Optical devices

Abstract

Provided is an optical device comprising a first liquid crystal cell (10) and a second liquid crystal cell (20) overlapping the first liquid crystal cell, wherein: the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell respectively include first substrates (S11, S21) respectively provided with first electrodes (E11, E21) including first patterns extending in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a first direction, second substrates (S12, S22) respectively provided with second electrodes (E12, E22) including second patterns extending in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and liquid crystal layers (LC1, LC2) between the first substrates and the second substrates; the first substrates and the second substrates are arranged such that the extension direction of the first patterns and the extension direction of the second patterns intersect without being perpendicular to each other, and that the first electrodes and the second electrodes face each other; the extension directions of the respective first patterns in the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell are different from each other; and the extension directions of the respective second patterns in the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell are different from each other.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus that utilizes the electro-optic effect of liquid crystals to control the distribution of light emitted from a light source. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technique for controlling the light distribution angle of light emitted from a light source by using a liquid crystal lens. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting device that controls the orientation of liquid crystals to control the light distribution angle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0196318 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, ripples are prevented by tilting the angle of two liquid crystal cells. However, because the angle of the liquid crystal cells themselves is tilted, a high-precision device is required to adjust the angle of the liquid crystal cells when bonding the cells together. Furthermore, when multiple liquid crystal cells to be bonded together are manufactured using the same mask, the liquid crystal cells themselves are bonded together at an angle tilted, so if the substrates of the liquid crystal cells are not circular, the corners of the substrates will be misaligned when bonded together. Therefore, if glass substrates or the like are used as the substrates, there is a risk of a decrease in strength.

[0005] An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide an optical device that can be easily manufactured and that eliminates brightness unevenness caused by bonding a plurality of liquid crystal cells together while maintaining strength. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An optical device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first liquid crystal cell and a second liquid crystal cell overlapping the first liquid crystal cell, wherein each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell includes a first substrate having a first electrode including a first pattern extending in a direction tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to a first direction, a second substrate having a second electrode including a second pattern extending in a direction tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the extension direction of the first pattern of the first electrode and the extension direction of the second pattern of the second electrode are not perpendicular but intersect, and the first electrode and the second electrode are opposed to each other, and in each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the extension directions of the first pattern of the first electrode are different from each other and the extension directions of the second pattern of the second electrode are different from each other.

[0007] an optical device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising: a first liquid crystal cell; and a second liquid crystal cell overlapping the first liquid crystal cell; each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell comprising: a first substrate having a plurality of first electrodes including a first pattern having a first bending point; a second substrate having a plurality of second electrodes including a second pattern having a second bending point; and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; in the plurality of first electrodes, the arrangement direction of the first bending points is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a first direction; in the plurality of second electrodes, the arrangement direction of the second bending points is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; the arrangement directions of the first bending points and the arrangement directions of the second bending points intersect without being perpendicular; the first substrate and the second substrate are arranged so that the first electrode and the second electrode face each other; and the arrangement directions of the first bending points are different from each other in the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, and the arrangement directions of the second bending points are different from each other in the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of an optical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 shows a development view of a liquid crystal optical element constituting an optical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of electrodes of a first liquid crystal cell and a second liquid crystal cell that constitute a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a first substrate of a liquid crystal cell that constitutes a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a second substrate of a liquid crystal cell that constitutes a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cross-sectional structure of a liquid crystal cell constituting a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of two liquid crystal cells that constitute a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, arranged in an overlapping manner. [Figure 7A] 1 is a schematic plan view showing a pattern of electrodes provided in a first liquid crystal cell constituting a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the patterns of electrodes provided on a first liquid crystal cell and a second liquid crystal cell constituting a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the operation of a liquid crystal cell that constitutes a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the operation of a liquid crystal cell that constitutes a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8C] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the operation of a liquid crystal cell that constitutes a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] 1 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a pattern of electrodes provided in a first liquid crystal cell constituting a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a pattern of electrodes provided on each of a first liquid crystal cell and a second liquid crystal cell constituting a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A]9B is a schematic diagram for explaining the inclination of the extension direction of the pattern of each electrode shown in FIG. 9A. FIG. [Figure 10B] 9C is a schematic diagram for explaining the inclination of the extension direction of each electrode pattern shown in FIG. 9B. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a pattern of electrodes provided in a first liquid crystal cell constituting a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the positions of bending points of the electrodes shown in FIG. [Figure 13A] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the setting of the angle of each electrode pattern. [Figure 13B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the setting of the angle of each electrode pattern. [Figure 13C] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the setting of the angle of each electrode pattern. [Figure 14A] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the setting of the angle of each electrode pattern. [Figure 14B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the setting of the angle of each electrode pattern. [Figure 14C] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the setting of the angle of each electrode pattern. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a pattern of electrodes provided on each of a first liquid crystal cell and a second liquid crystal cell constituting a liquid crystal optical element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16A] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams showing variations in how the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell are superimposed. [Figure 16B] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams showing variations in how the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell are superimposed. [Figure 16C] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams showing variations in how the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell are superimposed. [Figure 16D] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams showing variations in how the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell are superimposed. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an optical device according to a modified example of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a development view of a liquid crystal optical element constituting an optical device according to a modified example of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of electrodes of a first liquid crystal cell, a second liquid crystal cell, a third liquid crystal cell, and a fourth liquid crystal cell that constitute a liquid crystal optical element according to a modified example of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the angle formed on the XY coordinate plane by the extension direction of the electrode pattern in each liquid crystal cell constituting the liquid crystal optical element according to the modified example of the present disclosure. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments exemplified below. For clarity of explanation, the drawings may show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part schematically compared to the actual form, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification and each drawing, elements similar to those previously described with reference to the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals (or reference numerals with a, b, etc. suffixed thereto), and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the letters "first" and "second" attached to each element are convenient labels used to distinguish each element and have no further meaning unless otherwise specified.

[0010] In this specification, when a component or region is described as being "on (or under)" another component or region, unless otherwise specified, this includes not only the case where it is directly above (or directly under) the other component or region, but also the case where it is above (or under) the other component or region, i.e., the case where another component is included between the component or region and above (or under) the other component or region.

[0011] [First embodiment] 1 shows a perspective view of an optical device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The optical device 100 includes a liquid crystal optical element 102 and a circuit board 104. The liquid crystal optical element 102 includes a plurality of liquid crystal cells. In this embodiment, the liquid crystal optical element 102 includes at least two liquid crystal cells.

[0012] 1 shows an embodiment in which a liquid crystal optical element 102 is composed of a first liquid crystal cell 10 and a second liquid crystal cell 20. The first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are flat panels, and are arranged so that the flat surfaces of the respective liquid crystal cells overlap. A transparent adhesive layer (not shown) is provided between the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20. The liquid crystal optical element 102 has a structure in which adjacent liquid crystal cells are adhered to each other with a transparent adhesive layer.

[0013] The circuit board 104 includes a circuit for driving the liquid crystal optical element 102. The first liquid crystal cell 10 is connected to the circuit board 104 via a first flexible wiring board F1, and the second liquid crystal cell 20 is connected to the circuit board 104 via a second flexible wiring board F2. The circuit board 104 outputs a control signal to each liquid crystal cell via the flexible wiring board to control the alignment state of the liquid crystal.

[0014] 1, a light source unit 106 is disposed on the rear side of a liquid crystal optical element 102. The optical device 100 is configured so that light emitted from the light source unit 106 is emitted to the front side of the drawing through the liquid crystal optical element 102. In the liquid crystal optical element 102, a first liquid crystal cell 10 and a second liquid crystal cell 20 are disposed in this order from the light source unit 106 side.

[0015] The light source unit 106 includes a white light source, and an optical element such as a lens may be disposed between the white light source and the liquid crystal optical element 102 as needed. The white light source is a light source that emits light similar to natural light, and may emit dimmed light such as daylight white or warm white. The optical device 100 has a function of controlling the diffusion direction of light emitted from the light source unit 106 by the liquid crystal optical element 102. The liquid crystal optical element 102 has a function of shaping the light emitted from the light source unit 106 into a light distribution pattern such as a square, cross, or line.

[0016] 2 shows an exploded view of the liquid crystal optical element 102 shown in FIG.

[0017] The first liquid crystal cell 10 includes a first substrate S11, a second substrate S12, and a first flexible wiring substrate F1. The first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 are disposed opposite each other with a gap therebetween. A liquid crystal layer (not shown) is provided in the gap between the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12. The first flexible wiring substrate F1 is connected to the first substrate S11.

[0018] The second liquid crystal cell 20 includes a first substrate S21, a second substrate S22, and a second flexible wiring substrate F2. The first substrate S21 and the second substrate S22 are arranged facing each other with a gap therebetween. A liquid crystal layer (not shown) is provided in the gap between the first substrate S21 and the second substrate S22. The second flexible wiring substrate F2 is connected to the first substrate S21.

[0019] A first transparent adhesive layer TA1 is disposed between the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20. The first transparent adhesive layer TA1 transmits visible light and bonds the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 to the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20. In other words, the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are disposed superimposed on each other such that the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 face each other via the first transparent adhesive layer TA1.

[0020] The first transparent adhesive layer TA1 preferably has a high transmittance and a refractive index close to that of the first substrates S11, S21 and the second substrates S12, S22. An optically elastic resin can be used as the first transparent adhesive layer TA1, for example, an adhesive containing a light-transmitting acrylic resin can be used. Furthermore, because the temperature of the liquid crystal optical element 102 increases due to heat radiated from the light source unit 106, it is preferable that the thermal expansion coefficient of the first transparent adhesive layer TA1 be close to that of the first substrates S11, S21 and the second substrates S12, S22.

[0021] However, since the thermal expansion coefficient of the first transparent adhesive layer TA1 is often higher than that of, for example, a glass substrate, it is necessary to consider stress relaxation when the temperature rises. The thickness of the first transparent adhesive layer TA1 is preferably thicker than the cell gap (thickness of the liquid crystal layer) of each liquid crystal cell (first liquid crystal cell 10, second liquid crystal cell 20) to relax thermal stress when the temperature rises.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of electrodes provided on the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20. As shown in FIG.

[0023] The first liquid crystal cell 10 includes a first substrate S11, a second substrate S12, and a first liquid crystal layer LC1 between the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12. The first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 may each be rectangular having a pair of sides (first sides s1) parallel to the X-axis direction (first direction) and a pair of sides (second sides s2) parallel to the Y-axis direction (second direction) perpendicular to the X-axis direction. A first electrode E11 is provided on the surface of the first substrate S11 facing the first liquid crystal layer LC1, and a second electrode E12 is provided on the surface of the second substrate S12 facing the first liquid crystal layer LC1. The first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 are disposed opposite each other with the first liquid crystal layer LC1 interposed therebetween.

[0024] The first electrode E11 includes a plurality of first branch electrodes E11A and a plurality of second branch electrodes E11B each including a first pattern extending linearly in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the X-axis direction (first direction). The extension directions of the plurality of first branch electrodes E11A and the plurality of second branch electrodes E11B may be inclined at an angle of 0.5±1° to 10±1° with respect to the X-axis direction. Preferably, the plurality of first branch electrodes E11A and the plurality of second branch electrodes E11B may be inclined at an angle of 0.5±1° to 5±1° with respect to the X-axis direction. The second electrode E12 includes a plurality of third branch electrodes E12A and a plurality of fourth branch electrodes E12B each including a second pattern extending linearly in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the Y-axis direction (second direction). The extension directions of the plurality of third branch electrodes E12A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E12B may be inclined at an angle of 0.5±1° to 10±1° with respect to the Y-axis direction. Preferably, the plurality of third branch electrodes E12A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E12B may be inclined at an angle of 0.5±1° or more and 5±1° or less with respect to the Y-axis direction. The plurality of first branch electrodes 11A and the plurality of second branch electrodes E11B are alternately arranged in the Y-axis direction, and the plurality of third branch electrodes 12A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E12B are alternately arranged in the X-axis direction.

[0025] 3 shows the X, Y, and Z axis directions for the sake of explanation. The first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are arranged to overlap in the Z axis direction. As described above, in the first liquid crystal cell 10, the extension directions of the plurality of first branch electrodes E11A and the plurality of second branch electrodes E11B are arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the X axis direction, and the extension directions of the plurality of third branch electrodes 12A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E12B are arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the Y axis direction. That is, the plurality of first branch electrodes E11A and the plurality of second branch electrodes E11B and the plurality of third branch electrodes E12A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E12B are arranged to intersect so as not to be orthogonal to each other.

[0026] The second liquid crystal cell 20 includes a first substrate S21, a second substrate S22, and a second liquid crystal layer LC2 between the first substrate S21 and the second substrate S22. A first electrode E21 is provided on the first substrate S21 on a surface facing the second liquid crystal layer LC2, and a second electrode E22 is provided on the second substrate S22 on a surface facing the second liquid crystal layer LC2. The first electrode E21 includes a plurality of first branch electrodes E21A and a plurality of second branch electrodes E21B including a first pattern extending linearly in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the X-axis direction (first direction). The extension directions of the plurality of first branch electrodes E21A and the plurality of second branch electrodes E21B may be inclined at an angle of 0.5±1° to 10±1° with respect to the X-axis direction. Preferably, the plurality of first branch electrodes E21A and the plurality of second branch electrodes E21B may be inclined at an angle of 0.5±1° to 5±1° with respect to the X-axis direction. The second electrode E22 includes a plurality of third branch electrodes E22A and a plurality of fourth branch electrodes E22B including a second pattern extending linearly in a direction tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to the Y-axis direction (second direction). The extension direction of the plurality of third branch electrodes E22A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E22B may be tilted at an angle of 0.5±1° to 10±1° with respect to the Y-axis direction. Preferably, the plurality of third branch electrodes E22A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E22B may be tilted at an angle of 0.5±1° to 5±1° with respect to the Y-axis direction.

[0027] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, a plurality of first branch electrodes 21A and a plurality of second branch electrodes E21B are alternately arranged in the Y-axis direction, and a plurality of third branch electrodes 22A and a plurality of fourth branch electrodes E22B are alternately arranged in the X-axis direction. As described above, in the second liquid crystal cell 20, the extension directions of the plurality of first branch electrodes 21A and the plurality of second branch electrodes E21B are arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the X-axis direction, and the extension directions of the plurality of third branch electrodes 22A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E22B are arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the Y-axis direction. That is, the plurality of first branch electrodes E21A and the plurality of second branch electrodes E21B and the plurality of third branch electrodes E22A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E22B are arranged to intersect so as not to be orthogonal to each other.

[0028] In the liquid crystal optical element 102, the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first branch electrode E21A and the second branch electrode E21B of the second liquid crystal cell 20 extend while being inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the X-axis. Similarly, in the liquid crystal optical element 102, the third branch electrode E12A and the fourth branch electrode E12B of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the third branch electrode E22A and the fourth branch electrode E22B of the second liquid crystal cell 20 extend while being inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the Y-axis.

[0029] In the liquid crystal optical element 102, the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 are arranged to face each other via a first transparent adhesive layer TA1 (not shown in FIG. 3). In other words, the third branch electrode E12A and the fourth branch electrode E12B of the first liquid crystal cell 10 face the third branch electrode E22A and the fourth branch electrode E22B of the second liquid crystal cell 20. Therefore, in the liquid crystal optical element 102, when the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are superimposed, if the third branch electrode E12A and the fourth branch electrode E12B of the first liquid crystal cell 10 are inclined at a predetermined angle, for example, angle θ2, with respect to the Y-axis direction, the third branch electrode E22A and the fourth branch electrode E22B of the second liquid crystal cell 20 are inclined at an angle 180-θ2 with respect to the Y-axis direction. The angle θ2 is in the range of 0.5±1° to 10±1°.

[0030] In the liquid crystal optical element 102, the first substrate S11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first substrate S21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 are arranged to face each other with the liquid crystal layer LC1 of the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10, the first transparent adhesive layer TA1 (not shown in Fig. 3), the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20, and the liquid crystal layer LC2 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 interposed therebetween. In other words, the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first branch electrode E21A and the second branch electrode E21B of the second liquid crystal cell 20 are arranged to face each other. Therefore, in the liquid crystal optical element 102, when the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are superimposed, if the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B of the first liquid crystal cell 10 are inclined at a predetermined angle, for example, angle θ1, with respect to the X-axis direction, the first branch electrode E21A and the second branch electrode E21B of the second liquid crystal cell 20 are inclined at an angle 180-θ1 with respect to the X-axis direction. The angle θ1 is greater than or equal to 0.5±1° and less than or equal to 10±1°.

[0031] In the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, the first substrates S11 and S21 have the same configuration, and the second substrates S12 and S22 have the same configuration. The first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 provided in the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first electrode E21 and the second electrode E22 provided in the second liquid crystal cell 20 have approximately the same size in a plan view. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the light source unit (106) is disposed below the first liquid crystal cell 10. Light emitted from the light source unit (106) and incident on the liquid crystal optical element 102 passes through all of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 before being emitted.

[0032] The first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 have substantially the same configuration, but the first liquid crystal cell 10 will be described in more detail below as a representative.

[0033] FIG. 4A shows a plan view of the first substrate S11, and FIG. 4B shows a plan view of the second substrate S12.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 4A, a first electrode E11 is provided on the first substrate S11. The first electrode E11 includes a plurality of first branch electrodes E11A and a plurality of second branch electrodes E11B. The plurality of first branch electrodes E11A and the plurality of second branch electrodes E11B have a first pattern, and the first pattern is strip-shaped. The first pattern extends and is inclined at a predetermined angle θ1 with respect to the X-axis direction. The strip-shaped pattern of the plurality of first branch electrodes E11A and the strip-shaped pattern of the plurality of second branch electrodes E11B are alternately arranged at a predetermined interval.

[0035] The plurality of first branch electrodes E11A are each connected to a first power supply line PL11, and the plurality of second branch electrodes E11B are each connected to a second power supply line PL12. The first power supply line PL11 is connected to a first connection terminal T11, and the second power supply line PL12 is connected to a second connection terminal T12. The first connection terminal T11 and the second connection terminal T12 are provided along one edge of the first substrate S11. The first substrate S11 is provided with a third connection terminal T13 adjacent to the first connection terminal T11 and a fourth connection terminal T14 adjacent to the second connection terminal T12. The third connection terminal T13 is connected to a fifth power supply line PL15. The fifth power supply line PL15 is connected to a first power supply terminal PT11 provided at a predetermined position within the surface of the first substrate S11. The fourth connection terminal T14 is connected to a sixth power supply line PL16. The sixth power supply line PL16 is connected to a second power supply terminal PT12 provided at a predetermined position on the surface of the first substrate S11.

[0036] The multiple first branch electrodes E11A are connected to a first power supply line PL11 and the same voltage is applied to each. The multiple second branch electrodes E11B are connected to a second power supply line PL12 and the same voltage is applied to each. As shown in FIG. 4A, the multiple first branch electrodes E11A and the multiple second branch electrodes E11B are arranged alternately. The multiple first branch electrodes E11A and the multiple second branch electrodes E11B are electrically isolated. When voltages of different levels are applied to the multiple first branch electrodes E11A and the multiple second branch electrodes E11B, an electric field is generated between the two electrodes due to the potential difference. That is, a horizontal electric field is generated by the multiple first branch electrodes E11A and the multiple second branch electrodes E11B.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4B, a second electrode E12 is provided on the second substrate S12. The second electrode E12 includes a plurality of third branch electrodes E12A and a plurality of fourth branch electrodes E12B. The plurality of third branch electrodes E12A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E12B have a second pattern, and the second pattern is strip-shaped. The second pattern extends and is inclined at a predetermined angle θ2 with respect to the Y-axis direction. The strip-shaped pattern of the plurality of third branch electrodes E12A and the strip-shaped pattern of the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E12B are alternately arranged at a predetermined interval.

[0038] The plurality of third branch electrodes E12A are each connected to a third power feed line PL13, and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E12B are each connected to a fourth power feed line PL14. The third power feed line PL13 is connected to a third power feed terminal PT13, and the fourth power feed line PL14 is connected to a fourth power feed terminal PT14. The third power feed terminal PT13 is provided at a position corresponding to the first power feed terminal PT11 on the first substrate S11, and the fourth power feed terminal PT14 is provided at a position corresponding to the second power feed terminal PT12 on the first substrate S11.

[0039] The plurality of third branch electrodes E12A are connected to a third power supply line PL13 and the same voltage is applied to each of them. The plurality of fourth branch electrodes E12B are connected to a fourth power supply line PL14 and the same voltage is applied to each of them. As shown in FIG. 4B, the plurality of third branch electrodes E12A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E12B are alternately arranged. The plurality of third branch electrodes E12A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E12B are electrically isolated. When voltages of different levels are applied to the plurality of third branch electrodes E12A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E12B, an electric field is generated between the two electrodes due to the potential difference. That is, a horizontal electric field is generated by the plurality of third branch electrodes E12A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E12B.

[0040] The first connection terminal T11, the second connection terminal T12, the third connection terminal T13, and the fourth connection terminal T14 provided on the first substrate S11 are terminals connected to the flexible wiring substrate. In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the first power supply terminal PT11 and the third power supply terminal PT13 are electrically connected by a conductive material, and the second power supply terminal PT12 and the fourth power supply terminal PT14 are electrically connected to a conductive material.

[0041] Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the first liquid crystal cell 10. The cross-sectional structure of the first liquid crystal cell 10 shown in Fig. 5 corresponds to the A1-A2 line of the first substrate S11 shown in Fig. 4A and the second substrate S12 shown in Fig. 4B.

[0042] The first liquid crystal cell 10 has an effective area AA capable of polarizing and scattering incident light. The first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 are disposed within the effective area AA. The first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 are bonded together by a sealant SE provided outside the effective area AA (frame area). A gap is provided between the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 to seal in a first liquid crystal layer LC1. The first liquid crystal layer LC1 is sealed between the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 by the sealant SE.

[0043] The first substrate S11 has a first electrode E11 and a first power supply terminal PT11, and a first alignment film AL11 provided on the first electrode E11. The first electrode E11 includes a first branch electrode E11A and a second branch electrode E11B. The first power supply terminal PT11 is continuous with the fifth power supply line PL15 and is disposed outside the sealing material SE.

[0044] The second substrate S12 has a second electrode E12 and a third power supply terminal PT13, and has a structure in which a second alignment film AL12 is provided on the second electrode E12. The second electrode E12 includes a third branch electrode E12A and a fourth branch electrode E12B. The third power supply terminal PT13 has a structure that continues from the third power supply line PL13 and is arranged outside the seal material SE.

[0045] The first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 are arranged so that the extension directions of their electrode patterns intersect. That is, the extension directions of the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B intersect with the extension directions of the third branch electrode E12A and the fourth branch electrode E12B. However, the first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 are not orthogonal to each other. That is, the extension directions of the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B are not orthogonal to the extension directions of the third branch electrode E12A and the fourth branch electrode E12B.

[0046] The first and third power supply terminals PT11 and PT13 are arranged facing each other in an area outside the sealing material SE. The first conductive member CP11 is arranged between the first and third power supply terminals PT11 and PT13 and electrically connects them. The first conductive member CP11 can be formed from a conductive paste material, such as silver paste or carbon paste. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the second and fourth power supply terminals PT12 and PT14 are also electrically connected to each other via a conductive member.

[0047] The first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 are light-transmitting substrates, such as a glass substrate or a resin substrate. The first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 are transparent electrodes made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0048] The power feed lines (first power feed line PL11, second power feed line PL12, third power feed line PL13, fourth power feed line PL14, fifth power feed line PL15, sixth power feed line PL16), connection terminals (first connection terminal T11, second connection terminal T12, third connection terminal T13, fourth connection terminal T14), and power feed terminals (first power feed terminal PT11, second power feed terminal PT12, third power feed terminal PT13, fourth power feed terminal PT14) are formed of a metal material such as aluminum, titanium, molybdenum, tungsten, etc. The power feed lines (first power feed line PL11, second power feed line PL12, third power feed line PL13, fourth power feed line PL14, fifth power feed line PL15, sixth power feed line PL16) may be formed of the same transparent conductive film as the first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12.

[0049] The alignment films AL11 and AL12 are formed of horizontal alignment films having an alignment restriction force substantially parallel to the main planes of the substrates. The first liquid crystal layer LC1 is made of, for example, twisted nematic liquid crystal (TN (Twisted Nematic) liquid crystal). Although not shown in FIG. 5, the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S21 are A spacer may be provided between the substrate S12 to keep the gap between the two substrates constant.

[0050] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the first liquid crystal cell 10 shown in Fig. 5, with the second liquid crystal cell 20 superimposed thereon via a first transparent adhesive layer TA1. The cross-sectional structures of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 shown in Fig. 6 correspond to the cross-sectional structures of the first substrate S11 shown in Fig. 4A and the second substrate S12 shown in Fig. 4B taken along the line A1-A2.

[0051] The configuration of the second liquid crystal cell 20 is substantially the same as the configuration of the first liquid crystal cell 10 described with reference to FIG. 5. The first electrode E21 and the second electrode E22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 are disposed within the effective area AA. The first substrate S21 and the second substrate S22 are bonded together by a sealant SE provided outside the effective area AA. A gap is provided between the first substrate S21 and the second substrate S22 to enclose a second liquid crystal layer LC2. The second liquid crystal layer LC2 is enclosed between the first substrate S21 and the second substrate S22 by the sealant SE.

[0052] The second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 has the same configuration as the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10. That is, the second substrate S22 has a second electrode E22 and a third power supply terminal PT23, and a second alignment film AL22 is provided on the second electrode E22. The second electrode E22 includes a third branch electrode E22A and a fourth branch electrode E22B. The third power supply terminal PT23 is continuous with the third power supply line PL23 and is disposed outside the sealant SE. The second substrate S22 is disposed to face the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 via a first transparent adhesive layer TA1. In detail, the second substrate S22 is arranged so that the surface (outer surface ES22) opposite the surface on which the second electrode E22 is provided faces the surface (outer surface ES12) opposite the surface on which the second electrode E12 of the second substrate 12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 is provided, via the first transparent adhesive layer TA1.

[0053] The first substrate S21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 has the same configuration as the first substrate S11 of the first liquid crystal layer 10. That is, the first substrate S21 has a first electrode E21 and a first power supply terminal PT21, and a first alignment film AL21 is provided on the first electrode E21. The first electrode E21 includes a first branch electrode E21A and a second branch electrode E21B. The first power supply terminal PT21 is structured to be continuous with the fifth power supply line PL25 and is arranged outside the sealant SE.

[0054] The first electrode E21 and the second electrode E22 are arranged so that the extension directions of their electrode patterns intersect. That is, the extension directions of the first branch electrode E21A and the second branch electrode E21B intersect with the extension directions of the third branch electrode E22A and the fourth branch electrode E22B. However, the first electrode E21 and the second electrode E22 are not orthogonal to each other. That is, the extension directions of the first branch electrode E21A and the second branch electrode E21B are not orthogonal to the extension directions of the third branch electrode E22A and the fourth branch electrode E22B.

[0055] The first power supply terminal PT21 and the third power supply terminal PT23 face each other and are arranged so as to face each other in an area outside the sealing material SE. The first conductive member CP21 is arranged between the first power supply terminal PT21 and the third power supply terminal PT23 and electrically connects them. The first conductive member CP21 can be formed from the same material as the first conductive member CP11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the second power supply terminal PT22 and the fourth power supply terminal PT24 are also electrically connected to each other via a conductive member.

[0056] The first substrate S21 and the second substrate S22 are light-transmitting substrates, such as a glass substrate or a resin substrate. The first electrode E21 and the second electrode E22 are transparent electrodes made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0057] The power supply lines, connection terminals, and power supply terminals provided on the first substrate S21 and the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 are made of a metal material such as aluminum, titanium, molybdenum, or tungsten, similar to the power supply lines, connection terminals, and power supply terminals provided on the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10. The power supply lines may be made of the same transparent conductive film as the first electrodes E21 and the second electrodes E22.

[0058] The alignment films AL21 and AL22 are formed of horizontal alignment films having an alignment restriction force that is approximately parallel to the main plane of the substrate. The second liquid crystal layer LC2 uses twisted nematic liquid crystal (TN (Twisted Nematic) liquid crystal) in the same manner as the first liquid crystal layer LC1. Although not shown in FIG. 6, A spacer may be provided between the first substrate S21 and the second substrate S22 to keep the gap between the two substrates constant.

[0059] Fig. 7A is a schematic plan view showing the pattern (first pattern) of the first electrodes E11 and the pattern (second pattern) of the second electrodes E12 when the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 are arranged overlapping each other in the first liquid crystal cell 10. Fig. 7B is a schematic plan view showing the pattern (first pattern) of the first electrodes E11 and E21 and the pattern (second pattern) of the second electrodes E12 and E22 when the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are arranged overlapping each other, i.e., when the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first substrate S21 and the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 are arranged overlapping each other.

[0060] As described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4A, the extension direction of the first electrode E11 (first branch electrode E11A and second branch electrode E11B) of the first liquid crystal cell 10 is inclined at an angle θ1 (the angle θ1 is 0.5±1° or more and 10±1°) with respect to the X-axis direction. In addition, in the first liquid crystal cell 10, the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 are arranged so that the first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 face each other. That is, the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 shown in FIG. 4A are arranged so as to face each other. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the second substrate S12 is overlapped with the first substrate S11 in the first liquid crystal cell 10, the extension direction of the second electrode E12 (third branch electrode E12A and fourth branch electrode E12B) is inclined at an angle 180-θ2 (the angle θ2 is 0.5±1° or more and 10±1°) with respect to the Y-axis direction.

[0061] 2, the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are arranged in an overlapping manner such that the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 face each other via a first transparent adhesive layer TA1 (not shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B). When the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are arranged in an overlapping manner, the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 is arranged in an overlapping manner such that the surface opposite to the surface on which the second electrode E22 is provided (the outer surface ES22 in FIG. 6) faces the surface opposite to the surface on which the second electrode E12 is provided of the second substrate 12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 (the outer surface ES12 in FIG. 6) via the first transparent adhesive layer TA1. 7B, when the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are overlapped, the extension direction of the second electrode E22 (third branch electrode E22A and fourth branch electrode E22B) of the second liquid crystal cell 20 is inclined at an angle θ2 (the angle θ2 is 0.5±1° or more and 10±1°) with respect to the Y-axis direction. On the other hand, the extension direction of the first electrode E21 (first branch electrode E21A and second branch electrode E21B) is inclined at an angle 180-θ1 (θ1 is 0.5±1° or more and 10±1°) with respect to the X-axis direction.

[0062] As described above, in this embodiment, in the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, the extension directions of the first electrodes E11 and 21 are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the X-axis direction, and the extension directions of the second electrodes E12 and E22 are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the Y-axis direction. In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 are arranged so that the first electrodes E11 and the second electrodes E12 face each other. Furthermore, the relative arrangement of the first substrate 21 and the second substrate S22 in the second liquid crystal cell 20 is the same as the arrangement of the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 in the first liquid crystal cell 10.

[0063] When the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are overlapped, the outer surface of the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 faces the outer surface of the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10. Furthermore, the extension direction of the first electrodes E11 and E21 is inclined with respect to the X-axis direction, i.e., the first sides s1 of the first substrates S11 and S21. Similarly, the extension direction of the second electrodes E12 and E22 is inclined with respect to the Y-axis direction, i.e., the second sides s2 of the second substrates S12 and S21. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7B , the first electrodes E11 and E12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first electrodes E21 and E22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 overlap with at least a partial misalignment. This prevents light interference and reduces ripples and uneven brightness. Therefore, when the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are bonded together, it is not necessary to adjust the inclination of the cells themselves.

[0064] Next, the electro-optical action of the first liquid crystal cell 10 will be briefly described with reference to Figs. 8A to 8C. Figs. 8A to 8C are cross-sectional views of the first liquid crystal cell 10. Note that Figs. 8A to 8C only show the configuration necessary for the description. Figs. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views of the first liquid crystal cell 10 viewed from the second side s2 of the first substrate S11, and Fig. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the first liquid crystal cell 10 viewed from the first side s1 of the second substrate S12.

[0065] Fig. 8A shows a partial cross-sectional schematic structure of the first liquid crystal cell 10. Fig. 8B shows the first electrode E11 (first branch electrode E11A, second branch electrode E11B) provided on the first substrate S11, the first alignment film AL11, the second alignment film AL12 provided on the second substrate S12, and the first liquid crystal layer LC1.

[0066] FIG. 8A shows that the alignment direction of the first alignment film AL11 is different from that of the second alignment film AL12. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, the first alignment film AL11 is aligned in a direction ALD1 perpendicular to the X-axis direction and parallel to the Y-axis direction. In other words, the light distribution direction ALD1 intersects the extension direction of the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B without being orthogonal thereto. As shown in FIG. 4B, the second alignment film AL12 is aligned in a direction ALD2 perpendicular to the Y-axis direction and parallel to the X-axis direction. In other words, the light distribution direction ALD2 intersects the extension direction of the third branch electrode E12A and the fourth branch electrode E12B without being orthogonal thereto. Therefore, in the first liquid crystal cell 10 shown in FIG. 8A, the first alignment film AL11 is aligned in the left-right direction of the drawing, and the second alignment film AL12 is aligned in the normal direction of the drawing. The alignment treatment may be a rubbing treatment or a light distribution treatment.

[0067] The first liquid crystal layer LC1 uses TN liquid crystal. Because the alignment direction ALD1 of the first alignment film AL11 and the alignment direction ALD2 of the second alignment film AL12 are perpendicular to each other, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer LC1 are aligned such that the long axis directions of the liquid crystal molecules are twisted by 90 degrees from the first alignment film AL11 to the second alignment film AL12 when not subjected to the action of an external electric field. Figure 8A shows a state in which no voltage is applied to the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B, and shows a state in which the long axis directions of the liquid crystal molecules are twisted by 90 degrees.

[0068] 8A shows an example in which the liquid crystal layer LC1 is formed of a positive twisted nematic liquid crystal (TN liquid crystal) and the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in the same direction as the alignment direction of the alignment film (horizontal alignment), but negative liquid crystal can also be used by rotating the alignment direction of the alignment film by 90 degrees. The liquid crystal preferably contains a chiral agent that imparts a twist to the liquid crystal molecules. The liquid crystal may also be aligned vertically.

[0069] 8B shows a state in which a low-level voltage VL is applied to the first branch electrode E11A and a high-level voltage VH is applied to the second branch electrode E11B. In this state, a horizontal electric field is generated between the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B. As shown in FIG. 8B, the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S11 side are affected by the horizontal electric field and their alignment direction changes. For example, the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate S11 side changes so that their long axes are oriented parallel to the direction of the electric field.

[0070] The values ​​of the low-level voltage VL and high-level voltage VH applied to the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B are set appropriately. For example, 0 V is applied as the low-level voltage VL1, and a voltage between 5 and 30 V is applied as the high-level voltage VH1. A voltage in which the low-level voltage VL and the high-level voltage VH alternate is applied to the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B. For example, during a certain period, the low-level voltage VL may be applied to the first branch electrode E11A, and the high-level voltage VH may be applied to the second branch electrode E11B. During the next certain period, the high-level voltage VH may be applied to the first branch electrode E11A, and the low-level voltage VL may be applied to the second branch electrode E11B. In this way, the voltages applied may be synchronized between the two electrodes and change periodically.

[0071] By alternately applying a low-level voltage VL and a high-level voltage VH to the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B, an alternating electric field is generated, which makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the first liquid crystal layer LC1. Note that the frequency of the voltage applied to the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B may be any frequency that allows the liquid crystal molecules to follow changes in the electric field, and may be, for example, 15 to 100 Hz.

[0072] 8C shows a state in which a low-level voltage VL is applied to the third branch electrode E12A and a high-level voltage VH is applied to the fourth branch electrode E12B. In this state, a horizontal electric field is generated between the third branch electrode E12A and the fourth branch electrode E12B. As shown in FIG. 8C, the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S12 side are affected by the horizontal electric field and their alignment direction changes. For example, the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate S12 side changes so that their long axes are oriented parallel to the direction of the electric field.

[0073] The values ​​of the low-level voltage VL and high-level voltage VH applied to the third branch electrode E12A and the fourth branch electrode E12B are set appropriately. For example, 0 V is applied as the low-level voltage VL1, and a voltage of 5 to 30 V is applied as the high-level voltage VH1. Similar to the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B described above, a voltage in which the low-level voltage VL and the high-level voltage VH alternate is applied to the third branch electrode E12A and the fourth branch electrode E12B.

[0074] By alternately applying a low-level voltage VL and a high-level voltage VH to the third branch electrode E12A and the fourth branch electrode E12B, an alternating electric field is generated, which makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the first liquid crystal layer LC1. Note that the frequency of the voltage applied to the third branch electrode E12A and the fourth branch electrode E12B may be any frequency that allows the liquid crystal molecules to follow changes in the electric field, such as 15 to 100 Hz.

[0075] It is known that the refractive index of liquid crystal changes depending on its orientation. As shown in FIG. 8A, in the OFF state where no electric field is applied to the first liquid crystal layer LC1, the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is aligned horizontally to the substrate surfaces, and is twisted 90° from the first substrate S11 side to the second substrate S12 side. The liquid crystal layer LC1 has a nearly uniform refractive index distribution in this orientation state. Therefore, the first polarization component PL1 and the second polarization component PL2, which are orthogonal to the first polarization component PL1, of light incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10 are rotated in polarization due to the initial orientation of the liquid crystal molecules (hereinafter, this rotation of the polarization axis in the liquid crystal layer is referred to as optical rotation), but are transmitted through the first liquid crystal layer LC1 with almost no refraction (or scattering). Here, the first polarization component PL1 corresponds to, for example, P-polarized light, and the second polarization component corresponds to, for example, S-polarized light, of natural light.

[0076] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 8B, in the ON state where a voltage is applied to the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B to form an electric field, if the first liquid crystal layer LC1 has positive dielectric anisotropy, the liquid crystal molecules are oriented with their major axes aligned with the electric field. As a result, as shown in Fig. 8B, the first liquid crystal layer LC1 is formed with regions where the liquid crystal molecules stand almost vertically above the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B, regions where they are oriented obliquely along the distribution of the electric field between the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B, and regions where the initial alignment state is maintained away from the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 8B, between the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in a convex arc shape along the direction of the electric field. Here, as shown schematically in FIG. 8B, the tilt in the Z direction of the liquid crystal molecules located approximately in the center between the two electrodes hardly changes. On the other hand, the liquid crystal molecules located from the center toward each electrode are aligned with a tilt relative to the Z direction in accordance with the intensity distribution of the electric field. Therefore, when the liquid crystal on the first substrate S11 side is viewed as a whole, the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in an arc shape between the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B.

[0078] As a result, an arc-shaped dielectric constant distribution is formed in the liquid crystal layer LC1, and of the incident light, the polarized component perpendicular to the extension direction of the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B is diffused. Also, as shown in Fig. 8C, on the second substrate S12 side, a similar phenomenon occurs due to the third branch electrode E12Aa and the fourth branch electrode E12B arranged so as to intersect with the electrodes of the first substrate S11, and the polarized component optically rotated within the liquid crystal layer is diffused.

[0079] As described with reference to FIGS. 8B and 8C, in the liquid crystal layer LC1, the diffusion of different polarization components can be controlled independently on the first substrate S11 side and the second substrate S12 side. To minimize mutual interference between the electric field formed on the first substrate S11 side and the electric field formed on the second substrate S12 side, it is preferable that the distance between the opposing first substrate S11 and second substrate S12 be at least one time the center-to-center distance between the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B or the center-to-center distance between the third branch electrode E12A and the fourth branch electrode E12B. The center-to-center distance between the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B is the distance from the center of the width of the first branch electrode E11A to the center of the width of the second branch electrode E11B. The same applies to the center-to-center distance between the third branch electrode E12A and the fourth branch electrode E12B.

[0080] Liquid crystal molecules have a refractive index anisotropy Δn. Therefore, in the on state, the first liquid crystal layer LC1 has a refractive index distribution, or retardation distribution, that corresponds to the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules. Here, retardation is expressed as Δn·d, where d is the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer LC1. In the on state, the first polarization component PL1 is scattered by the refractive index distribution of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 as it passes through the first liquid crystal layer LC1.

[0081] The electro-optical action of the first liquid crystal cell 10 has been described above, but the second liquid crystal cell 20 also has a similar configuration.

[0082] In this way, by stacking the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, predetermined polarization components of incident light passing through the first liquid crystal layer LC1 and the second liquid crystal layer LC2 are diffused by both liquid crystal layers LC1 and LC2. Furthermore, by stacking the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, it is possible to individually control the scattering of specific polarization components, and to control the light distribution of light emitted from the light source.

[0083] In the optical device 100 of the present embodiment described above, in the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, the extension directions of the first electrodes E11 and E21 are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the X-axis direction, i.e., the first sides s1 of the first substrates S11 and S21, and the extension directions of the second electrodes E12 and E22 are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the Y-axis direction, i.e., the second sides s2 of the second substrates S12 and S21. Furthermore, when the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are overlapped, the outer surface (ES22 in FIG. 6) of the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the outer surface (ES12 in FIG. 6) of the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 are disposed so as to face each other. In this way, the first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first electrode E21 and the second electrode E22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 are overlapped with at least a partial misalignment, thereby preventing ripples and uneven brightness while controlling the distribution of light emitted from the light source.

[0084] As described above, the extension directions of the first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 are inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the sides of the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10. Similarly, the extension directions of the first electrode E21 and the second electrode E22 are inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the sides of the first substrate S21 and the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20. As a result, even if the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are overlapped along the sides of the corresponding substrates when the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are bonded together, the first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first electrode E21 and the second electrode E22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 do not overlap in a completely aligned state. In other words, the first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the first electrode E21 and the second electrode E22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 overlap with at least a partial misalignment. When bonding the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 together, there is no need to adjust the inclination of the cells themselves, and therefore the optical device 100 can be easily manufactured.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first electrodes E11 (first branch electrode E11A, second branch electrode E11B), E21 (first branch electrodes E21A, E21B) and second electrodes E12 (third branch electrode E12A, fourth branch electrode E12B), E22 (third branch electrodes E22A, E22B) of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell have linear patterns inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the first side s1 or the second side s2 of the first substrates S11, S21 and the second substrates S12, S22. However, the shape of each electrode pattern of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell is not limited to a linear shape.

[0086] [Second embodiment] In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the shapes of the electrodes of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell that constitute the optical device are different from the shapes of the electrodes of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 10 that constitute the optical device 100 according to the first embodiment. Note that in this embodiment, the same or similar configurations as those of the optical device 100 according to the first embodiment described above will be given the same reference numerals (or numerals with a, b, etc. suffixed thereto), and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0087] In this embodiment, the configuration other than the shapes of the electrodes of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal that constitute the optical device is substantially the same as that of the optical device 100 of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the following mainly describes the shapes of the electrodes of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal that constitute the optical device, and a description of the other configurations will be omitted.

[0088] Fig. 9A is a schematic plan view showing the first electrode E11a and the second electrode E12a when the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10a constituting the optical device 100a according to this embodiment are arranged in an overlapping manner. Fig. 9B is a schematic plan view showing the first electrodes E11a, E21a and the second electrodes E12a, E22a when the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a constituting the optical device 100a are arranged in an overlapping manner, i.e., when the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the first substrate S21 and the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20a are arranged in an overlapping manner. Fig. 10A is a schematic view for explaining the inclination of the extension directions of the first electrode E11a and the second electrode E12a shown in Fig. 9A. FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram for explaining the inclination of the extension directions of the first electrode E11a, the second electrode E12a, the first electrode E21a, and the second electrode E22a shown in FIG. 9B.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 9A, in the first liquid crystal cell 10a, the first electrode E11a of the first substrate S11 includes a plurality of first branch electrodes E11A and a plurality of second branch electrodes E11B, each of which includes a first pattern having a zigzag shape in a direction tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to the X-axis direction (first direction). The zigzag first pattern has a plurality of bending points. Similarly, the second electrode E12a includes a plurality of third branch electrodes E12A and a plurality of fourth branch electrodes E12B, each of which includes a second pattern having a zigzag shape in a direction tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to the Y-axis direction (second direction). The zigzag second pattern has a plurality of bending points. Here, as shown in FIG. 10A, the extension direction D11a of the first electrode E11a is tilted at a predetermined angle θ1 with respect to the X-axis direction. The angle θ1 is greater than or equal to 0.5±1° and is 10±1°. Meanwhile, the extension direction D12a of the second electrode E12a is tilted at a predetermined angle θ2 with respect to the Y-axis direction. The angle θ2 is equal to or greater than 0.5±1° and is equal to or less than 10±1°. That is, the extension direction D11a of the first electrode E11a and the extension direction D12a of the second electrode E12a intersect so as not to be orthogonal to each other.

[0090] In the second liquid crystal cell 20a, the first electrode E21a of the first substrate S21 has a zigzag shape, similar to the first electrode 11a, and includes a plurality of first branch electrodes E21A and a plurality of second branch electrodes E21B including a first pattern extending in a direction tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to the X-axis direction (first direction). The second electrode E22a has a zigzag shape, similar to the second electrode 12a, and includes a plurality of third branch electrodes E22A and a plurality of fourth branch electrodes E22B including a second pattern extending in a direction tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to the Y-axis direction (second direction). As in the first embodiment, in the second liquid crystal cell 20a, the shape of the first electrode E21a of the first substrate S21 is the same as the shape of the first electrode 11a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a, and the shape of the second electrode E22a of the second substrate S22 is the same as the shape of the second electrode 12a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a.

[0091] When the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a are laminated together, the second liquid crystal cell 20a is disposed with the first transparent adhesive layer (TA1) interposed between them such that the surface of the second substrate S22 opposite the second electrode E22a faces the surface of the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10a opposite the second electrode E12a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9B , the first branch electrode E21A and the second branch electrode E21B of the first electrode E21a overlap with the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B of the first electrode E11a in the first liquid crystal cell 10a, with at least a partial misalignment in plan view. In other words, the first electrode E21a of the second liquid crystal cell 20a and the first electrode E11a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a do not overlap with each other, but completely coincide with each other, in plan view. Similarly, the third branch electrode E22A and the fourth branch electrode E22B of the second electrode E22a overlap with the second branch electrode E12A and the fourth branch electrode E12B of the second electrode E12a in the first liquid crystal cell 10a, with at least a partial misalignment in plan view. In other words, the second electrode E22a of the second liquid crystal cell 20a and the second electrode E12a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a do not overlap with each other, but completely coincide with each other in plan view. As shown in FIG. 10B , the extension direction D11a of the first electrode E21a of the second liquid crystal cell 20a is inclined at an angle 180-θ1 with respect to the X-axis direction. The angle θ1 is 0.5±1° or more and 10±1° or less. On the other hand, the extension direction D22a of the second electrode E22a is inclined at an angle 180-θ2 with respect to the Y-axis direction. The angle θ2 is 0.5±1° or more and 10±1° or less. That is, the extension direction D21a of the second electrode E21a and the extension direction D22a of the second electrode E22a intersect so as not to be orthogonal to each other.

[0092] As described above, in this embodiment, the first electrodes E11a, E21a and the second electrodes E12a, E22a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a constituting the optical device 100a have a zigzag shape. Furthermore, the extension directions of the first electrodes E11a, E21a are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the X-axis direction (first direction), and the extension directions of the second electrodes E12a, E22a are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the Y-axis direction (second direction). In the first liquid crystal cell 10a, the first electrode E11a and the second electrode 12a intersect so as not to be perpendicular to each other. In the second liquid crystal cell 20a, the first electrode E12a and the second electrode 22a intersect so as not to be perpendicular to each other. By bonding the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a together so that the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10a faces the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20a, the first electrodes E11a, E21a and the second electrodes E12a, E22a are arranged so as to completely coincide with each other in a planar view but not overlap. That is, they are arranged so as to overlap with at least a partial misalignment. Therefore, similar to the optical device 100 of the first embodiment, the optical device 100a of this embodiment can prevent light interference and reduce ripples and brightness unevenness. Furthermore, when bonding the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a together, there is no need to adjust the tilt of the cells themselves.

[0093] In this embodiment, the first electrodes E11a and E21a provided on the first substrates S11 and S12 and the second electrodes E12a and E22a provided on the second substrates S12 and S22 of the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a have zigzag patterns. When the electrode patterns of the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a have zigzag patterns, it is preferable that the bends of the electrode patterns do not overlap when the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a are superimposed. Furthermore, when the electrode patterns have zigzag patterns, if the electrode patterns are symmetrical, interference may occur when the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a are superimposed. Therefore, in each electrode pattern, the distance between a given bend point and an adjacent bend point may be different from the distance between the given bend point and another adjacent bend point. Alternatively, the positions of the multiple bending points may be random in each electrode pattern.

[0094] In this embodiment, the first electrodes E11a, E21a provided on the first substrates S11, S21 and the second electrodes E12a, E22a provided on the second substrates S12, S22 in the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a have zigzag patterns with multiple bending points. However, the shape of each electrode pattern is not limited to this. For example, the patterns of the first electrodes E11a, E21a and the second electrodes E12a, E22a in the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a may have a shape with one bending point, a so-called "L" shape. In this case, if the patterns of each electrode are symmetrical, interference may occur when the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a are superimposed. Therefore, in each electrode pattern, the distance between the bending point and one end of the pattern and the distance between the predetermined bending point and the other end of the pattern may be different from each other.

[0095] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing the first electrode E11a and the second electrode E12a when the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12, on which the first electrode E11a and the second electrode E12a each include a V-shaped pattern, are arranged in an overlapping manner. Note that, as in the above-described embodiment, the first substrate S11 and the second substrate S12 are overlapped so that the first electrode E11a and the second electrode E12a face each other. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the positions of the bending points of the first electrode E11a and the second electrode E12a shown in FIG. 11. Note that in FIG. 12, the first electrode E11a and the second electrode E12a are simplified to make the positions of the bending points easier to see. Similarly to FIG. 11, FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the first liquid crystal cell 10a in a plan view from the second substrate S12 side.

[0096] 11 and 12, the first electrode E11a includes a first branch electrode E11A and a second branch electrode E11B. Each of the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B has a shape including one bending point F11, a so-called "L"-shaped pattern (first pattern). The patterns of the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B are asymmetric with respect to the bending point F11. Specifically, in the pattern of the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B, if the distance between the bending point F11 and one end T11a of the pattern of the first electrode E11a (first branch electrode E11A, second branch electrode E11B) is W11a and the distance between the bending point F11 and the other end T11b of the pattern of the first electrode E11a (first branch electrode E11A, second branch electrode E11B) is W11b, then W11a ≠ W11b. Furthermore, the position of the bending point F11 of the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B is shifted from the bending point F11 of the adjacent first branch electrode E11 or second branch electrode E11B in the Y-axis direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the extension direction D11 of the line connecting the bending point F11 of the first branch electrode E11A and the second branch electrode E11B may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the Y-axis direction.

[0097] Similarly, the second electrode E12a includes a third branch electrode E12A and a fourth branch electrode E12B. The third branch electrode E12A and the fourth branch electrode E12B each have a shape having one bending point F12, a so-called "L"-shaped pattern (second pattern). The patterns of the third branch electrode E12A and the fourth branch electrode E12B are asymmetric with respect to the bending point F12. Specifically, in the patterns of the third branch electrode E12A and the fourth branch electrode E12B, if the distance between the bending point F12 and one end T12a of the pattern of the second electrode E12a (the third branch electrode E12A and the second branch electrode E12B) is W12a and the distance between the bending point F12 and the other end T12b of the pattern of the second electrode E12a (the third branch electrode E12A and the second branch electrode E12B) is W12b, then W12a ≠ W12b. Furthermore, the positions of the bending points F12 of the third branch electrode E12A and the fourth branch electrode E12B are shifted from the bending points F12 of the adjacent third branch electrode E12A or fourth branch electrode E12B in the X-axis direction. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, the extension direction D12 of the line connecting the bending points F12 of the third branch electrode E12A and the fourth branch electrode E12B may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the X-axis direction.

[0098] If the pattern of each electrode is V-shaped, depending on the angle of the pattern, when the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a are bonded together, the electrodes may overlap, causing interference and moire. In order to prevent interference and suppress the occurrence of moire, it is preferable to devise a design for the angle of the pattern of each electrode.

[0099] 13A to 13C are schematic diagrams for explaining the setting of the angle of each electrode pattern when the electrode pattern has a dogleg shape. In Fig. 13A to Fig. 13C, the electrode patterns are shown simplified to make the angle of the electrode pattern easier to see. In Fig. 13A to Fig. 13C, to make the angle of each electrode pattern easier to understand, the electrode patterns are arranged on an XY coordinate plane, with the bending point of each electrode positioned at the origin of the XY coordinate plane. Note that Figure 13A is a schematic diagram of the first liquid crystal cell 10a viewed in plan from the second substrate S12 side, Figure 13B is a schematic diagram of the second liquid crystal cell 20a viewed in plan from the first substrate S11 side, and Figure 13C is a schematic diagram of the first liquid crystal cell 10a superimposed with the outer surface of the second substrate S12 facing the outer surface of the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20a, viewed in plan from the first substrate S11 side of the second liquid crystal cell 20a, i.e., from the light emission side of the liquid crystal optical element 102 (the same applies to Figures 14A to 14C described below).

[0100] 13A shows an example of the pattern of the first electrode E11a and the second electrode E12a in the first liquid crystal cell 10a. Referring to FIG. 13A, the first electrode E11a is angled θ b The first extension direction ED1 is inclined by an angle θ d The second electrode E12a extends in a second extension direction ED2 inclined by an angle θ with respect to the Y axis. The first extension direction ED1 is located in the first quadrant on the XY coordinate plane, and the second extension direction ED2 is located in the second quadrant on the XY coordinate plane. On the other hand, the second electrode E12a extends in a second extension direction ED2 inclined by an angle θ with respect to the Y axis with the bending point as the center. a The third extension direction ED3 is inclined by an angle θ c The third extension direction ED3 is located in the second quadrant on the XY coordinate plane, and the fourth extension direction ED4 is located in the fourth quadrant. a =θ c or θ a ≠θ c and θ b =θ c or θ b ≠θ c In addition, θ b =θd or θ b ≠θ d It is assumed that

[0101] 13B shows an example of the patterns of the first electrode E21a and the second electrode E22a in the second liquid crystal cell 20a. The first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a have the same configuration. That is, the pattern of the first electrode E21a in the second liquid crystal cell 20a is the same as the pattern of the first electrode E11a in the first liquid crystal cell 10a, and the pattern of the second electrode E22a in the second liquid crystal cell 20a is the same as the pattern of the second electrode E12a in the first liquid crystal cell 10a. As described above, when the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a are laminated together, the surface of the second substrate S12 in the first liquid crystal cell 10a on which the second electrode E12a is not provided faces the surface of the second substrate S22 in the second liquid crystal cell 20a on which the second electrode E22a is not provided, with the first transparent adhesive layer TA1 interposed therebetween. 13B shows the electrode patterns of the first electrode E21a and the second electrode E22 in a state where the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20a faces the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10a. Note that, as an example, the second liquid crystal cell 20a is inverted about the X axis so that the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20a faces the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10a with the first transparent adhesive layer TA1 interposed therebetween.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 13B, the first electrode E21a is angled at an angle θ b The fifth extension direction ED5 is inclined by an angle θ d The second electrode E22a extends in a sixth extension direction ED6 inclined at an angle θ with respect to the Y axis, with the bend point as the center. The fifth extension direction ED5 is located in the fourth quadrant on the XY coordinate plane, and the sixth extension direction ED6 is located in the third quadrant on the XY coordinate plane. On the other hand, the second electrode E22a extends in a sixth extension direction ED6 inclined at an angle θ with respect to the Y axis, with the bend point as the center. a The seventh extension direction ED7 is inclined by an angle θ c The seventh extension direction ED7 is located in the third quadrant on the XY coordinate plane, and the eighth extension direction ED8 is located in the first quadrant.

[0103] FIG. 13C shows the patterns of the first electrodes E11a, E21a, and the second electrodes E12a, E22a when the first liquid crystal cell 10a shown in FIG. 13A and the second liquid crystal cell 20a shown in FIG. 13B are laminated together. Referring to FIG. 13C, the first electrodes E11a and E12a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a shown in FIG. 13A and the first electrodes E21a and E22a of the second liquid crystal cell 20a shown in FIG. 13B are not completely aligned with each other. That is, they are at least partially misaligned with each other. As described with reference to FIG. 13B, the second liquid crystal cell 20a is inverted about the X axis, so that the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20a and the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10a face each other via the first transparent adhesive layer TA1. 13C, when the second liquid crystal cell 20a is inverted around the X-axis, the extension directions of the corresponding electrode patterns in the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a are different. Specifically, the extension directions of the first electrode E11a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a are extension directions ED1 extending into the first quadrant and ED2 extending into the second quadrant, whereas the extension directions of the first electrode E21a of the second liquid crystal cell 20a are extension directions ED5 extending into the fourth quadrant and ED6 extending into the third quadrant. Similarly, the extension directions of the second electrode E12a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a are extension directions ED3 extending into the second quadrant and ED4 extending into the fourth quadrant, whereas the extension directions of the second electrode E22a of the second liquid crystal cell 20a are extension directions ED7 extending into the third quadrant and ED8 extending into the first quadrant. In this way, when the second liquid crystal cell 20a, which has the same configuration as the first liquid crystal cell 10a, is inverted about the X axis and overlapped with the first liquid crystal cell 10a, the extension directions of the electrode patterns of the second electrode E12a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second electrode E22a of the second liquid crystal cell 20a are made different from each other, so that the electrodes do not overlap in a completely aligned state, thereby preventing interference and moire.

[0104] On the other hand, when the second liquid crystal cell 20a is inverted around the X axis, if the extension directions of the patterns of the second electrode E12a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second electrode E22a of the second liquid crystal cell 20a (here, the third extension direction ED3 and the fourth extension direction ED4, which are the extension directions of the second electrode E12a, and the seventh extension direction ED7 and the eighth extension direction ED8, which are the extension directions of the second electrode E22a) are the same, the second electrodes E12a and E22a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a may completely coincide with each other. In such a case, there is a risk that interference will occur due to the overlapping of the electrodes, resulting in moire fringes.

[0105] 14A to 14C are other schematic diagrams for explaining the setting of the angle of each electrode pattern when the electrode pattern has a dogleg shape. Similar to FIGS. 13A to 13C, in FIGS. 14A to 14C, the electrode patterns are shown simplified to make the angle of each electrode pattern easier to see. Furthermore, each pattern is shown arranged on an XY coordinate plane, with the bending point of each electrode positioned at the origin of the XY coordinate plane.

[0106] 14A shows an example of the pattern of the first electrode E11a and the second electrode E12a in the first liquid crystal cell 10a. Referring to FIG. 14A, the first electrode E11a is angled θ b The first extension direction ED1 is inclined by an angle θ d The second electrode E12a extends in a second extension direction ED2 inclined by an angle θ with respect to the Y axis. The first extension direction ED1 is located in the first quadrant on the XY coordinate plane, and the second extension direction ED2 is located in the second quadrant on the XY coordinate plane. On the other hand, the second electrode E12a extends in a second extension direction ED2 inclined by an angle θ with respect to the Y axis with the bending point as the center. a The third extension direction ED3 is inclined by an angle θ c The third extension direction ED3 is located in the first quadrant on the XY coordinate plane, and the fourth extension direction ED4 is located in the fourth quadrant. a ≠θ c and θ b =θ c or θ b ≠θ c In addition, θb =θ d or θ b ≠θ d It is assumed that

[0107] 14B shows an example of the pattern of the first electrode E21a and the second electrode E22a in the second liquid crystal cell 20a. Also, in FIG. 14B, similar to FIG. 13B, the second liquid crystal cell 20a is inverted about the X axis, and the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20a and the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10a are disposed so as to face each other with the first transparent adhesive layer TA1 interposed therebetween. Referring to FIG. 14B, the first electrode E21a is inclined at an angle θ b The fifth extension direction ED5 is inclined by an angle θ d The second electrode E22a extends in a sixth extension direction ED6 inclined at an angle θ with respect to the Y axis, with the bend point as the center. The fifth extension direction ED5 is located in the fourth quadrant on the XY coordinate plane, and the sixth extension direction ED6 is located in the third quadrant on the XY coordinate plane. On the other hand, the second electrode E22a extends in a sixth extension direction ED6 inclined at an angle θ with respect to the Y axis, with the bend point as the center. a The seventh extension direction ED7 is inclined by an angle θ c The seventh extension direction ED7 is located in the fourth quadrant on the XY coordinate plane, and the eighth extension direction ED8 is located in the first quadrant.

[0108] FIG. 14C shows the patterns of the first electrodes E11a, E21a, and the second electrodes E12a, E22a when the first liquid crystal cell 10a shown in FIG. 14A and the second liquid crystal cell 20a shown in FIG. 14B are laminated together. Referring to FIG. 14C, the first electrodes E11a and E12a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a shown in FIG. 14A and the first electrodes E21a and E22a of the second liquid crystal cell 20a shown in FIG. 14B are not perfectly aligned with each other. That is, they are at least partially misaligned. As described with reference to FIG. 14B, the second liquid crystal cell 20a is inverted about the X axis, so that the second substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal cell 20a and the second substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10a face each other via the first transparent adhesive layer TA1. 13C, in FIG. 14C, the third extension direction ED3 of the second electrode E12a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the eighth extension direction ED8 of the second electrode E22a of the second liquid crystal cell 20a belong to the same first quadrant. However, the angle θ a and the angle θ formed by the eighth extension direction ED8 and the Y axis c and are different from each other (θ a ≠θ c ), the second electrode E12a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a extending in the third extension direction ED3 and the second electrode E22a of the second liquid crystal cell 20a extending in the eighth extension direction do not overlap in a completely aligned state. That is, they overlap with at least a partial misalignment.

[0109] 14C, the fourth extension direction ED4 of the second electrode E12a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the seventh extension direction ED7 of the second electrode E22a of the second liquid crystal cell 20a belong to the same fourth quadrant. However, the angle θ c and the angle θ formed by the seventh extension direction ED7 and the Y axis a and are different from each other (θ a ≠θ cTherefore, the second electrode E12a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a extending in the fourth extension direction ED4 and the second electrode E22a of the second liquid crystal cell 20a extending in the seventh extension direction do not overlap in a completely aligned state. That is, they overlap with at least a partial misalignment. When a second liquid crystal cell 20a having the same configuration as the first liquid crystal cell 10a is inverted about the X axis and overlapped with the first liquid crystal cell 10a, the angles formed by the extension directions of the electrode patterns of the second electrode E12a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second electrode E22a of the second liquid crystal cell 20a and the Y axis can be made different from each other to prevent the electrodes from overlapping in a completely aligned state. As a result, interference and the occurrence of moire can be prevented. In this case, it is preferable that the angles formed by the extension directions of the electrode patterns of the second electrode E12a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second electrode E22a of the second liquid crystal cell 20a and the Y axis differ by 1° or more.

[0110] 13A to 13C and 14A to 14C, when each electrode pattern has a dogleg shape, the extension directions of the electrode patterns of the second electrode E12a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second electrode E22a of the second liquid crystal cell 20a can be made different from each other, or the angles formed by the extension directions of the electrode patterns of the second electrode E12a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second electrode E22a of the second liquid crystal cell 20a and the Y-axis can be made different from each other, thereby preventing the electrodes from overlapping in a completely aligned state. As a result, interference and the occurrence of moire can be prevented. Note that this applies when a second liquid crystal cell 20a having the same configuration as the first liquid crystal cell 10a is inverted about the X-axis and overlapped with the first liquid crystal cell 10a.

[0111] 13A to 13C and 14A to 14C, when the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a are arranged to overlap, it is assumed that the second liquid crystal cell 20a is inverted about the Y axis and arranged to overlap the first liquid crystal cell 10a. When the second liquid crystal cell 20a is inverted about the Y axis and arranged to overlap the first liquid crystal cell 10a, interference and the occurrence of moire can be prevented by satisfying the opposite conditions to those described with reference to Figures 13A to 13C and 14A to 14C. In other words, by making the extension directions of the electrode patterns of the first electrode E11a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the first electrode E21a of the second liquid crystal cell 20a different from each other, or by making the angles formed by the extension directions of the electrode patterns of the first electrode E11a of the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the first electrode E21a of the second liquid crystal cell 20a and the X-axis different from each other, when the second liquid crystal cell 20a is inverted around the Y-axis and placed on top of the first liquid crystal cell 10a, the electrodes will be prevented from overlapping in a completely aligned state, thereby preventing interference and moire.

[0112] In the above, in the present embodiment, the first electrodes E11a, E21a and the second electrodes E12a, E22a in the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a have a zigzag or dogleg pattern. However, in the present embodiment, the shape of each electrode pattern is not limited to these, and various shapes are applicable.

[0113] For example, the patterns of the first electrodes E11a, E21a and the second electrodes E12a, E22a may have a wave shape. In such a case, if the patterns have a symmetrical shape, the electrodes may overlap when the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a are superimposed, causing interference. Therefore, if the patterns are wave-shaped, it is preferable that the patterns have an asymmetric shape with respect to a predetermined axis, such as by randomizing the size of the waves. Furthermore, the patterns of the first electrodes E11a, E21a and the second electrodes E12a, E22a may have an arc shape.

[0114] Furthermore, the patterns of the first electrodes E11a, E21a and the second electrodes E12a, E22a may be concentric. In this case, if the patterns are symmetrical, the electrodes may overlap when the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a are superimposed, resulting in interference. Therefore, when the electrode patterns are concentric, it is preferable that the circles are distorted or rotationally asymmetric so that the electrodes are asymmetric in the bonding direction.

[0115] [Variations] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as follows: Furthermore, the first and second embodiments described above and the modifications described below can also be applied in combination with each other.

[0116] [Variation 1] In the schematic plan view showing the first electrode E11, the second electrode E12, the first electrode E21, and the second electrode E22 according to the first embodiment, which has been described with reference to FIG. 7B, when the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are superimposed, the second liquid crystal cell 20 is inverted around the Y-direction as an axis and superimposed on the first liquid crystal cell 10. Similarly, in the schematic plan view showing the first electrode E11a, the second electrode E12a, the first electrode E21a, and the second electrode E22a according to the second embodiment, which has been described with reference to FIG. 9B, when the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a are superimposed, the second liquid crystal cell 20a is inverted around the Y-direction as an axis and superimposed on the first liquid crystal cell 10a. However, the method of superimposing the first and second liquid crystal cells is not limited to this. Below, variations in the method of superimposing the first and second liquid crystal cells are described with reference to the drawings.

[0117] 15 is an example of a schematic plan view showing the electrodes when the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell are arranged in a stacked manner, i.e., when the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell are arranged in a superposed manner. The first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell shown in FIG. 15 have the same configurations as the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 in the optical device 100 of the first embodiment described above.

[0118] Figure 15 shows the electrode patterns when the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are superimposed, with the first substrate S21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 positioned via a first transparent adhesive layer TA1 (not shown) so that the side opposite to the side on which the first electrode E21 is provided faces the side opposite to the side on which the second electrode E12 of the second substrate 12 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 is provided, and then rotated 90 degrees to superimpose it on the first liquid crystal cell 10.

[0119] 15, the extension directions of the pattern (first pattern) of the first electrode E11 and the pattern (second pattern) of the second electrode E12 in the first liquid crystal cell 10 are different from the extension directions of the pattern (first pattern) of the first electrode E21 and the pattern (second pattern) of the second electrode E22 in the second liquid crystal cell 2. Therefore, when the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are superimposed on each other, the second liquid crystal cell 20 is not inverted but is instead rotated by 90°, thereby preventing the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 from being superimposed with the extension directions of the electrodes in the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 completely aligned.

[0120] In Figure 15, the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are the same as those in the optical device 100 of the first embodiment described above, but they can also be applied to the first liquid crystal cell 10a and the second liquid crystal cell 20a in the optical device 100a of the second embodiment.

[0121] 16A to 16D are schematic diagrams showing variations in how the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are superimposed. 16A to 16D respectively show plan views and cross-sectional views of the substrates of the first liquid crystal cell 10 (first substrate S11 and second substrate S12) and the substrates of the second liquid crystal cell 20 (first substrate S21 and second substrate S22), and plan views and cross-sectional views of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 superimposed. Here, when the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are superimposed, the second liquid crystal cell 20 is inverted and placed on top of the first liquid crystal cell 10.

[0122] 7B and 9B, Fig. 16A shows an example in which, when the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are superimposed, the second liquid crystal cell 20 is inverted about the Y-direction as an axis and is superimposed on the first liquid crystal cell 10. Fig. 16B shows an example in which, when the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are superimposed, the second liquid crystal cell 20 is inverted about the X-direction as an axis and is superimposed on the first liquid crystal cell 10.

[0123] 16C shows an example in which, when the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are superimposed, the second liquid crystal cell 20 is inverted about the Y-direction axis and then rotated by 90° before being superimposed on the first liquid crystal cell 10. Fig. 16D shows an example in which, when the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are superimposed, the second liquid crystal cell 20 is inverted about the X-direction axis and then rotated by 90° before being superimposed on the first liquid crystal cell 10.

[0124] [Variation 2] The optical devices 100 and 100a according to the above embodiments are composed of two liquid crystal cells, namely, a first liquid crystal cell 10 and a second liquid crystal cell 20. However, the number of liquid crystal cells constituting the optical device is not limited to two.

[0125] 17 shows a perspective view of an optical device 100b according to a modified example of the present invention. The optical device 100b includes a liquid crystal optical element 102b and a circuit board 104. The liquid crystal optical element 102b includes, for example, four liquid crystal cells.

[0126] The liquid crystal optical element 102b is composed of a first liquid crystal cell 10, a second liquid crystal cell 20, a third liquid crystal cell 30, and a fourth liquid crystal cell 40. The configuration of the liquid crystal optical element 102b, excluding the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, is substantially the same as that of the liquid crystal optical element 102 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the following description will mainly focus on the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, and redundant descriptions of the other components will be omitted.

[0127] The third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are flat panels, similar to the first liquid crystal cell 1 and the second liquid crystal cell 20. The flat surfaces of the liquid crystal cells 30, 40 are arranged so as to overlap each other. The third liquid crystal cell 30 is arranged so as to overlap the flat surface of the second liquid crystal cell 20. Transparent adhesive layers (not shown) are provided between the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the third liquid crystal cell 30, and between the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0128] The third liquid crystal cell 30 is connected to the circuit board 104 via a third flexible wiring board F3, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 is connected to the circuit board 104 via a fourth flexible wiring board F4.

[0129] 17, in an optical device 100b, a light source unit 106 is disposed on the rear side of a liquid crystal optical element 102b. The optical device 100b is configured so that light emitted from the light source unit 106 is emitted to the front side of the drawing through the liquid crystal optical element 102b. In the liquid crystal optical element 102b, a first liquid crystal cell 10, a second liquid crystal cell 20, a third liquid crystal cell 30, and a fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are disposed in this order from the light source unit 106 side.

[0130] Fig. 18 shows a developed view of the liquid crystal optical element 102b shown in Fig. 17. The liquid crystal optical element 102b includes a first liquid crystal cell 10, a second liquid crystal cell 20, a third liquid crystal cell 30, and a fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0131] The third liquid crystal cell 30 includes a first substrate S31, a second substrate S32, and a third flexible wiring substrate F3, and has a configuration similar to that of the first liquid crystal cell 10. The fourth liquid crystal cell 40 includes a first substrate S41, a second substrate S42, and a fourth flexible wiring substrate F4, and has a configuration similar to that of the first liquid crystal cell 10.

[0132] A second transparent adhesive layer TA2 is disposed between the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the third liquid crystal cell 30. The second transparent adhesive layer TA2 transmits visible light and bonds the first substrate S21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 to the first substrate S31 of the third liquid crystal cell 30. A third transparent adhesive layer TA3 is disposed between the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40. The third transparent adhesive layer TA3 transmits visible light and bonds the second substrate S32 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 to the second substrate S42 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0133] Like the first transparent adhesive layer TA1, the second transparent adhesive layer TA2 and the third transparent adhesive layer TA3 preferably have high transmittance and refractive indexes close to those of the first substrates S21, S31, and S41 and the second substrates S22, S32, and S42. The second transparent adhesive layer TA2 and the third transparent adhesive layer TA3 may be made of an optically elastic resin, such as an adhesive containing a light-transmitting acrylic resin. Furthermore, because the temperature of the liquid crystal optical element 102b increases due to heat radiated from the light source unit 106, the thermal expansion coefficients of the second transparent adhesive layer TA2 and the third transparent adhesive layer TA3 preferably have values ​​close to those of the first and second substrates.

[0134] However, since the thermal expansion coefficients of the second transparent adhesive layer TA2 and the third transparent adhesive layer TA3 are often higher than that of, for example, a glass substrate, it is necessary to consider stress relaxation when the temperature rises. The thicknesses of the second transparent adhesive layer TA2 and the third transparent adhesive layer TA3 are preferably thicker than the cell gaps (thicknesses of the liquid crystal layers) of the respective liquid crystal cells (second liquid crystal cell 20, third liquid crystal cell 30, fourth liquid crystal cell 40) in order to relax thermal stress when the temperature rises.

[0135] As described above, the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 have substantially the same structure as the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20. In the liquid crystal optical element 102b of this example, the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are stacked in a state rotated within a range of 90±10° relative to the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20. In other words, with respect to the arrangement of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 as a reference, the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are arranged in a state rotated within a range of 90±10°. On the other hand, with respect to the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 as a reference, the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are arranged in a state rotated within a range of 90±10°. By stacking multiple liquid crystal cells having the same electrode pattern and rotating some of the liquid crystal cells, it is possible to change the electrode arrangement and thereby change the diffusion of light passing through the stacked liquid crystal cells.

[0136] 19 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of electrodes provided in each of the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40. The first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0137] The third liquid crystal cell 10 includes a first substrate S31, a second substrate S32, and a third liquid crystal layer LC3 between the first substrate S31 and the second substrate S32. The first substrate S31 and the second substrate S32 may each be rectangular having a pair of sides (first sides s2) parallel to the X-axis direction (first direction) and a pair of sides (second sides s1) parallel to the Y-axis direction (second direction) perpendicular to the X-axis direction. A first electrode E31 is provided on the surface of the first substrate S31 facing the third liquid crystal layer LC3, and a second electrode E32 is provided on the surface of the second substrate S32 facing the third liquid crystal layer LC3. The first electrode E31 and the second electrode E32 are disposed opposite each other with the third liquid crystal layer LC3 interposed therebetween.

[0138] The second electrode E31 includes a plurality of first branch electrodes E31A and a plurality of second branch electrodes E31B each including a first pattern extending linearly in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the Y-axis direction (second direction). The extension directions of the plurality of first branch electrodes E31A and the plurality of second branch electrodes E31B may be inclined at an angle of 0.5±1° to 10±1° with respect to the Y-axis direction. Preferably, the plurality of first branch electrodes E31A and the plurality of second branch electrodes E31B may be inclined at an angle of 0.5±1° to 5±1° with respect to the Y-axis direction. The second electrode E32 includes a plurality of third branch electrodes E32A and a plurality of fourth branch electrodes E32B each including a second pattern extending linearly in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the X-axis direction (first direction). The extension directions of the plurality of third branch electrodes E31A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E31B may be inclined at an angle of 0.5±1° to 10±1° with respect to the X-axis direction. Preferably, the plurality of third branch electrodes E32A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E32B may be inclined at an angle of 0.5±1° or more and 5±1° or less with respect to the X-axis direction. The plurality of first branch electrodes 31A and the plurality of second branch electrodes E31B are alternately arranged, and the plurality of third branch electrodes 32A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E32B are alternately arranged.

[0139] 19 shows the X, Y, and Z axis directions for the sake of explanation. The first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are arranged to be stacked in the Z axis direction. As with the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, in the third liquid crystal cell 30, the extension directions of the plurality of first branch electrodes E31A and the plurality of second branch electrodes E31B are arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the Y axis direction, and the extension directions of the plurality of third branch electrodes 32A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E32B are arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the X axis direction. That is, the plurality of first branch electrodes E31A and the plurality of second branch electrodes E31B and the plurality of third branch electrodes E32A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E32B are arranged to intersect so as not to be orthogonal to each other.

[0140] The fourth liquid crystal cell 40 includes a first substrate S41, a second substrate S42, and a fourth liquid crystal layer LC4 between the first substrate S41 and the second substrate S42. A first electrode E41 is provided on the first substrate S41 on a surface facing the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4, and a second electrode E42 is provided on the second substrate S42 on a surface facing the fourth liquid crystal layer LC4. The first electrode E41 includes a plurality of first branch electrodes E41A and a plurality of second branch electrodes E41B including a first pattern extending linearly in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the Y-axis direction (second direction). The extension directions of the plurality of first branch electrodes E41A and the plurality of second branch electrodes E41B may be inclined at an angle of 0.5±1° to 10±1° with respect to the Y-axis direction. Preferably, the plurality of first branch electrodes E41A and the plurality of second branch electrodes E41B may be inclined at an angle of 0.5±1° to 5±1° with respect to the Y-axis direction. The second electrode E42 includes a plurality of third branch electrodes E42A and a plurality of fourth branch electrodes E42B including a second pattern extending linearly in a direction tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to the X-axis direction (first direction). The extension direction of the plurality of third branch electrodes E42A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E42B may be tilted at an angle of 0.5±1° to 10±1° with respect to the X-axis direction. Preferably, the plurality of third branch electrodes E42A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E42B may be tilted at an angle of 0.5±1° to 5±1° with respect to the X-axis direction.

[0141] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, a plurality of first branch electrodes 41A and a plurality of second branch electrodes E41B are alternately arranged, and a plurality of third branch electrodes 42A and a plurality of fourth branch electrodes E42B are alternately arranged. As described above, in the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the extension directions of the plurality of first branch electrodes 41A and the plurality of second branch electrodes E41B are arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the Y-axis direction, and the extension directions of the plurality of third branch electrodes 42A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E42B are arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the X-axis direction. That is, the plurality of first branch electrodes E41A and the plurality of second branch electrodes E41B and the plurality of third branch electrodes E42A and the plurality of fourth branch electrodes E42B are arranged to intersect so as not to be orthogonal to each other.

[0142] The liquid crystal optical element 102b is composed of a first liquid crystal cell 10, a second liquid crystal cell 20, a third liquid crystal cell 30, and a fourth liquid crystal cell 40 stacked in the Z-axis direction. In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the first substrates S11, S21, S31, and S41 have the same configuration, and the second substrates S12, S22, S32, and S42 have the same configuration. The first electrode E11 and the second electrode E12 provided in the first liquid crystal cell 10, the first electrode E21 and the second electrode E22 provided in the second liquid crystal cell 20, the first electrode E31 and the second electrode E32 provided in the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the first electrode E41 and the second electrode E42 provided in the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 have approximately the same size in a plan view.

[0143] The second liquid crystal cell 20 and the third liquid crystal cell 30 are arranged so that the first substrate S21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 faces the first substrate S31 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 via the second transparent adhesive layer TA2 shown in Fig. 18. In detail, the first substrate S21 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 is arranged so that the surface (outer surface) opposite to the surface on which the first electrode E21 is provided faces the surface (outer surface) of the first substrate 31 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 opposite to the surface on which the first electrode E31 is provided, via the second transparent adhesive layer TA2.

[0144] The third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are arranged so that the second substrate S42 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 faces the second substrate S32 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 via the third transparent adhesive layer TA3 shown in Fig. 18. In detail, the second substrate S32 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 is arranged so that the surface (outer surface) opposite to the surface on which the second electrode E32 is provided faces the surface (outer surface) of the second substrate 42 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 opposite to the surface on which the second electrode E42 is provided, via the third transparent adhesive layer TA3.

[0145] As described above, the liquid crystal optical element 102b of this example has a structure in which the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are stacked with respect to the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, rotated within a range of 90±10°. Therefore, in the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, the first electrodes E11 and E21 are tilted at an angle of 0.5±1° to 10±1° with respect to the X-axis direction, while in the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the first electrodes E31 and E41 are tilted at an angle of 0.5±1° to 10±1° with respect to the Y-axis direction. Similarly, in the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, the second electrodes E12 and E22 are tilted at an angle of 0.5±1° to 10±1° with respect to the Y-axis direction, while in the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the second electrodes E32 and E42 are tilted at an angle of 0.5±1° to 10±1° with respect to the X-axis direction.

[0146] Although not shown in Fig. 19, the light source unit (106) is disposed below the first liquid crystal cell 10. Light emitted from the light source unit (106) and incident on the liquid crystal optical element 102b passes through all of the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 before being emitted. In this modification, the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 mainly control the diffusion of the polarized light component having a first polarization axis, and the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 mainly control the diffusion of the polarized light component having a second polarization axis perpendicular to the first polarization axis.

[0147] 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating the angle formed on the XY coordinate plane between the extension direction of the pattern of the first electrodes E11, E21, E31, and E41 provided on the first substrates S11, S21, S31, and S41 in each liquid crystal cell 10, 20, 30, and 40 and the extension direction of the pattern of the second electrodes E12, E22, E32, and E42 provided on the second substrates S12, S22, S32, and S42. In FIG. 20, the extension direction of the first electrode pattern when the first and second substrates are superimposed is shown as ED1, and the extension direction of the second electrode pattern is shown as ED2. The angle formed between the extension direction ED1 and the X axis is shown as θ1, and the angle formed between the extension direction ED2 and the X axis is shown as θ2.

[0148] In this example, when |θ1|≠|90-θ2| is satisfied, overlapping of the electrode patterns can be prevented, interference can be prevented, and moire occurrence can be reduced. In this case, the difference between |θ1| and |90-θ2| is preferably 1° or more. For example, when the extension direction ED1 of the pattern of the first electrode E11 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 is inclined by 2° with respect to the X axis (angle θ1=2°) and the extension direction ED2 of the pattern of the second electrode E12 is inclined by 89° with respect to the X axis (angle θ2=89°), the angles formed on the XY coordinate plane by the extension directions of the patterns of the first electrodes E11, E21, E31, and E41 and the extension directions of the patterns of the second electrodes E12, E22, E32, and E42 of each liquid crystal cell are shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0149] In the above-described second modification, the second substrates S12 and S22 of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are arranged to face each other with the first transparent adhesive layer TA1 interposed therebetween, and similarly, the second substrates S32 and S42 of the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are arranged to face each other with the third transparent adhesive layer TA3 interposed therebetween, and further, the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are rotated within a range of 90±10° with respect to the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, and the first substrates S21 and S31 of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the third liquid crystal cell 30 are stacked to face each other with the second transparent adhesive layer TA2 interposed therebetween. However, this is just an example, and the arrangement of each liquid crystal cell is not limited to this. For example, the second liquid crystal cell 20 may be arranged rotated 90±10° relative to the first liquid crystal cell 10, the third liquid crystal cell 30 may be arranged rotated 90±10° relative to the second liquid crystal cell 20, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 may be arranged rotated 90±10° relative to the third liquid crystal cell 30. In this case, it is preferable to adjust the angle between the extension direction of each electrode and the X-axis and / or Y-axis so that the extension directions of the first electrodes E11, E21, E31, and E41 and the second electrodes E12, E22, E32, and E42 in the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are not the same. This prevents the electrode patterns from overlapping with each other in a perfectly aligned state, thereby preventing interference and reducing the occurrence of moire.

[0150] [Variation 3] In the above-described embodiments, the electrodes provided on the two substrates of each liquid crystal cell have the same pattern, and the extension direction of the pattern is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the X-axis or Y-axis. However, the electrodes provided on one of the two substrates of each liquid crystal cell may extend in a direction parallel to the X-axis or Y-axis. Furthermore, the electrodes provided on one substrate may be provided over substantially the entire surface of the one substrate so as to overlap all of the electrode patterns provided on the opposing substrate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 10, 10a: first liquid crystal cell, 20, 20a: second liquid crystal cell, 30: third liquid crystal cell, 40: fourth liquid crystal cell, 100, 100a, 100b: optical device, 102, 102b: liquid crystal optical element, 104: circuit board, 106: light source unit, S11, S21, S31, S41: first substrate, S12, S22, S32, S42: second substrate, F1: first flexible wiring board , F2: second flexible wiring board, F3: third flexible wiring board, F4: fourth flexible wiring board, TA1: first transparent adhesive layer, TA2: second transparent adhesive layer, TA3: third transparent adhesive layer, LC1: first liquid crystal layer, LC2: second liquid crystal layer, LC3: third liquid crystal layer, LC4: fourth liquid crystal layer, E11, E21, E31, E41: first electrode, E11A, E21A, E 31A, E41A: 1st branch electrode, E11B, E21B, E31B, E41B: 2nd branch electrode, E12, E22, E32, E42: 2nd electrode, E12A, E22A, E32A, E 42A: 3rd branch electrode, E12B, E22B, E32B, E42B: 4th branch electrode, PL11: 1st feeder line, PL12: 2nd feeder line, PL13: 3rd feeder line, PL14: 4th feeder line , PL15: fifth power supply line, PL16: sixth power supply line, T11: first connection terminal, T12: second connection terminal, T13: third connection terminal, T14: fourth connection terminal, PT11: first power supply terminal, PT12: second power supply terminal, PT13: third power supply terminal, PT14: fourth power supply terminal, AL11: first alignment film, AL12: second alignment film, SE: sealing material, CP11: first conductive member

Claims

1. a first liquid crystal cell; a second liquid crystal cell overlapping the first liquid crystal cell; Including, Each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell is a first substrate provided with a first electrode and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode, each of the first electrode and the second electrode having a first pattern extending in a direction inclined at a first predetermined angle with respect to a first direction; a second substrate provided with a third electrode and a fourth electrode adjacent to the third electrode, each of which has a second pattern extending in a direction inclined at a second predetermined angle with respect to a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first alignment film provided on the first substrate and a second alignment film provided on the second substrate; an extension direction of the first pattern of the first electrode and the second electrode and an extension direction of the second pattern of the third electrode and the fourth electrode intersect without being orthogonal to each other; an alignment direction of the first alignment film intersects with an extension direction of the first pattern without being perpendicular thereto, and an alignment direction of the second alignment film intersects with an extension direction of the second pattern without being perpendicular thereto; the first substrate and the second substrate are arranged so that the first electrode and the second electrode face each other, and the third electrode and the fourth electrode face each other; In the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the extension directions of the first patterns of the first electrode and the second electrode are different from each other, and the extension directions of the second patterns of the third electrode and the fourth electrode are different from each other, the first liquid crystal cell is arranged so that light including a first polarization component having a first polarization axis and a second polarization component having a second polarization axis perpendicular to the first polarization axis is incident thereon, and the second liquid crystal cell is arranged so that the light is incident thereon after passing through the first liquid crystal cell; In an off state in which no voltage is applied to the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode of each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the first polarization axis of the first polarization component and the second polarization axis of the second polarization component change when the light passes through the liquid crystal layer in each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell.

2. 2. The optical device of claim 1, wherein in each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the first substrate and the second substrate are rectangular having a pair of first sides parallel to a first direction and a pair of second sides parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

3. The optical device according to claim 1 , wherein the first predetermined angle and the second predetermined angle are equal to or greater than 0.5° and equal to or less than 10°.

4. The optical device according to claim 1 , wherein the first pattern and the second pattern are linear in shape.

5. The optical device according to claim 1 , wherein the first pattern and the second pattern have a zigzag shape.

6. 6. The optical device of claim 5, wherein the first pattern and the second pattern each have a first bend, a second bend adjacent to the first bend, and a third bend adjacent to the first bend, and a first distance between the first bend and the second bend and a second distance between the first bend and the third bend are not the same.

7. The optical device according to claim 1 , wherein the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell are superimposed such that the second substrate of the first liquid crystal cell faces the second substrate of the second liquid crystal cell.

8. The optical device according to claim 1 , wherein the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell are superimposed so as to be shifted by 90° from each other.

9. The optical device according to claim 1 , wherein the second substrate of the first liquid crystal cell and the second substrate of the second liquid crystal cell are superimposed so as to be shifted by 180° from each other.

10. 2. The optical device of claim 1, wherein in each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer is not perpendicular to the extension direction of the first pattern of the first electrode and the second electrode and the second pattern of the third electrode and the fourth electrode.

11. a third liquid crystal cell overlapping the second liquid crystal cell; a fourth liquid crystal cell overlapping the third liquid crystal cell, Each of the third liquid crystal cell and the fourth liquid crystal cell is the first substrate on which the first electrode and the second electrode are provided, each including the first pattern extending in a direction inclined at the first predetermined angle with respect to the second direction; the second substrate on which the third electrode and the fourth electrode are provided, each including the second pattern extending in a direction inclined at the second predetermined angle with respect to the first direction; the liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first alignment film provided on the first substrate and a second alignment film provided on the second substrate; the first substrate and the second substrate are arranged such that an extension direction of the first patterns of the first electrodes and the second electrodes and an extension direction of the second patterns of the third electrodes and the fourth electrodes intersect without being orthogonal to each other, and the first electrodes and the second electrodes face each other, and the third electrodes and the fourth electrodes face each other, In the third liquid crystal cell and the fourth liquid crystal cell, an alignment direction of the first alignment film intersects with an extension direction of the first pattern without being perpendicular thereto, and an alignment direction of the second alignment film intersects with an extension direction of the second pattern without being perpendicular thereto; In the first liquid crystal cell, the second liquid crystal cell, the third liquid crystal cell, and the fourth liquid crystal cell, the extension directions of the first patterns of the first electrode and the second electrode are different from each other, and the extension directions of the second patterns of the third electrode and the fourth electrode are different from each other, 2. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the third liquid crystal cell is positioned so that the light after passing through the second liquid crystal cell is incident thereon, and the fourth liquid crystal cell is positioned so that the light after passing through the third liquid crystal cell is incident thereon.

12. a first liquid crystal cell; a second liquid crystal cell overlapping the first liquid crystal cell; Including, Each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell is a first substrate provided with a plurality of first electrodes each including a first pattern having a first bending point; a second substrate provided with a plurality of second electrodes each including a second pattern having a second bending point; a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first alignment film provided on the first substrate and a second alignment film provided on the second substrate; In the plurality of first electrodes, a first arrangement direction, which is a direction of a line connecting the first bending point and two adjacent first bending points, is inclined at a first predetermined angle with respect to the first direction, In the plurality of second electrodes, a second arrangement direction, which is a direction of a line connecting the second bending point and two adjacent second bending points, is inclined at a second predetermined angle with respect to a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the first arrangement direction and the second arrangement direction intersect without being orthogonal to each other, the first substrate and the second substrate are arranged so that the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes face each other; the first arrangement directions of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell are different from each other, and the second arrangement directions of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell are different from each other; an alignment direction of the first alignment film intersects with the first arrangement direction without being orthogonal thereto, and an alignment direction of the second alignment film intersects with the second arrangement direction without being orthogonal thereto; an optical device, wherein the first liquid crystal cell receives light including a first polarization component having a first polarization axis and a second polarization component having a second polarization axis perpendicular to the first polarization axis, and the second liquid crystal cell is positioned so that the light is incident on the second liquid crystal cell after passing through the first liquid crystal cell.

13. In the plurality of first electrodes, a first distance between the first bending point and one end of the first electrode is different from a second distance between the first bending point and the other end of the first electrode, 13. The optical device of claim 12, wherein a third distance between the second bending point and one end of the second electrode is different from a fourth distance between the second bending point and the other end of the second electrode in the plurality of second electrodes.

Images