer edge region of the pixel electrode 316c in plan view. One end region on the lower side in the figure of each of the wiring portions 313a to 313c is used as an external extraction electrode terminal. And a dummy electrode 320 is arranged between the linear portions of each of the wiring portion 313b and the wiring portion 313c. Thereby, light transmission / non-transmission can be switched in conjunction with the voltage application state to the pixel electrode 313c also in the gap between the linear portions of each of the wiring portion 313b and the wiring portion 313c. That is, display without deficiency can be performed in most of the pixel 2e.

[0037] Here, the electrode structure of the liquid crystal element of the comparative example is shown in a plan view in FIG. 8(A) and in a cross-sectional view in FIG. 8(B). Note that elements common to the liquid crystal element of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. In the liquid crystal element of the comparative example, a configuration corresponding to the dummy electrode 320 is not provided. Therefore, in the gap between the linear portions of each of the wiring portions 313b and 313c, it is not possible to switch between light transmission and non-transmission. Accordingly, on the appearance, a region 350 that is constantly lit or constantly extinguished is generated in a part below the pixel 2e.

[0038] <Third Embodiment> FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the pixel shape of the liquid crystal element of the third embodiment. The illustrated liquid crystal element 100B includes pixels of various shapes arranged in the effective display region 1 and is configured to be able to arbitrarily display English letters, numbers, and the like. For example, focusing on the illustrated region R, pixels such as substantially triangular pixels 2f and 2g and substantially trapezoidal pixels 2h and 2j are included. These pixels 2f and the like are each independently a segment region (light modulation region) capable of switching between light transmission and non-transmission. Note that the basic configuration of the liquid crystal element 100B is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the electrode structure corresponding to the region R shown in FIG. 9. In the illustrated liquid crystal element 100B, the pixel electrode 416f corresponds to the pixel 2f, the pixel electrode 416g corresponds to the pixel 2g, the pixel electrode 416h corresponds to the pixel 2h, and the pixel electrode 416j corresponds to the pixel 2j. Further, the wiring portion 413f is connected to the pixel electrode 416f via one through hole 421. The wiring portion 413j is connected to the pixel electrode 416j via one through hole 421. In order to make it easier to understand the ranges of the respective wiring portions 413f and 413j, patterns are added thereto. Note that for other pixel electrodes (not shown), one wiring portion (shown by a dotted line in the figure) is correspondingly associated with each of them and is connected via a through hole.

[0040] In addition, a dummy electrode 420 is provided at a position overlapping the gap between the pixel electrode 416f and the pixel electrode 416h. This dummy electrode 420 is connected to the pixel electrode 416f via one through hole 421 and is at the same potential. Thereby, when a voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 416f, a voltage can be applied to the liquid crystal layer 19 even in the right region of the pixel electrode 416f in the drawing. Similarly, a dummy electrode 420 is provided at a position overlapping the gap between the pixel electrode 416j and the pixel electrode 416g. This dummy electrode 420 is connected to the pixel electrode 416j via one through hole 421 and is at the same potential. Thereby, when a voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 416j, a voltage can be applied to the liquid crystal layer 19 even in the right region of the pixel electrode 416j in the drawing.

[0041] According to each of the above embodiments, in the region between the pixel electrodes of the liquid crystal element, it is possible to provide a portion capable of switching light transmission / non-transmission even in a region that has been difficult in the past.

[0042] Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the content of the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made and implemented within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. For example, the planar shape, layout, or material used for formation of the pixel electrode, wiring portion, dummy electrode, etc. in each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example and is not limited to the disclosed content.

[0043] Also, in the liquid crystal element of each of the above-described embodiments, an insulating layer (second insulating layer) may be provided so as to individually cover each pixel electrode. A specific configuration example is shown in FIG. 11. Here, a cross-sectional view of a configuration example in the case where a second insulating layer is added based on the liquid crystal element 100 of the first embodiment is shown. Note that the same reference numerals are used for common configurations, and the description thereof is omitted. In the liquid crystal element 100C of the illustrated example, each second insulating layer 22 is disposed so as to cover each pixel electrode 16. These second insulating layers 22 may be made of any material as long as they have good insulating properties and light transmittance, similar to the above-described insulating layer (first insulating layer) 15. For example, insulating films made of acrylic insulating materials, siloxane-based photosensitive resin materials, etc., and various insulating films such as inorganic oxide films such as silicon oxide films and silicon nitride films can be used. By providing such a second insulating layer 22, the voltage difference between the region where voltage is applied from the dummy electrode 20 to the liquid crystal layer 19 and the region where voltage is applied from each pixel electrode 16 to the liquid crystal layer 19 can be made smaller. Thereby, the difference in light transmittance between each region can be reduced.

[0044] The liquid crystal elements of the above-described embodiments and modified embodiments can be suitably used, for example, for image display applications, and can also be suitably used in various lighting devices. The lighting device referred to here means a device that transmits light through a liquid crystal element to form various images and projects the images. The lighting device according to the present disclosure includes, for example, vehicle lamps that project various images around a vehicle (in front, on the side, or on the road surface, etc.), stage lighting devices used in performances such as plays, or street lamps.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a vehicle lamp which is an example of a lighting device. The illustrated vehicle lamp includes a light source 500, a liquid crystal element 501, a pair of polarizing elements (polarizing plates) 502 and 503, a projection lens 504, a camera 505, a controller 506, and a driver 507. This vehicle lamp makes the light emitted from the light source 500 enter the liquid crystal element 501, forms various images using the liquid crystal element 501, and projects the images forward of the vehicle by the projection lens 504. Specifically, this vehicle lamp detects the positions of preceding vehicles, oncoming vehicles, etc. existing in the space in front of the vehicle by the camera 505, sets a light distribution pattern including a light reduction range corresponding to the positions of those preceding vehicles, etc. by the controller 506, and applies a driving voltage to the liquid crystal element 501 by the driver 507 so as to realize the light distribution pattern. Thereby, a high beam in which a predetermined range corresponding to the position of a preceding vehicle, etc. is light-reduced is irradiated in front of the vehicle, so that glare can be prevented from being given to the preceding vehicle, etc. As the liquid crystal element 501 in such a vehicle lamp, for example, the liquid crystal element 100 according to the above-described first embodiment or the liquid crystal element 100C of its modified embodiment can be preferably used.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0046] 1: Effective display area, 2a, 2b: Pixel, 11: First substrate, 12: Second substrate, 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13g, 13h: Wiring portion, 14: Common electrode, 15: Insulating layer, 16, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f, 16g, 16h, 16j: Pixel electrode, 17: First alignment film, 18: Second alignment film, 19: Liquid crystal layer, 20: Dummy electrode, 21: Through hole, 100: Liquid crystal element

Claims

1. A liquid crystal element including a plurality of segment regions including at least two segment regions having different sizes in plan view, a first substrate and a second substrate arranged with one surface side facing each other, a plurality of wiring portions arranged on one surface side of the first substrate and having terminal portions for making connections to the outside, a plurality of auxiliary electrodes arranged on one surface side of the first substrate and configured separately from each of the wiring portions, a first insulating layer arranged on one surface side of the first substrate to cover each of the wiring portions and each of the auxiliary electrodes, a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged on the surface of the first insulating layer on the side facing the second substrate, each having a substantially same planar shape as any one of the segment regions, at least one common electrode arranged on one surface side of the second substrate and facing each of the pixel electrodes, a liquid crystal layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, and including, each of the segment regions is constituted in each region where each of the pixel electrodes and the common electrode overlap in plan view, the segment region is one in which the light transmittance is switched by the voltage between the pixel electrode and the common electrode, each of the wiring portions is connected to any one of the pixel electrodes through a through hole provided in the first insulating layer, each of the auxiliary electrodes is arranged so as to overlap with a gap between two of the pixel electrodes having adjacent portions in plan view among the pixel electrodes, and is connected to any one of the two pixel electrodes having the adjacent portions through a through hole provided in the first insulating layer, a liquid crystal element.

2. Two or more of the auxiliary electrodes are connected by sharing one of the pixel electrodes, The liquid crystal element according to Claim 1.

3. At least a part of each of the auxiliary electrodes is arranged between two of the wiring portions having adjacent portions in plan view among the wiring portions, The liquid crystal element according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. Each of the wiring portions has a first portion which is a portion arranged so as to overlap with a gap between the pixel electrodes and is relatively narrower in width than other portions, Each of the auxiliary electrodes is arranged so as to be adjacent in plan view to any one of the first portions of the wiring portions, The liquid crystal element according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. Each of the wiring portions is connected to the first portion and has a second portion that is relatively wider than the first portion. Each of the auxiliary electrodes is arranged in association with a concave region in a plan view defined by the first portion and the second portion of each of the wiring portions. The liquid crystal element according to claim 4.

6. The liquid crystal element further includes a plurality of second insulating layers arranged to individually cover each of the pixel electrodes. The liquid crystal element according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The liquid crystal element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a light source that emits light to be incident on the liquid crystal element, a pair of polarizing elements arranged to face each other with the liquid crystal element interposed therebetween, a lens that projects the light transmitted through the liquid crystal element, and an illumination device including the same.

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