Liquid crystal cell, optical element, and illumination device

Abstract

This liquid crystal cell includes: a first substrate; a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode that extend in a first direction on the first substrate, and a third transparent electrode and a fourth transparent electrode that extend in a second direction on the same; a fifth transparent electrode and a sixth transparent electrode that extend in a third direction on the second substrate, and a seventh transparent electrode and an eighth transparent electrode that extend in a fourth direction on the same; a first alignment film that covers the first transparent electrode through the fourth transparent electrode; and a second alignment film that covers the fifth transparent electrode through the eighth transparent electrode. The first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode overlap with the fifth transparent electrode and the sixth transparent electrode, and the third transparent electrode and the fourth transparent electrode overlap with the seventh transparent electrode and the eighth transparent electrode.

Description

Liquid crystal cell, optical element, and lighting device

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a liquid crystal cell, an optical element including a plurality of liquid crystal cells, and an illumination device that controls light distribution using liquid crystals.

[0002] In recent years, lighting devices using liquid crystal cells have been developed, which utilize the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal contained in the liquid crystal cell to diffuse or concentrate light emitted from a light source and control the light distribution (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2016-57541 A

[0004] If an illumination device could not only irradiate expanded or concentrated light but also change the light distribution shape, the illumination device would be able to irradiate light having a variety of illumination patterns. One object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal cell capable of controlling the light distribution shape. Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an optical element including a plurality of liquid crystal cells and capable of controlling the light distribution shape. Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an illumination device having a variety of illumination patterns.

[0005] A liquid crystal cell according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first substrate, a second substrate disposed opposite the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, a first transparent electrode extending in a first direction and a second transparent electrode adjacent to the first transparent electrode, a third transparent electrode extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and a fourth transparent electrode adjacent to the third transparent electrode, and a fifth transparent electrode extending in a third direction and a sixth transparent electrode adjacent to the fifth transparent electrode, and a seventh transparent electrode extending in a fourth direction intersecting the third direction and a seventh transparent electrode, both on the second substrate. The liquid crystal display device includes an eighth transparent electrode adjacent to the transparent electrode, a first alignment film covering the first to fourth transparent electrodes and having been subjected to an alignment treatment so as to align the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate side of the liquid crystal layer in a fifth direction, and a second alignment film covering the fifth to eighth transparent electrodes and having been subjected to an alignment treatment so as to align the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate side of the liquid crystal layer in a sixth direction intersecting the fifth direction, wherein the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode overlap with the fifth transparent electrode and the sixth transparent electrode, and the third transparent electrode and the fourth transparent electrode overlap with the seventh transparent electrode and the eighth transparent electrode.

[0006] An optical element according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first liquid crystal cell and a second liquid crystal cell overlapping the first liquid crystal cell, and each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell includes a first substrate, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, a first transparent electrode extending in a first direction on the first substrate, a second transparent electrode adjacent to the first transparent electrode, and a second transparent electrode intersecting the first direction. a third transparent electrode extending in a second direction intersecting the third direction and a fourth transparent electrode adjacent to the third transparent electrode; a fifth transparent electrode extending in the third direction and a sixth transparent electrode adjacent to the fifth transparent electrode on the second substrate; a seventh transparent electrode extending in a fourth direction intersecting the third direction and an eighth transparent electrode adjacent to the seventh transparent electrode; a first alignment film covering the first to fourth transparent electrodes; and a second alignment film covering the transparent electrodes, wherein in each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode overlap with the fifth transparent electrode and the sixth transparent electrode, respectively, and in each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the third transparent electrode and the fourth transparent electrode overlap with the seventh transparent electrode and the eighth transparent electrode, respectively, and in the first liquid crystal cell, the first alignment film is aligned so that the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are aligned in the fifth direction, and the second alignment film is aligned so that the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are aligned in a sixth direction intersecting the fifth direction, and in the second liquid crystal cell, the first alignment film is aligned so that the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are aligned in the sixth direction, and the second alignment film is aligned so that the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are aligned in the fifth direction.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention includes the optical element and a plurality of light sources including a first light source overlapping the first transparent electrode, the second transparent electrode, the fifth transparent electrode, and the sixth transparent electrode of each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, and a second light source overlapping the third transparent electrode, the fourth transparent electrode, the seventh transparent electrode, and the eighth transparent electrode of each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell.

[0008] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of an illumination device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic top view showing the configuration of an optical element of an illumination device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an optical element of an illumination device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an optical element of an illumination device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the optical characteristics of a liquid crystal cell included in the optical element of an illumination device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the optical characteristics of a liquid crystal cell included in the optical element of an illumination device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the optical characteristics of a liquid crystal cell included in the optical element of an illumination device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing an arrangement pattern of transparent electrodes provided on a first substrate of a liquid crystal cell included in an optical element of an illumination device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view showing an arrangement pattern of transparent electrodes provided on a second substrate of a liquid crystal cell included in an optical element of an illumination device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a schematic top view showing an example of a light distribution shape of light emitted from a first light emission region in a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic top view showing an example of a light distribution shape of light emitted from the first light emission region in a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a schematic top view showing an example of a light distribution shape of light emitted from the first light emission region in a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic top view showing an example of a light distribution shape of light emitted from a second light emission region in a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a schematic top view showing an example of a light distribution shape of light emitted from the second light emission region in a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention;FIG. 1 is a schematic top view showing an example of an illumination pattern formed by an illumination device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic top view showing an example of an illumination pattern formed by an illumination device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic top view showing an example of an illumination pattern formed by an illumination device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic top view showing an example of an illumination pattern formed by an illumination device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a configuration of an optical element of an illumination device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing an arrangement pattern of transparent electrodes provided on a first substrate of each of a first liquid crystal cell and a second liquid crystal cell included in the optical element of an illumination device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing an arrangement pattern of transparent electrodes provided on a second substrate of each of a first liquid crystal cell and a second liquid crystal cell included in the optical element of an illumination device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration in which transparent electrodes overlap in each of a first liquid crystal cell and a second liquid crystal cell included in the optical element of an illumination device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an arrangement pattern of transparent electrodes provided on a first substrate of a third liquid crystal cell included in an optical element of a lighting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an arrangement pattern of transparent electrodes provided on a second substrate of a third liquid crystal cell included in an optical element of a lighting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration in which transparent electrodes overlap in a third liquid crystal cell included in an optical element of a lighting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic top view showing an example of a light distribution shape of light emitted from a first light output region in a lighting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic top view showing an example of a light distribution shape of light emitted from the first light output region in a lighting device according to one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 1 is a schematic top view showing an example of a light distribution shape of light emitted from a second light emission region in a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic top view showing an example of a light distribution shape of light emitted from the second light emission region in a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic top view showing an example of a light distribution shape of light emitted from the second light emission region in a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic top view showing an example of a light distribution shape of light emitted from a third light emission region in a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic top view showing an example of a light distribution shape of light emitted from the third light emission region in a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic top view showing an example of a light distribution shape of light emitted from the third light emission region in a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic top view showing an example of an illumination pattern formed by a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic top view showing an example of an illumination pattern formed by a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic top view showing an example of an illumination pattern formed by a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic top view showing an example of an illumination pattern formed by a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a schematic top view showing an example of an illumination pattern formed by a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode in a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing a wiring layout in which a plurality of transparent electrodes are electrically connected to each other in a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode in a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing a wiring layout in which a plurality of transparent electrodes are electrically connected to each other in a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention;FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode in a lighting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a wiring layout in which a plurality of transparent electrodes are electrically connected to each other in a lighting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a wiring layout in which a plurality of transparent electrodes are electrically connected to each other in a lighting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode in a lighting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing a wiring layout in which a plurality of transparent electrodes are electrically connected to each other in a lighting device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, etc. However, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the gist of the technical idea thereof, and should not be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments exemplified below.

[0010] In order to clarify the explanation, the drawings may show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part schematically compared to the actual embodiment, but these are merely examples, and the illustrated shapes themselves do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. Furthermore, in the drawings, components having the same functions as those explained in relation to previous drawings in the specification may be given the same reference numerals even if they are different drawings, and overlapping explanations may be omitted.

[0011] When a single film is processed to form multiple structures, each structure may have a different function or role, and each structure may be formed on a different substrate. However, these multiple structures originate from a film formed as the same layer in the same process and are made of the same material. Therefore, these multiple films are defined as existing in the same layer.

[0012] When expressing the manner in which a structure is placed on top of another structure, the term "above" is used, unless otherwise specified, to include both a case in which another structure is placed directly above, in contact with, a structure, and a case in which another structure is placed above, via yet another structure.

[0013] 1A to 9F, an illumination device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, an optical element 10 and a liquid crystal cell 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will also be described in addition to the illumination device 1.

[0014] 1. Configuration of Illumination Device 1] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of an illumination device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the illumination device 1 includes an optical element 10 and a light source unit 20. In the illumination device 1, light emitted from the light source unit 20 passes through the optical element 10. The optical element 10 controls the light distribution of the light passing through the optical element 10. In other words, the illumination device 1 controls the light distribution through the optical element 10, and can emit light having various illumination patterns that combine light distribution shapes such as circular and elliptical.

[0015] The optical element 10 includes three liquid crystal cells 100 (a first liquid crystal cell 100-1, a second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and a third liquid crystal cell 100-3). The first liquid crystal cell 100-1, the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 are stacked in the z-axis direction in order from the side closest to the light source unit 20. An optical elastic resin layer 160 is provided between two adjacent liquid crystal cells 100. The two adjacent liquid crystal cells 100 are bonded and fixed by the optical elastic resin layer 160. For example, an adhesive containing a light-transmitting acrylic resin can be used as the optical elastic resin layer 160. The configuration of the liquid crystal cells 100 will be described in detail below.

[0016] The light source unit 20 includes four light sources 200 (a first light source 200-1, a second light source 200-2, a third light source 200-3, and a fourth light source 200-4). For example, the light sources 200 may be light-emitting diodes (LEDs), but are not limited to this. The light sources 200 may be any element or device that can emit light.

[0017] The light emission surface of the optical element 10 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the light source unit 20) includes four light emission regions 11 (a first light emission region 11_1, a second light emission region 11_2, a third light emission region 11_3, and a fourth light emission region 11_4) corresponding to the four light sources 200. The first light emission region 11_1, the second light emission region 11_2, the third light emission region 11_3, and the fourth light emission region 11_4 are provided to surround a central portion of the light irradiation surface. The light distribution and polarization of the light emitted from the first light source 200-1 are controlled by the optical element 10, and the light is emitted from the first light emission region 11_1. Similarly, the light distribution and polarization of the light emitted from the second light source 200-2, the third light source 200-3, and the fourth light source 200-4 are controlled by the optical element 10, and the light is emitted from the second light emission region 11_2, the third light emission region 11_3, and the fourth light emission region 11_4, respectively. The optical element 10 can control the light distribution and polarization for each of the light emitted from the multiple light sources 200. Therefore, in the lighting device 1, various lighting patterns can be formed by combining the light distribution shapes of the light emitted from the first light emission region 11_1, the second light emission region 11_2, the third light emission region 11_3, and the fourth light emission region 11_4.

[0018] In this embodiment, an illumination device 1 will be described in which the optical element 10 includes three liquid crystal cells 100, but the number of liquid crystal cells 100 included in the optical element 10 is not limited to three. The number of liquid crystal cells included in the optical element 10 may be four or more.

[0019] [2. Configuration of Liquid Crystal Cell 100] Figure 2 is a schematic top view showing the configuration of the optical element 10 of the lighting device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Although a third liquid crystal cell 100-3 is located at the top of the optical element 10, the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 to the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 have the same basic configuration. Therefore, hereinafter, when the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 to the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 are not particularly distinguished from one another, the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 to the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 will be described as the liquid crystal cell 100. Note that in Figure 2, the liquid crystal cell 100 is partially transparent so that part of the internal structure of the liquid crystal cell 100 can be seen.

[0020] The liquid crystal cell 100 includes a first substrate 111 and a second substrate 112. As will be described in detail later, a plurality of transparent electrodes 120 extending in the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction are provided on each of the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112. Here, the angle between the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction is approximately 90 degrees. In addition, a terminal section 121 including a plurality of terminals is provided on the first substrate 111. The transparent electrodes 120 are electrically connected to the terminals of the terminal section 121, and a voltage can be applied to the transparent electrodes 120 through an FPC (not shown) connected to the terminal section 121.

[0021] Here, the detailed configuration of the optical element 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0022] 3A and 3B are schematic cross-sectional views showing the configuration of the optical element 10 of the illumination device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the optical element 10 taken along line A1-A2 in Fig. 2, and Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the optical element 10 taken along line B1-B2 in Fig. 2.

[0023] As described above, the optical element 10 includes the first liquid crystal cell 100-1, the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3. Each of the first to third liquid crystal cells 100-1 to 100-3 includes a first substrate 111, a second substrate 112, a plurality of transparent electrodes 120 (a plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1, a plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2, a plurality of third transparent electrodes 120-3, and a plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120-4), a first alignment film 131, a second alignment film 132, a sealing material 140, and a liquid crystal layer 150.

[0024] The first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 are provided on the first substrate 111 and extend in the x-axis direction. The first transparent electrodes 120-1 and the second transparent electrodes 120-2 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the y-axis direction. Furthermore, a first alignment film 131 is provided on the first substrate 111 so as to cover the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2.

[0025] The third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 are provided on the second substrate 112 and extend in the y-axis direction. The third transparent electrodes 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrodes 120-4 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the x-axis direction. Furthermore, a second alignment film 132 is provided on the second substrate 112 so as to cover the third transparent electrodes 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrodes 120-4.

[0026] 2, the arrangement pattern of the first transparent electrode 120-1 to the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 shown in Figures 3A and 3B is merely a part of the configuration of the liquid crystal cell 100. Details of the arrangement pattern of the first transparent electrode 120-1 to the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 in the liquid crystal cell 100 will be described later, but for convenience, the following description will refer to the transparent electrodes 120 provided on the first substrate 111 as the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2, and the transparent electrodes 120 provided on the second substrate 112 as the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4.

[0027] The first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112 are arranged such that the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 face the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4, and are bonded together via a sealant 140 provided on the periphery of the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112. A liquid crystal is sealed in the space surrounded by the first substrate 111 (more specifically, the first alignment film 131), the second substrate 112 (more specifically, the second alignment film 132), and the sealant 140, and a liquid crystal layer 150 is provided between the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112.

[0028] For example, a rigid substrate having light-transmitting properties, such as a glass substrate, a quartz substrate, or a sapphire substrate, is used as each of the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112. Alternatively, for example, a flexible substrate having light-transmitting properties, such as a polyimide resin substrate, an acrylic resin substrate, a siloxane resin substrate, or a fluororesin substrate, can also be used as each of the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112.

[0029] Each of the first transparent electrode 120-1, the second transparent electrode 120-2, the third transparent electrode 120-3, and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 functions as an electrode for forming an electric field in the liquid crystal layer 150. Each of the first transparent electrode 120-1, the second transparent electrode 120-2, the third transparent electrode 120-3, and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 is made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0030] Each of the first alignment film 131 and the second alignment film 132 aligns the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 in a predetermined direction. That is, when no voltage is applied to the transparent electrode 120, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are oriented according to the alignment characteristics of the first alignment film 131 or the second alignment film (for convenience, the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules will be referred to as the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules below). Each of the first alignment film 131 and the second alignment film 132 is made of a polyimide resin or the like. The first alignment film 131 and the second alignment film 132 may be given alignment characteristics by an alignment treatment such as a rubbing method or a photo-alignment method. The rubbing method is a method of rubbing the surface of the alignment film in one direction. The photo-alignment method is a method of irradiating the alignment film with linearly polarized ultraviolet light.

[0031] An adhesive material containing epoxy resin or acrylic resin is used as the seal material 140. The adhesive material may be an ultraviolet curing type or a thermosetting type.

[0032] The liquid crystal layer 150 can refract light passing through it or change the polarization of the light passing through it depending on the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules. Nematic liquid crystals or the like are used as the liquid crystal for the liquid crystal layer 150. The liquid crystal described in this embodiment is a positive type, but it is also possible to use a negative type instead of a positive type by changing the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules when no voltage is applied to the transparent electrode 120. In addition, it is preferable that the liquid crystal contains a chiral agent that imparts a twist to the liquid crystal molecules.

[0033] The first to third liquid crystal cells 100-1 to 100-3 share the same components. However, the first to third liquid crystal cells 100-1 to 100-3 have different alignment characteristics of the first alignment film 131 and the second alignment film 132, and therefore the alignment directions of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 when no voltage is applied to the transparent electrode 120 are different. For convenience, Figures 3A and 3B use arrows and symbols with a cross inside a circle to indicate the alignment directions of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 when no voltage is applied to the transparent electrode 120. The arrows represent the alignment directions of the liquid crystal molecules aligned parallel to the paper, and the symbols with a cross inside a circle represent the alignment directions of the liquid crystal molecules aligned perpendicular to the paper.

[0034] In the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111 side is the y-axis direction, and the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 112 side is the x-axis direction. In the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111 side is the x-axis direction, and the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 112 side is the y-axis direction. Therefore, in the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 to the third liquid crystal cell 100-3, an alignment treatment is performed on the first alignment film 131 and the second alignment film 132 so that the alignment directions of the liquid crystal molecules are the above-mentioned directions.

[0035] 4A and 4B , the optical characteristics of the liquid crystal cell 100 when the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111 side and the second substrate 112 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the transparent electrode 120 will be described.

[0036] 4A and 4B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the optical characteristics of the liquid crystal cell 100 included in the optical element 10 of the lighting device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Fig. 4A shows the liquid crystal cell 100 in a state where no voltage is applied to the transparent electrode 120, and Fig. 4B shows the liquid crystal cell 100 in a state where a voltage is applied to the transparent electrode 120.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4A , the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the y-axis direction, and the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 112 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the x-axis direction. Therefore, when no voltage is applied to any of the first transparent electrode 120-1 to the fourth transparent electrode 120-4, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 changes from the y-axis direction to the x-axis direction as they move from the first substrate 111 to the second substrate 112, and the alignment is twisted by 90 degrees. In this case, the polarization plane (or polarization axis) of light passing through the liquid crystal layer 150 is rotated by 90 degrees in accordance with the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules. In other words, the light passing through the liquid crystal layer 150 is optically rotated. Specifically, of the light incident on the first substrate 111, a first polarized component 1000-1 having a polarization axis in the x-axis direction has its polarization axis rotated by 90 degrees when passing through the liquid crystal cell 100, and is emitted from the second substrate 112 with its polarization axis in the y-axis direction. Furthermore, of the light incident on the first substrate 111, a second polarized component 1000-2 having a polarization axis in the y-axis direction has its polarization axis rotated by 90 degrees when passing through the liquid crystal cell 100, and is emitted from the second substrate 112 with its polarization axis in the x-axis direction.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4B , when different voltages are applied to two adjacent transparent electrodes 120, a potential difference occurs between the two adjacent transparent electrodes 120, generating an electric field (hereinafter referred to as a "transverse electric field") between the two adjacent transparent electrodes 120. In this case, the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 changes due to the influence of the transverse electric field. Specifically, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are oriented so as to be twisted by 90 degrees as they move from the first substrate 111 toward the second substrate 112, with the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111 side oriented in a convex arc shape in the y-axis direction by the transverse electric field between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2, and the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 112 side oriented in a convex arc shape in the x-axis direction by the transverse electric field between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4. The liquid crystal molecules aligned in a convex arc shape have a refractive index distribution, and polarized components of light having a polarization axis in the same direction as the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules are diffused. Specifically, the first polarized component 1000-1 has a polarization axis in a direction different from the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111 side and the second substrate 112 side, so the first polarized component 1000-1 is not diffused on the first substrate 111 side and the second substrate 112 side. On the other hand, the second polarized component 1000-2 has a polarization axis in the same direction as the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111 side and the second substrate 112 side, so the second polarized component 1000-2 is diffused on the first substrate 111 side and the second substrate 112 side.

[0039] The cell gap d, which is the distance between the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112, is sufficiently larger than the distance between two adjacent transparent electrodes 120 (for example, 8 μm≦d≦50 μm, preferably 10 μm≦d≦30 μm, and more preferably 15 μm≦d≦25 μm). Therefore, the transverse electric field generated on the first substrate 111 side and the second substrate 112 side has almost no effect on the liquid crystal molecules located near the center between the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112.

[0040] 3-2. Case where the alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules is parallel to the extension direction of transparent electrode 120 With reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C , the optical characteristics of liquid crystal cell 100 in a case where the alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules on each of the first substrate 111 side and the second substrate 112 side in liquid crystal layer 150 is parallel to the extension direction of transparent electrode 120 will be described.

[0041] 5A to 5C are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the optical characteristics of the liquid crystal cell 100 included in the optical element 10 of the lighting device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Fig. 5A shows the liquid crystal cell 100 in a state where no voltage is applied to the transparent electrode 120, and Figs. 5B and 5C show the liquid crystal cell 100 in a state where a voltage is applied to the transparent electrode 120.

[0042] 5A, the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the x-axis direction, and the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 112 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the y-axis direction. Therefore, when no voltage is applied to any of the first transparent electrode 120-1 to the fourth transparent electrode 120-4, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 changes from the x-axis direction to the y-axis direction as they move from the first substrate 111 to the second substrate 112, and the liquid crystal molecules are aligned so as to be twisted by 90 degrees. In this case, light passing through the liquid crystal layer 150 is rotated.

[0043] 5B , when different voltages are applied to two adjacent transparent electrodes 120, a transverse electric field is generated between the two adjacent transparent electrodes 120, changing the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150. Specifically, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are oriented so as to be twisted by 90 degrees as they move from the first substrate 111 toward the second substrate 112, with the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111 side being oriented in a convex arc shape in the y-axis direction by the transverse electric field between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2, and the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 112 side being oriented in a convex arc shape in the x-axis direction by the transverse electric field between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4. In this case, similar to the optical characteristics of the liquid crystal cell 100 shown in Figure 4B, the first polarization component 1000-1 is not diffused on the first substrate 111 side and the second substrate 112 side, and the second polarization component 1000-2 is diffused on the first substrate 111 side and the second substrate 112 side.

[0044] When the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111 side and the second substrate 112 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 is parallel to the extension direction of the transparent electrode 120, it is possible not to rotate the light passing through the liquid crystal layer 150.

[0045] In FIG. 5C , the same voltage is applied to the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2, and no transverse electric field is generated between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2. Meanwhile, different voltages are applied to the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4, and therefore a transverse electric field is generated between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4. In this case, the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules only on the second substrate 112 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 changes. Specifically, the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 112 side are oriented in a convex arc shape in the x-axis direction by the transverse electric field between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4, and have a refractive index distribution. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the x-axis direction throughout the thickness direction as a whole, and are no longer aligned in a state where they are twisted 90 degrees as they move from the first substrate 111 to the second substrate 112. Therefore, light passing through the liquid crystal layer 150 does not undergo optical rotation such as a 90-degree twist. In this case, the directions of the polarization axes of the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 emitted from the second substrate 112 are the same as the directions of the polarization axes of the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 incident on the first substrate 111, respectively. As a result, the first polarized component 1000-1 has a polarization axis in the same alignment direction as the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 112 side, and therefore the first polarized component 1000-1 is diffused on the second substrate 112 side. On the other hand, the second polarized component 1000-2 has a polarization axis that is oriented in a direction different from the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 112 side, and therefore the second polarized component 1000-2 is not diffused on the first substrate 111 side or the second substrate 112 side. Thus, when the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 in the absence of an electric field is parallel to the extension direction of the transparent electrodes 120 on both the first substrate 111 side and the second substrate 112 side, if a transverse electric field is formed by applying a voltage to only one of the transparent electrodes 120 of the first substrate 111 or the second substrate 112, one of the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 will diffuse as the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules changes due to the transverse electric field, but both the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 will pass through the liquid crystal layer 150 without being optically rotated.

[0046] As described above, in the liquid crystal cell 100, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 can be changed by applying a voltage to the transparent electrode 120, thereby controlling the diffusion of light passing through the liquid crystal cell 100.

[0047] 2 shows only a portion of the arrangement pattern of the transparent electrodes 120. In the lighting device 1, the transparent electrodes 120 are arranged in an arrangement pattern that allows for individual control of the distribution of light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11_1 to the fourth light-emitting region 11_4. Hereinafter, the arrangement pattern of the transparent electrodes 120 of the liquid crystal cell 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6C.

[0048] Fig. 6A is a schematic plan view showing an arrangement pattern of transparent electrodes 120 provided on a first substrate 111 of a liquid crystal cell 100 included in an optical element 10 of an illumination device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6B is a schematic plan view showing an arrangement pattern of transparent electrodes 120 provided on a second substrate 112 of a liquid crystal cell 100 included in an optical element 10 of an illumination device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6C is a schematic plan view showing a configuration in which transparent electrodes 120 overlap in a liquid crystal cell 100 included in an optical element 10 of an illumination device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6A, the area on the first substrate 111 is divided into four transparent electrode arrangement areas 113 (first transparent electrode arrangement area 113_1, second transparent electrode arrangement area 113_2, third transparent electrode arrangement area 113_3, and fourth transparent electrode arrangement area 113_4) in which transparent electrodes 120 are arranged, and one non-transparent electrode arrangement area 113_7 that is surrounded by the four transparent electrode arrangement areas 113 and in which no transparent electrode 120 is arranged.

[0050] In the first transparent electrode arrangement region 113_1, a plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1_1 and a plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2_1 extend in the x-axis direction. The first transparent electrodes 120-1_1 and the second transparent electrodes 120-2_1 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the y-axis direction. In the second transparent electrode arrangement region 113_2, a plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1_2 and a plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2_2 extend in the y-axis direction. The first transparent electrodes 120-1_2 and the second transparent electrodes 120-2_2 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the x-axis direction. In the third transparent electrode arrangement region 113_3, a plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1_3 and a plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2_3 extend in the x-axis direction. The first transparent electrodes 120-1_3 and the second transparent electrodes 120-2_3 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the y-axis direction. In the fourth transparent electrode arrangement region 113_4, a plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1_4 and a plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2_4 extend in the y-axis direction. The first transparent electrodes 120-1_4 and the second transparent electrodes 120-2_4 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the x-axis direction.

[0051] Each transparent electrode arrangement region 113 has a trapezoidal shape in a plan view, and the length of each transparent electrode 120 gradually decreases from the lower base side toward the upper base side of the trapezoidal transparent electrode arrangement region 113 .

[0052] As shown in Figure 6B, the area on the second substrate 112 is divided into four transparent electrode arrangement areas 114 (a first transparent electrode arrangement area 114_1, a second transparent electrode arrangement area 114_2, a third transparent electrode arrangement area 114_3, and a fourth transparent electrode arrangement area 114_4) in which transparent electrodes 120 are arranged, and one non-transparent electrode arrangement area 114_7 that is surrounded by the four transparent electrode arrangement areas 114 and in which no transparent electrode 120 is arranged.

[0053] In the first transparent electrode arrangement region 114_1, a plurality of third transparent electrodes 120-3_1 and a plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120-4_1 extend in the y-axis direction. The third transparent electrodes 120-3_1 and the fourth transparent electrodes 120-4_1 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the x-axis direction. In the second transparent electrode arrangement region 114_2, a plurality of third transparent electrodes 120-3_2 and a plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120-4_2 extend in the x-axis direction. The third transparent electrodes 120-3_2 and the fourth transparent electrodes 120-4_2 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the y-axis direction. In the third transparent electrode arrangement region 114_3, a plurality of third transparent electrodes 120-3_3 and a plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120-4_3 extend in the y-axis direction. The third transparent electrodes 120-3_3 and the fourth transparent electrodes 120-4_3 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the x-axis direction. In the fourth transparent electrode arrangement region 114_4, a plurality of third transparent electrodes 120-3_4 and a plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120-4_4 extend in the x-axis direction. The first transparent electrodes 120-1_4 and the second transparent electrodes 120-2_4 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the y-axis direction.

[0054] Each transparent electrode arrangement region 114 has a trapezoidal shape in a plan view, and the length of each transparent electrode 120 gradually decreases from the center toward the edge to match the shape of the trapezoidal transparent electrode arrangement region 114 .

[0055] 6A and 6B, the plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1_1 in the first transparent electrode arrangement region 113_1 are electrically connected. The first transparent electrodes 120-1_1 are also electrically connected to terminals of the terminal section 121. Therefore, a voltage can be applied to the plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1_1 by a voltage signal input to the terminal of the terminal section 121. The plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2_1, the plurality of third transparent electrodes 120-3_1, and the plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120-4_1 in the first transparent electrode arrangement region 113_1 also have a connection configuration similar to that of the plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1_1. The second transparent electrode region 113_2 to the fourth transparent electrode region 113_4 and the first transparent electrode region 114_1 to the fourth transparent electrode region 114_4 also have the same configuration as the first transparent electrode region 113_1.

[0056] In the liquid crystal cell 100, the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112 are bonded together such that the first transparent electrode regions 113_1 to 113_4 of the first substrate 111 overlap the first transparent electrode regions 114_1 to 114_4 of the second substrate 112, respectively. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6C , four partitioned liquid crystal control units 101 (first liquid crystal control unit 101_1, second liquid crystal control unit 101_2, third liquid crystal control unit 101_3, and fourth liquid crystal control unit 101_4) are formed in the liquid crystal cell 100. In each of the four liquid crystal control units 101, the extension direction of the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2. The liquid crystal layer 150 is also included between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 and the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4.

[0057] In the first liquid crystal control unit 101_1, the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 included in the first liquid crystal control unit 101_1 is controlled by applying a voltage to each of the first transparent electrode 120-1_1, the second transparent electrode 120-2_1, the third transparent electrode 120-3_1, and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4_1. The second liquid crystal control unit 101_2, the third liquid crystal control unit 101_3, and the fourth liquid crystal control unit 101_4 also have the same configuration as the first liquid crystal control unit 101_1. Therefore, the liquid crystal cell 100 can independently control the distribution of light passing through each of the four liquid crystal control units 101.

[0058] [5. Control of Light Distribution Pattern by Optical Element 10] As described above, in the liquid crystal cell 100, the light distribution can be controlled for each partitioned liquid crystal control unit 101. In the lighting device 1, the light distribution of light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11_1 is controlled by the liquid crystal control unit 101_1 of each of the three liquid crystal cells 100 included in the optical element 10. In other words, the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11_1 can be formed by controlling the voltages applied to the first transparent electrode 120-1_1, the second transparent electrode 120-2_1, the third transparent electrode 120-3_1, and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4_1 included in the liquid crystal control unit 101_1 of each of the three liquid crystal cells 100. The light distribution patterns of the light emitted from the second light-emitting region 11_2, the third light-emitting region 11_3, and the fourth light-emitting region 11_4 can also be formed by a similar control method. Therefore, the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the light emitting region 11 and a method of controlling the optical element 10 for forming this light distribution pattern will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 8C.

[0059] As described above, in each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3, when no voltage is applied to the transparent electrode 120, the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the y-axis direction, and the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 112 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the x-axis direction. On the other hand, in the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, when no voltage is applied to the transparent electrode 120, the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the x-axis direction, and the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 112 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the y-axis direction.

[0060] [5-1. Light distribution shape of light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11_1 and the third light-emitting region 11_3] Below, a method for controlling the light distribution shape of light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11_1 will be described. Note that the light distribution shape of light emitted from the third light-emitting region 11_3 can be formed using the same control method as the light distribution shape of light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11_1.

[0061] 7A is a schematic top view showing an example of the light distribution shape of light emitted from the first light emission region 11_1 in the lighting device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7A shows a case where the light emitted from the first light emission region 11_1 has a substantially circular light distribution shape that is isotropically diffused in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction.

[0062] The light emitted from the light source 200 is transmitted through the optical element 10, and the light distribution is controlled. Table 1 shows the conditions of the voltage applied to the transparent electrodes 120 in each liquid crystal cell 100 (whether or not a transverse electric field is generated between adjacent transparent electrodes 120), the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules controlled based on the conditions, and the directions of the polarization axes of the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 of the light transmitted through each liquid crystal cell 100.

[0063]

[0064] In each of the first to third liquid crystal cells 100-1 to 100-3, a voltage is applied to the first transparent electrode 120-1_1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2_1 so that a potential difference is generated between the first transparent electrode 120-1_1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2_1. Therefore, a transverse electric field is generated on the first substrate 111 side, and the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in a convex arc shape in the y-axis direction. In other words, the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 have a refractive index distribution in the y-axis direction. Furthermore, in each of the first to third liquid crystal cells 100-1 to 100-3, a voltage is applied to the third transparent electrode 120-3_1 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4_1 so that a potential difference is generated between the third transparent electrode 120-3_1 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4_1. Therefore, a transverse electric field is generated on the second substrate 112 side, and the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in a convex arc shape in the x-axis direction. That is, the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 112 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 have a refractive index distribution in the x-axis direction.

[0065] In this case, the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 are optically rotated when passing through each of the first to third liquid crystal cells 100-1 to 100-3. Furthermore, when the polarization axis directions of the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 coincide with the direction of the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules, the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 are diffused. Specifically, the first polarized component 1000-1 is diffused in the y-axis direction and the x-axis direction on the first substrate 111 side and the second substrate 112 side of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, respectively. The second polarization component 1000-2 is diffused in the y-axis direction and the x-axis direction on the first substrate 111 side and the second substrate 112 side of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1, respectively, and is diffused in the y-axis direction and the x-axis direction on the first substrate 111 side and the second substrate 112 side of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3, respectively.

[0066] Both the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 are diffused not only in the x-axis direction but also in the y-axis direction, so that the light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11_1 has a substantially circular light distribution shape that is isotropically diffused in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction.

[0067] 7B is a schematic top view showing an example of the light distribution shape of light emitted from the first light emission region 11_1 in the lighting device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7B shows a case where the light emitted from the first light emission region 11_1 has a light distribution shape that is approximately elliptical and elongated in the x-axis direction.

[0068] Table 2 shows the conditions of the voltage applied to the transparent electrodes 120 in each liquid crystal cell 100 (whether or not a transverse electric field is generated between adjacent transparent electrodes 120), the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules controlled based on those conditions, and the directions of the polarization axes of the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 of the light passing through each liquid crystal cell 100.

[0069]

[0070] In each of the first to third liquid crystal cells 100-1 to 100-3, a voltage is applied to the first transparent electrode 120-1_1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2_1 so that no potential difference occurs between the first transparent electrode 120-1_1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2_1. Therefore, on the first substrate 111 side of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the y-axis direction but do not have a refractive index distribution. On the first substrate 111 side of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the x-axis direction but do not have a refractive index distribution. Meanwhile, in each of the first to third liquid crystal cells 100-1 to 100-3, a voltage is applied to the third transparent electrode 120-3_1 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4_1 so that a potential difference is generated between the third transparent electrode 120-3_1 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4_1. As a result, a transverse electric field is generated on the second substrate 112 side, and the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are oriented in a convex arc shape in the x-axis direction. In other words, the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 112 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 have a refractive index distribution in the x-axis direction.

[0071] In this case, the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 are rotated when passing through the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3, but are not rotated when passing through the second liquid crystal cell 100-2. Furthermore, when the directions of the polarization axes of the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 coincide with the direction of the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules, the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 are diffused. Specifically, the first polarized component 1000-1 is diffused in the x-axis direction on the second substrate 112 side of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3. The second polarized light component 1000-2 is diffused in the x-axis direction on the second substrate 112 side of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1, and is also diffused in the x-axis direction on the second substrate 112 side of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2.

[0072] The first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 are both diffused only in the x-axis direction, so that the light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11_1 has a substantially elliptical light distribution shape that is elongated in the x-axis direction.

[0073] 7C is a schematic top view showing an example of the light distribution shape of light emitted from the first light emission region 11_1 in the lighting device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7C shows a case where the light emitted from the first light emission region 11_1 has a light distribution shape that is approximately elliptical and elongated in the y axis direction.

[0074] Table 3 shows the conditions of the voltage applied to the transparent electrodes 120 in each liquid crystal cell 100 (whether or not a transverse electric field is generated between adjacent transparent electrodes 120), the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules controlled based on those conditions, and the directions of the polarization axes of the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 of the light passing through each liquid crystal cell 100.

[0075]

[0076] In each of the first to third liquid crystal cells 100-1 to 100-3, a voltage is applied to the first transparent electrode 120-1_1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2_1 so that a potential difference is generated between the first transparent electrode 120-1_1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2_1. Therefore, a transverse electric field is generated on the first substrate 111 side, and the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in a convex arc shape in the y-axis direction. In other words, the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 have a refractive index distribution in the y-axis direction. Meanwhile, in each of the first to third liquid crystal cells 100-1 to 100-3, a voltage is applied to the third transparent electrode 120-3_1 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4_1 so that a potential difference is not generated between the third transparent electrode 120-3_1 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4_1. Therefore, on the second substrate 112 side of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the x-axis direction but do not have a refractive index distribution. On the second substrate 112 side of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the y-axis direction but do not have a refractive index distribution.

[0077] In this case, the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 are optically rotated when passing through the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3, but are not optically rotated when passing through the second liquid crystal cell 100-2. Furthermore, when the polarization axis directions of the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 coincide with the refractive index distribution direction of the liquid crystal molecules, the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 are diffused. Specifically, the first polarized component 1000-1 is diffused in the y-axis direction on the first substrate 111 side of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and is also diffused in the y-axis direction on the first substrate 111 side of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3. The second polarized light component 1000-2 is diffused in the y-axis direction on the first substrate 111 side of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1.

[0078] The first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 are both diffused only in the y-axis direction, so that the light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11_1 has a substantially elliptical light distribution shape that is elongated in the y-axis direction.

[0079] [5-2. Light distribution shape of light emitted from the second light-emitting region 11_2 and the fourth light-emitting region 11_4] A method for controlling the light distribution shape of light emitted from the second light-emitting region 11_2 will be described below. Note that the light distribution shape of light emitted from the fourth light-emitting region 11_4 can be formed using the same control method as the light distribution shape of light emitted from the second light-emitting region 11_2.

[0080] 8A is a schematic top view showing an example of the light distribution shape of light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11_2 in the lighting device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8A shows a case where the light emitted from the second light-emitting region 11_2 has a substantially circular light distribution shape that is isotropically diffused in the x-axis and y-axis directions.

[0081] The light emitted from the second light source 200-2 is transmitted through the optical element 10, and the light distribution is controlled. Table 4 shows the conditions of the voltage applied to the transparent electrodes 120 in each liquid crystal cell 100 (whether or not a transverse electric field is generated between adjacent transparent electrodes 120), the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules controlled based on the conditions, and the directions of the polarization axes of the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 of the light transmitted through each liquid crystal cell 100.

[0082]

[0083] In each of the first to third liquid crystal cells 100-1 to 100-3, a voltage is applied to the first transparent electrode 120-1_2 and the second transparent electrode 120-2_2 so that a potential difference is generated between the first transparent electrode 120-1_2 and the second transparent electrode 120-2_2. Therefore, a transverse electric field is generated on the first substrate 111 side, and the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in a convex arc shape in the x-axis direction. In other words, the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 have a refractive index distribution in the x-axis direction. Furthermore, in each of the first to third liquid crystal cells 100-1 to 100-3, a voltage is applied to the third transparent electrode 120-3_2 and the second transparent electrode 120-4_2 so that a potential difference is generated between the third transparent electrode 120-3_2 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4_2. Therefore, a transverse electric field is generated on the second substrate 110 side, and the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in a convex arc shape in the y-axis direction. That is, the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 112 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 have a refractive index distribution in the y-axis direction.

[0084] In this case, the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 are optically rotated when passing through each of the first to third liquid crystal cells 100-1 to 100-3. Furthermore, when the direction of the polarization axis of each of the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 coincides with the direction of the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules, the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 are diffused. Specifically, the first polarized component 1000-1 is diffused in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction on the first substrate 111 side and the second substrate 112 side of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1, respectively, and is diffused in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction on the first substrate 111 side and the second substrate 112 side of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3, respectively. The second polarized light component 1000-2 is diffused in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction on the first substrate 111 side and the second substrate 112 side of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, respectively.

[0085] Both the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 are diffused not only in the x-axis direction but also in the y-axis direction, so that the light emitted from the second light-emitting region 11_2 has a substantially circular light distribution shape that is isotropically diffused in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction.

[0086] 8B is a schematic top view showing an example of the light distribution shape of light emitted from the second light emission region 11_2 in the lighting device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8B shows a case where the light emitted from the second light emission region 11_2 has a light distribution shape that is a substantially ellipse elongated in the x-axis direction.

[0087] Table 5 shows the conditions of the voltage applied to the transparent electrodes 120 in each liquid crystal cell 100 (whether or not a transverse electric field is generated between adjacent transparent electrodes 120), the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules controlled based on those conditions, and the directions of the polarization axes of the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 of the light passing through each liquid crystal cell 100.

[0088]

[0089] In each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3, a voltage is applied to the first transparent electrode 120-2_2 and the second transparent electrode 120-2_2 so that a potential difference is generated between the first transparent electrode 120-1_2 and the second transparent electrode 120-2_2. As a result, a transverse electric field is generated on the first substrate 111 side of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3, and the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are oriented in a convex arc shape in the x-axis direction. In other words, the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 have a refractive index distribution in the x-axis direction. On the other hand, in the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, a voltage is applied to the first transparent electrode 120-1_2 and the second transparent electrode 120-2_2 so that no potential difference occurs between the first transparent electrode 120-1_2 and the second transparent electrode 120-2_2. Therefore, on the first substrate 111 side of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in the x-axis direction but do not have a refractive index distribution. Furthermore, in each of the first to third liquid crystal cells 100-1 to 100-3, a voltage is applied to the third transparent electrode 120-3_2 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4_2 so that no potential difference occurs between the third transparent electrode 120-3_2 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4_2. Therefore, on the second substrate 112 side of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the x-axis direction but do not have a refractive index distribution. On the second substrate 112 side of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the y-axis direction but do not have a refractive index distribution.

[0090] In this case, the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 are rotated only when passing through the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and are not rotated when passing through the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3. Furthermore, when the polarization axes of the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 are aligned with the refractive index distribution direction of the liquid crystal molecules, the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 are diffused. Specifically, the first polarized component 1000-1 is diffused in the x-axis direction on the first substrate 111 side of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1. The second polarized component 1000-2 is diffused in the x-axis direction on the first substrate 111 side of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3.

[0091] The first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 are both diffused only in the x-axis direction, so that the light emitted from the second light-emitting region 11_2 has a substantially elliptical light distribution shape that is elongated in the x-axis direction.

[0092] 8C is a schematic top view showing an example of the light distribution shape of light emitted from the second light emission region 11_2 in the lighting device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8C shows a case where the light emitted from the first light emission region 11_2 has a light distribution shape that is a substantially ellipse elongated in the x-axis direction.

[0093] Table 6 shows the conditions of the voltage applied to the transparent electrodes 120 in each liquid crystal cell 100 (whether or not a transverse electric field is generated between adjacent transparent electrodes 120), the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules controlled based on those conditions, and the directions of the polarization axes of the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 of the light passing through each liquid crystal cell 100.

[0094]

[0095] In each of the first to third liquid crystal cells 100-1 to 100-3, a voltage is applied to the first transparent electrode 120-1_2 and the second transparent electrode 120-2_2 so that no potential difference occurs between the first transparent electrode 120-1_2 and the second transparent electrode 120-2_2. Therefore, on the first substrate 111 side of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the y-axis direction but do not have a refractive index distribution. On the second substrate 112 side of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the x-axis direction but do not have a refractive index distribution. Meanwhile, in each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3, a voltage is applied to the third transparent electrode 120-3_2 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4_2 so that a potential difference is generated between the third transparent electrode 120-3_2 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4_2. As a result, a transverse electric field is generated on the second substrate 112 side of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3, and the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are oriented in a convex arc shape in the y-axis direction. In other words, the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 112 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 have a refractive index distribution in the y-axis direction. On the other hand, in the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, a voltage is applied to the third transparent electrode 120-3_2 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4_2 so that no potential difference occurs between them. Therefore, on the second substrate 112 side of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in the y-axis direction but do not have a refractive index distribution.

[0096] In this case, the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 are rotated only when passing through the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, and are not rotated when passing through the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3. Furthermore, when the polarization axes of the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 are aligned with the refractive index distribution direction of the liquid crystal molecules, the first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 are diffused. Specifically, the first polarized component 1000-1 is diffused in the y-axis direction on the second substrate 112 side of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3. The second polarized component 1000-2 is diffused in the y-axis direction on the second substrate 112 side of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1.

[0097] The first polarized component 1000-1 and the second polarized component 1000-2 are both diffused only in the y-axis direction, so that the light emitted from the second light-emitting region 11_2 has a substantially elliptical light distribution shape that is elongated in the y-axis direction.

[0098] Various methods for controlling the light distribution pattern have been described above, but the size of the light distribution pattern changes depending on the potential difference between two adjacent transparent electrodes 120. Specifically, the light distribution pattern becomes larger as the potential difference between two adjacent transparent electrodes 120 increases, and the light distribution pattern becomes smaller as the potential difference between two adjacent transparent electrodes 120 decreases. Therefore, the size of the light distribution pattern can be adjusted by controlling the magnitude of the voltage applied to the transparent electrodes 120.

[0099] [6. Illumination Pattern] In the illumination device 1, various illumination patterns can be formed by combining the light distribution shapes formed for each light output region 11. Therefore, examples of illumination patterns formed by the illumination device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 9A to 9F.

[0100] 9A to 9F are schematic top views showing examples of illumination patterns formed by illumination device 1. In Figures 9A to 9F, the light distribution shape obtained when light emitted from light source 200 passes through optical element 10 without being diffused by optical element 10 will be described as light distribution shape A. For convenience, the approximately circular shape, the approximately elliptical shape elongated in the x-axis direction, and the approximately elliptical shape elongated in the y-axis direction, which are controlled by optical element 10, will be described as light distribution shape B, light distribution shape C, and light distribution shape D, respectively.

[0101] 9A shows a case where all of the light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11_1 to the fourth light-emitting region 11_4 has a circular light distribution shape A having substantially the same diameter as the light distribution shape (circular shape) from the light source. In this case, the light emitted from the lighting device 1 has an illumination pattern of four spaced-apart dots.

[0102] 9B shows a case where all of the light emitted from the first light emission region 11_1 to the fourth light emission region 11_4 has a substantially circular light distribution shape B with a diameter larger than the light distribution shape A. In this case, the light emitted from the lighting device 1 has four dot-like illumination patterns that are larger than the illumination pattern shown in FIG. 9A. In the illumination pattern shown in FIG. 9B, two adjacent light distribution shapes B overlap. However, in the lighting device 1, by adjusting the size of the light distribution shape B, it is possible to form an illumination pattern in which two adjacent light distribution shapes B do not overlap. In addition, the lighting device 1 can also form an illumination pattern in which four light distribution shapes B overlap each other.

[0103] 9C illustrates a case in which the light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11_1 and the third light-emitting region 11_3 has an elliptical light distribution pattern D elongated in the y-axis direction, and the light emitted from the second light-emitting region 11_2 and the fourth light-emitting region 11_4 has an elliptical light distribution pattern C elongated in the x-axis direction. In this case, the light emitted from the lighting device 1 has a generally cross-shaped illumination pattern. In the illumination pattern illustrated in FIG. 9C , adjacent light distribution patterns C and D overlap. However, the lighting device 1 can form an illumination pattern in which the light distribution patterns C and D do not overlap by adjusting the sizes of the light distribution patterns C and D. The lighting device 1 can also form an illumination pattern in which two light distribution patterns C and two light distribution patterns D overlap each other.

[0104] 9D illustrates a case in which the light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11_1 and the third light-emitting region 11_3 has an elliptical light distribution pattern C elongated in the x-axis direction, and the light emitted from the second light-emitting region 11_2 and the fourth light-emitting region 11_4 has an elliptical light distribution pattern D elongated in the y-axis direction. In this case, the light emitted from the lighting device 1 has a generally ring-shaped illumination pattern. In the illumination pattern illustrated in FIG. 9D , adjacent light distribution patterns C and D overlap. However, in the lighting device 1, by adjusting the sizes of the light distribution patterns C and D, it is possible to form an illumination pattern in which the light distribution patterns C and D do not overlap. Furthermore, in the lighting device 1, by adjusting the sizes of the light distribution patterns C and D, it is also possible to adjust the area of ​​the non-illuminated region surrounded by the two light distribution patterns C and D.

[0105] 9E shows a case in which the light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11_1 has a substantially circular light distribution shape B with a diameter larger than that of the light distribution shape A, and the light emitted from the second light-emitting region 11_2 to the fourth light-emitting region 11_4 has a circular light distribution shape A with a diameter substantially the same as that of the circle from the light source. Also, FIG. 9F shows a case in which the light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11_1 and the second light-emitting region 11_2 has a light distribution shape D with an ellipse elongated in the y-axis direction, and the light emitted from the third light-emitting region 11_3 and the fourth light-emitting region 11_4 has a circular light distribution shape A with a diameter substantially the same as that of the circle from the light source. In this way, the lighting device 1 can form illumination patterns having different light distribution shapes for each light-emitting region 11.

[0106] As described above, the lighting device 1 can emit light having various lighting patterns that combine multiple light distribution shapes. Therefore, the lighting device 1 can be used not only as a spotlight but also as a ring light, and can be used in a wide range of applications.

[0107] <Modifications of First Embodiment> The illumination device 1 according to this embodiment can be modified in various ways. Below, with reference to Fig. 10 , an optical element 10A that is a modification of the optical element 10 of the illumination device 1 will be described. Note that, below, when the components included in the optical element 10A are the same as the components included in the optical element 10, the description of the components of the optical element 10A may be omitted.

[0108] FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an optical element 10A of an illumination device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] The optical element 10A includes three liquid crystal cells 100A (a first liquid crystal cell 100A-1, a second liquid crystal cell 100A-2, and a third liquid crystal cell 100A-3). An optical elastic resin layer 160 is provided between two adjacent liquid crystal cells 100A. The optical element 10A also includes a through-hole 12A that penetrates the three liquid crystal cells 100A and the two optical elastic resin layers 160. In top view, the through-hole 12A is provided in the center of the light irradiation surface surrounded by the first light exit region 11_1 to the second light exit region 11_2. That is, in the optical element 10A, the non-transparent electrode arrangement region 113_7 (see Figure 6A) of the first substrate 111A and the non-transparent electrode arrangement region 114_7 (see Figure 6B) of the second substrate 112A of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100A-1 to the third liquid crystal cell 100A-3 are opened.

[0110] The illumination device 1 according to the modified example can also emit light having various illumination patterns that combine multiple light distribution shapes. Therefore, the illumination device 1 can be used in a wide range of applications, such as not only as a spotlight but also as a ring light. In particular, in the illumination device 1 according to the modified example, the amount of light that directly passes through the through hole 12A of the optical element 10A is reduced. Therefore, when the illumination device 1 according to the modified example is used as a ring light, an illumination pattern with a darker center can be formed.

[0111] 11A to 15F, a description will be given of an illumination device 1B according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that, in the following, when the components of the illumination device 1B are the same as the components of the illumination device 1, the description of the components of the illumination device 1B may be omitted.

[0112] [1. Arrangement Pattern of Transparent Electrode 120B] The basic configuration of the lighting device 1B is the same as that of the lighting device 1. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the lighting device 1B includes an optical element 10 and a light source unit 20. The optical element 10 of the lighting device 1B includes a liquid crystal cell 100B provided with a transparent electrode 120B. The transparent electrode 120B of the liquid crystal cell 100B has a different arrangement pattern from the transparent electrode 120 of the liquid crystal cell 100 described above. Therefore, the arrangement pattern of the transparent electrode 120B will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A to 11F. For convenience, in FIGS. 11A to 11F, in addition to the x-axis and y-axis, x'-axis and y'-axis obtained by rotating the x-axis and y-axis by −60 degrees, and x"-axis and y"-axis obtained by rotating the x-axis and y-axis by +60 degrees are used.

[0113] [1-1. Arrangement Pattern of Transparent Electrodes B in First Liquid Crystal Cell 100B-1 and Second Liquid Crystal Cell 100B-2] Figure 11A is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement pattern of transparent electrodes 120B provided on the first substrate 111 of each of first liquid crystal cells 100B-1 and second liquid crystal cells 100B-2 included in optical element 10 of illumination device 1B according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11B is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement pattern of transparent electrodes 120B provided on the second substrate 112 of each of first liquid crystal cells 100B-1 and second liquid crystal cells 100B-2 included in optical element 10 of illumination device 1B according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11C is a schematic plan view showing a configuration in which transparent electrodes 120B overlap each other in first liquid crystal cell 100B-1 and second liquid crystal cell 100B-2 included in optical element 10 of illumination device 1B according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 11A, the area on the first substrate 111 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100B-2 is partitioned into six transparent electrode arrangement areas 113B (first transparent electrode arrangement area 113B_1, second transparent electrode arrangement area 113B_2, third transparent electrode arrangement area 113B_3, fourth transparent electrode arrangement area 113B_4, fifth transparent electrode arrangement area 113B_5, and sixth transparent electrode arrangement area 113B_6) in which transparent electrodes 120B are arranged, and one non-transparent electrode arrangement area 113B_7 that is surrounded by the six transparent electrode arrangement areas 113B and in which no transparent electrode 120B is arranged.

[0115] In the first transparent electrode arrangement region 113B_1, a plurality of first transparent electrodes 120B-1_1 and a plurality of second transparent electrodes 120B-2_1 extend in the x-axis direction. The first transparent electrodes 120B-1_1 and the second transparent electrodes 120B-2_1 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the y-axis direction. In the second transparent electrode arrangement region 113B_2, a plurality of first transparent electrodes 120B-1_2 and a plurality of second transparent electrodes 120B-2_2 extend in the x'-axis direction. The first transparent electrodes 120B-1_2 and the second transparent electrodes 120B-2_2 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the y'-axis direction. In the third transparent electrode arrangement region 113B_3, a plurality of first transparent electrodes 120B-1_3 and a plurality of second transparent electrodes 120B-2_3 extend in the x''-axis direction. Furthermore, the first transparent electrodes 120B-1_3 and the second transparent electrodes 120B-2_3 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the y"-axis direction. In the fourth transparent electrode arrangement region 113B_4, a plurality of first transparent electrodes 120B-1_4 and a plurality of second transparent electrodes 120B-2_4 extend in the x-axis direction. Furthermore, the first transparent electrodes 120B-1_4 and the second transparent electrodes 120B-2_4 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the y-axis direction. In the fifth transparent electrode arrangement region 113B_5, a plurality of first transparent electrodes 120B-1_5 and a plurality of second transparent electrodes 120B-2_5 extend in the x'-axis direction. Furthermore, the first transparent electrodes 120B-1_5 and the second transparent electrodes 120B-2_5 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the y'-axis direction. In the sixth transparent electrode arrangement region 113B_6, a plurality of first transparent electrodes 120B-1_6 and a plurality of second transparent electrodes 120B-2_6 extend in the x''-axis direction. The first transparent electrodes 120B-1_6 and the second transparent electrodes 120B-2_6 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the y''-axis direction.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 11B, the area on the second substrate 112 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100B-2 is partitioned into six transparent electrode arrangement areas 114B (first transparent electrode arrangement area 114B_1, second transparent electrode arrangement area 114B_2, third transparent electrode arrangement area 114B_3, fourth transparent electrode arrangement area 114B_4, fifth transparent electrode arrangement area 114B_5, and sixth transparent electrode arrangement area 114B_6) in which transparent electrodes 120B are arranged, and one non-transparent electrode arrangement area 114B_7 that is surrounded by the six transparent electrode arrangement areas 114B and in which no transparent electrode 120B is arranged.

[0117] In the first transparent electrode arrangement region 114B_1, a plurality of third transparent electrodes 120B-3_1 and a plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120B-4_1 extend in the y-axis direction. The third transparent electrodes 120B-3_1 and the fourth transparent electrodes 120B-4_1 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the x-axis direction. In the second transparent electrode arrangement region 114B_2, a plurality of third transparent electrodes 120B-3_2 and a plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120B-4_2 extend in the y'-axis direction. The third transparent electrodes 120B-3_2 and the fourth transparent electrodes 120B-4_2 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the x'-axis direction. In the third transparent electrode arrangement region 114B_3, a plurality of third transparent electrodes 120B-3_3 and a plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120B-4_3 extend in the y''-axis direction. Furthermore, the third transparent electrodes 120B-3_3 and the fourth transparent electrodes 120B-4_3 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the x"-axis direction. In the fourth transparent electrode arrangement region 114B_4, a plurality of third transparent electrodes 120B-3_4 and a plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120B-4_4 extend in the y-axis direction. Furthermore, the third transparent electrodes 120B-3_4 and the fourth transparent electrodes 120B-4_4 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the x-axis direction. In the fifth transparent electrode arrangement region 114B_5, a plurality of third transparent electrodes 120B-3_5 and a plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120B-4_5 extend in the y'-axis direction. Furthermore, the third transparent electrodes 120B-3_5 and the fourth transparent electrodes 120B-4_5 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the x'-axis direction. In the sixth transparent electrode arrangement region 114B_6, a plurality of third transparent electrodes 120B-3_6 and a plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120B-4_6 extend in the y''-axis direction. The third transparent electrodes 120B-3_6 and the fourth transparent electrodes 120B-4_6 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the x''-axis direction.

[0118] In each of the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100B-2, the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 112 are bonded together such that the first transparent electrode arrangement region 113B_1 to the sixth transparent electrode arrangement region 113B_6 of the first substrate 111 overlap the first transparent electrode arrangement region 114B_1 to the sixth transparent electrode arrangement region 114B_6 of the second substrate 112. As a result, as shown in Fig. 11C, each of the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100B-2 includes six partitioned liquid crystal control units 101 (the first liquid crystal control unit 101B_1, the second liquid crystal control unit 101B_2, the third liquid crystal control unit 101B_3, the fourth liquid crystal control unit 101B_4, the fifth liquid crystal control unit 101B_5, and the sixth liquid crystal control unit 101B_6). In each of the six liquid crystal control units 101B, the extending direction of the third transparent electrode 120B-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120B-4 is perpendicular to the extending direction of the first transparent electrode 120B-1 and the second transparent electrode 120B-2.

[0119] [1-2. Arrangement Pattern of Transparent Electrodes 120B in Third Liquid Crystal Cell 100B-3] Figure 11D is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement pattern of transparent electrodes 120B provided on the first substrate 111 of third liquid crystal cell 100B-3 included in optical element 10 of illumination device 1B according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11B is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement pattern of transparent electrodes 120B provided on the second substrate 112 of third liquid crystal cell 100B-3 included in optical element 10 of illumination device 1B according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11C is a schematic plan view showing a configuration in which transparent electrodes 120B overlap in third liquid crystal cell 100B-3 included in optical element 10 of illumination device 1B according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 11D, the area on the first substrate 111 of the third liquid crystal cell 100B-3 is also divided into six transparent electrode arrangement areas 113B (first transparent electrode arrangement area 113B_1, second transparent electrode arrangement area 113B_2, third transparent electrode arrangement area 113B_3, fourth transparent electrode arrangement area 113B_4, fifth transparent electrode arrangement area 113B_5, and sixth transparent electrode arrangement area 113B_6) in which transparent electrodes 120B are arranged, and one non-transparent electrode arrangement area 113B_7 that is surrounded by the six transparent electrode arrangement areas 113B and in which no transparent electrode 120B is arranged. As shown in FIG. 11E, the area on the second substrate 112 of the third liquid crystal cell 100B-3 is also divided into six transparent electrode arrangement areas 114B (first transparent electrode arrangement area 114B_1, second transparent electrode arrangement area 114B_2, third transparent electrode arrangement area 114B_3, fourth transparent electrode arrangement area 114B_4, fifth transparent electrode arrangement area 114B_5, and sixth transparent electrode arrangement area 114B_6) in which transparent electrodes 120B are arranged, and one non-transparent electrode arrangement area 114B_7 that is surrounded by the six transparent electrode arrangement areas 114B and in which no transparent electrode 120B is arranged.

[0121] However, the arrangement pattern of the transparent electrodes 120B of the third liquid crystal cell 100B-3 is opposite to the arrangement pattern of the transparent electrodes 120B of the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1 or the second liquid crystal cell 100B-2. Although detailed description will be omitted, as shown in FIG. 11D, in the first transparent electrode arrangement region 113B_1 of the third liquid crystal cell 100B-3, a plurality of first transparent electrodes 120B-1_1 and a plurality of second transparent electrodes 120B-2_1 extend in the y-axis direction. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11E, in the first transparent electrode arrangement region 114_1 of the third liquid crystal cell 100B-3, a plurality of third transparent electrodes 120B-3_1 and a plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120B-4_1 extend in the x-axis direction. That is, the arrangement pattern of the transparent electrodes 120B formed on the first substrate 111 of the third liquid crystal cell 100B-3 is the same as the arrangement pattern of the transparent electrodes 120B formed on the second substrate 112 of the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1 or the second liquid crystal cell 100B-2, and the arrangement pattern of the transparent electrodes 120B formed on the second substrate 112 of the third liquid crystal cell 100B-3 is the same as the arrangement pattern of the transparent electrodes 120B formed on the first substrate 111 of the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1 or the second liquid crystal cell 100B-2. Note that, as shown in FIG. 11F , in each of the six liquid crystal control units 101B of the third liquid crystal cell 100B-3, the extension directions of the third transparent electrodes 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrodes 120-4 are perpendicular to the extension directions of the first transparent electrodes 120-1 and the second transparent electrodes 120-2.

[0122] As described above, in this embodiment, the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1, the second liquid crystal cell 100B-2, and the third liquid crystal cell 100B-3 are stacked in this order, but while the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100B-2 have the same structure, the third liquid crystal cell 100B-3 is stacked on the second liquid crystal cell 100B-2 with the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1 upside down.

[0123] [2. Control of Light Distribution Pattern by Optical Element 10] In the first liquid crystal control unit 101B_1, the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 included in the first liquid crystal control unit 101B_1 is controlled by applying a voltage to each of the first transparent electrode 120B-1_1, the second transparent electrode 120B-2_1, the third transparent electrode 120B-3_1, and the fourth transparent electrode 120B-4_1. The second liquid crystal control unit 101B_2, the third liquid crystal control unit 101B_3, the fourth liquid crystal control unit 101B_4, the fifth liquid crystal control unit 101B_5, and the sixth liquid crystal control unit 101B_6 also have a configuration similar to that of the first liquid crystal control unit 101B_1. Therefore, the liquid crystal cell 100B can independently control the light distribution of light passing through each of the four liquid crystal control units 101B.

[0124] Six light-emitting regions 11B (first light-emitting region 11B_1, second light-emitting region 11B_2, third light-emitting region 11B_3, fourth light-emitting region 11_4, fifth light-emitting region 11_5, and sixth light-emitting region 11_6) corresponding to the six light sources 200 included in the light source unit are formed on the light irradiation surface of the lighting device 1B. The first light-emitting region 11B_1 overlaps with the first liquid crystal control unit 101B_1 of each of the three liquid crystal cells 100B. That is, light whose light distribution is controlled by the first liquid crystal control unit 101B_1 of each of the three liquid crystal cells 100B is emitted from the first light-emitting region 11B_1. Therefore, the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11B_1 can be formed by controlling the voltages applied to the first transparent electrode 120B-1_1, the second transparent electrode 120B-2_1, the third transparent electrode 120B-3_1, and the fourth transparent electrode 120B-4_1 included in the liquid crystal control unit 101B_1 of each of the three liquid crystal cells 100B. The light distribution patterns of the light emitted from the second light-emitting region 11B_2, the third light-emitting region 11B_3, the fourth light-emitting region 11B_4, the fifth light-emitting region 11B_5, and the sixth light-emitting region 11B_6 can also be formed by a similar control method. Therefore, with reference to Figures 12A to 14C, the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the light-emitting region 11B and the control method of the optical element 10 for forming that light distribution pattern will be described.

[0125] For convenience, the following description will be given assuming that the directions of the polarization axes of the first polarized component, the second polarized component, the third polarized component, the fourth polarized component, the fifth polarized component, and the sixth polarized component of the light incident on the optical element 10 are the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, the x'-axis direction, the y'-axis direction, the x"-axis direction, and the y"-axis direction, respectively. Here, in each of the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100B-2, when no voltage is applied to the transparent electrode 120B, the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the y-axis direction, and the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 112 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the x-axis direction. On the other hand, in the third liquid crystal cell 100B-3 when no voltage is applied to the transparent electrode 120B, the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 111 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the x-axis direction, and the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 112 side in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the y-axis direction.

[0126] [2-1. Light distribution shape of light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11B_1 and the fourth light-emitting region 11B_4] A method for controlling the light distribution shape of light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11B_1 will be described below. Note that the light distribution shape of light emitted from the fourth light-emitting region 11B_4 can be generated using the same control method as the light distribution shape of light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11B_1.

[0127] 12A is a schematic top view showing an example of the light distribution shape of light emitted from the first light emission region 11B_1 in the lighting device 1B according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12A shows a case where the light emitted from the first light emission region 11B_1 has a substantially circular light distribution shape that is isotropically diffused in the x-axis and y-axis directions.

[0128] The light emitted from the first light source 200-1 is transmitted through the optical element 10B, and the light distribution is controlled. Table 7 shows the conditions of the voltage applied to the transparent electrodes 120B in each liquid crystal cell 100B (whether or not a transverse electric field is generated between adjacent transparent electrodes 120B), the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules controlled based on those conditions, and the directions of the polarization axes of the first polarized component and the second polarized component of the light transmitted through each liquid crystal cell 100B.

[0129]

[0130] As shown in Table 7, both the first polarization component and the second polarization component are diffused not only in the x-axis direction but also in the y-axis direction. Therefore, the light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11B_1 has a substantially circular light distribution shape that is isotropically diffused in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction.

[0131] 12B is a schematic top view showing an example of the light distribution shape of light emitted from the first light emission region 11B_1 in the lighting device 1B according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12B shows a case where the light emitted from the first light emission region 11B_1 has a light distribution shape that is a substantially ellipse that is elongated in the x-axis direction.

[0132] The light emitted from the first light source 200-1 is transmitted through the optical element 10B, and the light distribution is controlled. Table 8 shows the conditions of the voltage applied to the transparent electrodes 120B in each liquid crystal cell 100B (whether or not a transverse electric field is generated between adjacent transparent electrodes 120B), the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules controlled based on those conditions, and the directions of the polarization axes of the first polarized component and the second polarized component of the light transmitted through each liquid crystal cell 100B.

[0133]

[0134] As shown in Table 8, both the first polarization component and the second polarization component are diffused only in the x-axis direction, so the light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11B_1 has a substantially elliptical light distribution shape that is elongated in the x-axis direction.

[0135] 12C is a schematic top view showing an example of the light distribution shape of light emitted from the first light emission region 11B_1 in the lighting device 1B according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12C shows a case where the light emitted from the first light emission region 11B_1 has a light distribution shape that is a substantially ellipse that is elongated in the y axis direction.

[0136] The light emitted from the first light source 200-1 is transmitted through the optical element 10B, and the light distribution is controlled. Table 9 shows the conditions of the voltage applied to the transparent electrodes 120B in each liquid crystal cell 100B (whether or not a transverse electric field is generated between adjacent transparent electrodes 120B), the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules controlled based on those conditions, and the directions of the polarization axes of the first polarized component and the second polarized component of the light transmitted through each liquid crystal cell 100B.

[0137]

[0138] As shown in Table 9, both the first polarization component and the second polarization component are diffused only in the y-axis direction, so the light emitted from the first light-emitting region 11_1 has a substantially elliptical light distribution shape that is elongated in the y-axis direction.

[0139] [2-2. Light distribution shape of light emitted from the second light emitting region 11B_2 and the fifth light emitting region 11B_5] A method for controlling the light distribution shape of light emitted from the second light emitting region 11B_2 will be described below. Note that the light distribution shape of light emitted from the fifth light emitting region 11B_5 can be generated using the same control method as the light distribution shape of light emitted from the second light emitting region 11B_2.

[0140] 13A is a schematic top view showing an example of the light distribution shape of light emitted from the first light emission region 11B_2 in the lighting device 1B according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13A shows a case where the light emitted from the second light emission region 11B_2 has a substantially circular light distribution shape that is isotropically diffused in the x'-axis direction and the y'-axis direction.

[0141] The light emitted from the second light source 200-2 is transmitted through the optical element 10B, whereby the light distribution is controlled. Table 10 shows the conditions of the voltage applied to the transparent electrodes 120B in each liquid crystal cell 100B (whether or not a transverse electric field is generated between adjacent transparent electrodes 120B), the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules controlled based on those conditions, and the directions of the polarization axes of the third polarized component (polarized component in the x'-axis direction) and the fourth polarized component (polarized component in the y'-axis direction) of the light transmitted through each liquid crystal cell 100B.

[0142]

[0143] As shown in Table 10, both the third polarization component and the fourth polarization component are diffused not only in the x'-axis direction but also in the y'-axis direction. Therefore, the light emitted from the second light-emitting region 11B_2 has a substantially circular light distribution shape that is isotropically diffused in the x'-axis direction and the y'-axis direction.

[0144] 13B is a schematic top view showing an example of the light distribution shape of light emitted from the second light emission region 11B_2 in the lighting device 1B according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13B shows a case where the light emitted from the second light emission region 11B_2 has a light distribution shape that is approximately elliptical and elongated in the x'-axis direction.

[0145] Table 11 shows the conditions of the voltage applied to the transparent electrode 120B in each liquid crystal cell 100B (whether or not a transverse electric field is generated between adjacent transparent electrodes 120B), the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules controlled based on those conditions, and the directions of the polarization axes of the first polarized component and the second polarized component of the light passing through each liquid crystal cell 100B.

[0146]

[0147] Because the polarization axes of the polarized components rotate in accordance with the twist angle of the liquid crystal molecules, the polarization axes of the polarized components are rotated by 30 degrees or 150 degrees in the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100B-3. As shown in Table 11, both the first polarized component and the second polarized component are diffused only in the x'-axis direction. Therefore, the light emitted from the second light-emitting region 11B_2 has a substantially elliptical light distribution shape elongated in the x'-axis direction.

[0148] 13C is a schematic top view showing an example of the light distribution shape of light emitted from the second light emission region 11B_2 in the lighting device 1B according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13C shows a case where the light emitted from the second light emission region 11B_2 has a light distribution shape that is approximately elliptical and elongated in the y'-axis direction.

[0149] Table 12 shows the conditions of the voltage applied to the transparent electrode 120B in each liquid crystal cell 100B (whether or not a transverse electric field is generated between adjacent transparent electrodes 120B), the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules controlled based on those conditions, and the directions of the polarization axes of the third and fourth polarized components of the light passing through each liquid crystal cell 100B.

[0150]

[0151] Because the polarization axes of the polarized components rotate in accordance with the twist angle of the liquid crystal molecules, the polarization axes of the polarized components are rotated by 30 degrees or 150 degrees in the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100B-3. Unlike the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the polarized components of the incident light may be rotated at an angle smaller than 90 degrees (e.g., in the range of 0 to 60 degrees) due to the relationship between the transverse electric field formed by adjacent transparent electrodes 120B and the initial alignment direction of each alignment film. As shown in Table 12, both the third polarized component and the fourth polarized component are diffused only in the y'-axis direction. Therefore, the light emitted from the second light-emitting region 11B_2 has a substantially elliptical light distribution shape elongated in the y'-axis direction.

[0152] [2-3. Light distribution shape of light emitted from the third light emitting region 11B_3 and the sixth light emitting region 11B_6] A method for controlling the light distribution shape of light emitted from the third light emitting region 11B_3 will be described below. Note that the light distribution shape of light emitted from the sixth light emitting region 11B_6 can be generated using the same control method as the light distribution shape of light emitted from the third light emitting region 11B_3.

[0153] 14A is a schematic top view showing an example of the light distribution shape of light emitted from the first light emission region 11B_3 in the lighting device 1B according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14A shows a case where the light emitted from the third light emission region 11B_3 has a substantially circular light distribution shape that is isotropically diffused in the x''-axis direction and the y''-axis direction.

[0154] The light emitted from the third light source 200-3 is transmitted through the optical element 10B, and the light distribution is controlled. Table 13 shows the conditions of the voltage applied to the transparent electrodes 120B in each liquid crystal cell 100B (whether or not a transverse electric field is generated between adjacent transparent electrodes 120B), the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules controlled based on those conditions, and the directions of the polarization axes of the fifth polarization component (polarized component in the x"-axis direction) and the sixth polarization component (polarized component in the y"-axis direction) of the light transmitted through each liquid crystal cell 100B.

[0155]

[0156] As shown in Table 13, both the fifth polarization component and the sixth polarization component are diffused not only in the x''-axis direction but also in the y''-axis direction. Therefore, the light emitted from the third light-emitting region 11B_3 has a substantially circular light distribution shape that is isotropically diffused in the x''-axis direction and the y''-axis direction.

[0157] [2-3-2. Approximately Elliptical Shape Stretched in the x''-Axis Direction] FIG. 14B is a schematic top view showing an example of the light distribution shape of light emitted from the third light emission region 11B_3 in the lighting device 1B according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14B shows a case where the light emitted from the third light emission region 11B_3 has a approximately elliptical light distribution shape stretched in the x''-axis direction.

[0158] Table 14 shows the conditions of the voltage applied to the transparent electrode 120B in each liquid crystal cell 100B (whether or not a transverse electric field is generated between adjacent transparent electrodes 120B), the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules controlled based on those conditions, and the directions of the polarization axes of the first polarized component and the second polarized component of the light passing through each liquid crystal cell 100B.

[0159]

[0160] Because the polarization axes of the polarized components rotate in accordance with the twist angle of the liquid crystal molecules, the polarization axes of the polarized components are rotated by 30 degrees or 150 degrees in the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100B-3. As shown in Table 14, both the first polarized component and the second polarized component are diffused only in the x''-axis direction. Therefore, the light emitted from the third light-emitting region 11B_3 has a substantially elliptical light distribution shape elongated in the x''-axis direction.

[0161] [2-3-3. Approximately elliptical shape stretched in the y"-axis direction] FIG. 14C is a schematic top view showing an example of the light distribution shape of light emitted from the third light emission region 11B_3 in the lighting device 1B according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14C shows a case where the light emitted from the third light emission region 11B_3 has a approximately elliptical light distribution shape stretched in the y"-axis direction.

[0162] Table 15 shows the conditions of the voltage applied to the transparent electrode 120B in each liquid crystal cell 100B (whether or not a transverse electric field is generated between adjacent transparent electrodes 120B), the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules controlled based on those conditions, and the directions of the polarization axes of the fifth and sixth polarization components of the light passing through each liquid crystal cell 100B.

[0163]

[0164] Because the polarization axes of the polarized components rotate in accordance with the twist angle of the liquid crystal molecules, the polarization axes of the polarized components are rotated by 30 degrees or 150 degrees in the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100B-3. As shown in Table 15, both the fifth polarization component and the sixth polarization component are diffused only in the y"-axis direction. Therefore, the light emitted from the third light-emitting region 11B_3 has a substantially elliptical light distribution shape elongated in the y"-axis direction.

[0165] Various methods for controlling the light distribution pattern have been described above, but the size of the light distribution pattern changes depending on the potential difference between two adjacent transparent electrodes 120B. Specifically, the light distribution pattern becomes larger as the potential difference between two adjacent transparent electrodes 120B increases, and the light distribution pattern becomes smaller as the potential difference between two adjacent transparent electrodes 120B decreases. Therefore, the size of the light distribution pattern can be adjusted by controlling the magnitude of the voltage applied to the transparent electrodes 120B.

[0166] [3. Illumination Pattern] With illumination device 1B as well, various illumination patterns can be formed by combining the light distribution shapes formed for each light output region 11B. Therefore, examples of illumination patterns formed by illumination device 1B will be described with reference to Figures 15A to 15F.

[0167] 15A to 15F are schematic top views showing examples of illumination patterns formed by lighting device 1B according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 15A to 15F, the light distribution shape obtained when light emitted from light source 200 passes through optical element 10 without being diffused by optical element 10 will be described as light distribution shape A. For convenience, the approximately circular shape, the approximately elliptical shape stretched in the x-axis direction, x'-axis direction, or x"-axis direction, and the approximately elliptical shape stretched in the y-axis direction, y'-axis direction, or y"-axis direction, which are controlled by optical element 10, will be described as light distribution shape B, light distribution shape C, and light distribution shape D, respectively.

[0168] 15A shows a case where all of the light emitted from the first light emission region 11B_1 to the sixth light emission region 11B_6 has the light distribution pattern A. In this case, the light emitted from the lighting device 1B has six spaced-apart, point-like illumination patterns.

[0169] Fig. 15B shows a case where all of the light emitted from the first light emission region 11B_1 to the sixth light emission region 11B_6 has the light distribution pattern B. In this case, the light emitted from the lighting device 1B has six dot-like illumination patterns that are larger than the illumination pattern shown in Fig. 15A. In the illumination pattern shown in Fig. 15B, multiple light distribution patterns B overlap, but by adjusting the size of the light distribution pattern B, it is also possible to form an illumination pattern in which multiple light distribution patterns B do not overlap.

[0170] 15C shows a case where all of the light emitted from the first light emission region 11B_1 to the sixth light emission region 11B_6 has the light distribution pattern C. In this case, the light emitted from the lighting device 1B has a generally ring-shaped illumination pattern. In the lighting device 1B, the size of the light distribution pattern C can be adjusted to adjust the area of ​​the non-illuminated region surrounded by the six light distribution patterns C.

[0171] 15D shows a case where all of the light emitted from the first light emission region 11B_1 to the sixth light emission region 11B_6 has the light distribution pattern D. In this case, the light emitted from the lighting device 1B has an asterisk-shaped illumination pattern extending in roughly six directions. In the lighting device 1B, the length extending in the six directions can be adjusted by adjusting the size of the light distribution pattern D.

[0172] 15E shows a case where light emitted from the first light emitting region 11B_1 has light distribution pattern B, and light emitted from the second light emitting region 11B_2 to the sixth light emitting region 11B_5 has light distribution pattern A. Also, FIG. 15F shows a case where light emitted from the first light emitting region 11B_1 has light distribution pattern D, light emitted from the third light emitting region 11B_3 has light distribution pattern C, and light emitted from the second light emitting region 11B_2 and the fourth light emitting region 11B_4 to the sixth light emitting region 11B_6 has light distribution pattern A. In this way, the lighting device 1B can form an illumination pattern having a different light distribution pattern for each light emitting region 11B.

[0173] As described above, lighting device 1B can emit light having various lighting patterns that combine multiple light distribution shapes. Therefore, lighting device 1B can be used not only as a spotlight but also as a ring light, and can be used in a wide range of applications.

[0174] Third Embodiment Voltages based on different voltage signals are applied to two adjacent transparent electrodes 120 in a liquid crystal cell 100. Therefore, the two adjacent transparent electrodes 120 are not electrically connected. On the other hand, the transparent electrodes 120 are electrically connected to terminals of the terminal portion 121. In this embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 16A and 16B , a wiring layout for preventing the two adjacent transparent electrodes 120 from being electrically connected will be described. Note that, although the wiring layout in the first transparent electrode arrangement region 113_1 will be described below, a wiring layout similar to that in the first transparent electrode arrangement region 113_1 can also be applied to the second transparent electrode arrangement region 113_2 to the fourth transparent electrode arrangement region 113_4 and the first transparent electrode arrangement region 114_1 to the fourth transparent electrode arrangement region 114_4.

[0175] Fig. 16A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first transparent electrode 120-1_1 and a second transparent electrode 120-2_1 in an illumination device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 16B is a schematic plan view showing a wiring layout in which a plurality of transparent electrodes 120 are electrically connected to each other in an illumination device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0176] In this embodiment, one end of each of the plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1_1 extending in the x-axis direction is electrically connected to one another via wiring formed in the same layer as the first transparent electrode 120-1_1. Furthermore, one end of each of the plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2_1 extending in the x-axis direction is electrically connected to one another via wiring formed in the same layer as the second transparent electrode 120-2_1. Although not shown, the wiring electrically connected to the first transparent electrode 120-1_1 is electrically connected to a terminal of the terminal unit 121. With this connection configuration, a voltage based on a voltage signal input to a terminal of the terminal unit 121 can be simultaneously applied to the plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1_1. The connection configuration of the plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2_1 is the same as that described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0177] According to the wiring layout of this embodiment, the plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1_1, the wiring electrically connecting the plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1_1 to one another, the second transparent electrode 120-2_1, and the wiring electrically connecting the plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2_1 to one another can be formed simultaneously, thereby simplifying the process of forming the wiring layout.

[0178] <First Modification of Third Embodiment> A first modification of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17A and 17B.

[0179] Fig. 17A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first transparent electrode 120-1_1 and a second transparent electrode 120-2_1 in an illumination device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 17B is a schematic plan view showing a wiring layout in which a plurality of transparent electrodes 120 are electrically connected to each other in an illumination device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0180] In this modified example, one end of each of the plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1_1 extending in the x-axis direction is in direct contact with the first connection wiring 122-1, and they are electrically connected to each other via the first connection wiring 122-1_1. Furthermore, one end of each of the plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2_1 extending in the x-axis direction is in direct contact with the second connection wiring 122-2_1, and they are electrically connected to each other via the second connection wiring 122-2_1. Although not shown, the first connection wiring 122-1_1 is electrically connected to a terminal of the terminal unit 121. With this connection configuration, a voltage based on a voltage signal input to a terminal of the terminal unit 121 can be simultaneously applied to the plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1_1. The connection configuration of the plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2_1 is the same as that described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0181] The first connection wiring 122-1_1 and the second connection wiring 122-2_1 are provided on the first substrate 111. For example, a metal with low resistivity such as Al or MoW can be used as each of the first connection wiring 122-1_1 and the second connection wiring 122-2_1.

[0182] The first transparent electrode 120-1 is provided on and in direct contact with the first connection wiring 122-1_1. In other words, one end of the first transparent electrode 120-1_1 overlaps the first connection wiring 122-1_1. The second transparent electrode 120-2_1 also has a connection structure similar to that of the first transparent electrode 120-1_1.

[0183] According to the wiring layout of this modification, the plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1_1 are connected by the first connection wiring 122-1_1 having a low resistivity, which suppresses voltage drop and makes it possible to make the voltage distribution in the plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1_1 uniform.

[0184] <Second Modification of Third Embodiment> A second modification of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 18A and 18B.

[0185] Fig. 18A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first transparent electrode 120-1_1 and a second transparent electrode 120-2_1 in an illumination device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 18B is a schematic plan view showing a wiring layout in which a plurality of transparent electrodes 120 are electrically connected to each other in an illumination device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0186] In this modification, one end of each of the plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1_1 extending in the x-axis direction is electrically connected to one another via a first connection wiring 122-1_1. Furthermore, the plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2_1 extending in the x-axis direction are electrically connected to one another via a second connection wiring 122-2_1. However, the first transparent electrode 120-1_1 is electrically connected to the first connection wiring 122-1_1 via a first contact hole 124-1_1 provided in the insulating layer 123. Similarly, the second transparent electrode 120-2_1 is electrically connected to the second connection wiring 122-2_1 via a second contact hole 124-2_1 provided in the insulating layer 123.

[0187] The insulating layer 123 is provided between the first connection wiring 122-1_1 and the second connection wiring 122-2_1 and the first transparent electrode 120-1_1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2_1. For example, the insulating layer 123 can be made of silicon nitride.

[0188] The first connection wiring 122-1_1 is exposed through the first contact hole 124-1_1, and the second connection wiring 122-2_1 is exposed through the second contact hole 124-2_1. The first transparent electrode 120-1_1 is provided so as to cover the first contact hole 124-1_1, and one end of the first transparent electrode 120-1_1 overlaps with the first connection wiring 122-1_1. The second transparent electrode 120-2_1 has a connection configuration similar to that of the first transparent electrode 120-1_1.

[0189] According to the wiring layout of this modified example, the first connection wiring 122-1_1 and the second connection wiring 122-2_1 are covered with the insulating layer 123. Therefore, when the first transparent electrode 120-1_1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2_1 are formed, the first connection wiring 122-1_1 and the second connection wiring 122-2_1 can be protected by the insulating layer 123.

[0190] <Third Modification of Third Embodiment> A third modification of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 19A to 19C.

[0191] Fig. 19A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first transparent electrode 120-1_1 and a second transparent electrode 120-2_1 in an illumination device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 19B and 19C are schematic plan views showing a wiring layout in which a plurality of transparent electrodes 120 are electrically connected to each other in an illumination device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0192] In this modification, each of the multiple first transparent electrodes 120-1_1 extending in the x-axis direction is in direct contact with a first connection wiring 122-1_1 and is electrically connected to one another via the first connection wiring 122-1_1. Meanwhile, each of the multiple second transparent electrodes 120-2_1 extending in the x-axis direction is electrically connected to one another via wiring formed in the same layer as the second transparent electrode 120-2_1. An insulating layer 123 is provided between the first transparent electrode 120-1_1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2. Although not shown, the wiring electrically connected to the second transparent electrode 120-2_1 is electrically connected to a terminal of the terminal portion 121 via a contact hole provided in the insulating layer 123.

[0193] For example, as shown in FIG. 19B , one end of each of the plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1_1 is electrically connected to one another via a first connection wiring 122-1_1, and one end of each of the plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2_1 is electrically connected to one another via a wiring formed in the same layer as the second transparent electrode 120-2_1. In this case, the second connection wiring 122-2_1 can be disposed between two adjacent transparent electrode arrangement regions 113. The first connection wiring 122-1_1 and the wiring formed in the same layer as the second transparent electrode 120-2_1 are separated by an insulating layer 123. Therefore, even if the distance between the first connection wiring 122-1_1 and the wiring formed in the same layer as the second transparent electrode 120-2_1 is short in plan view, a short circuit between the first connection wiring 122-1_1 and the wiring formed in the same layer as the second transparent electrode 120-2_1 is suppressed. Furthermore, the first connection wiring 122-1 can block light that passes through two adjacent transparent electrode arrangement regions 113.

[0194] In addition, wiring formed in the same layer as the second transparent electrode 120-2_1 may also be provided between two adjacent transparent electrode arrangement areas 113, and the wiring formed in the same layer as the second transparent electrode 120-2_1 may overlap with the first connection wiring 122-1_1.

[0195] 19C , the central portions of the plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1 may be electrically connected to one another via a first connection wiring 122-1_1, and the central portions of the plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2_1 may be electrically connected to one another via a wiring formed in the same layer as the second transparent electrodes 120-2_1. In this case, the first connection wiring 122-1_1 overlaps with the wiring formed in the same layer as the second transparent electrodes 120-2_1.

[0196] According to the wiring layout of this modification, the first connection wiring 122-1_1 and the wiring formed in the same layer as the second transparent electrode 120-2_1 are formed in different layers, and the first connection wiring 122-1_1 and the wiring formed in the same layer as the second transparent electrode 120-2_1 can also be superimposed on each other, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the wiring layout.

[0197] <Fourth Modification of Third Embodiment> A fourth modification of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 20A and 20B.

[0198] Fig. 20A is a schematic cross-sectional view of first transparent electrodes 120-1_1 and 120-1_2 and second transparent electrodes 120-2_1 and 120-2_2 in an illumination device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 20B is a schematic plan view showing a wiring layout in which a plurality of transparent electrodes 120 are electrically connected to each other in an illumination device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0199] In this modification, in the first transparent electrode arrangement region 113_1, the respective central portions of the plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1_1 extending in the x-axis direction are in direct contact with the first connection wiring 122-1_1 and are electrically connected to each other via the first connection wiring 122-1_1. Meanwhile, in the first transparent electrode arrangement region 113_1, the respective central portions of the plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2_1 extending in the x-axis direction are electrically connected to each other via wiring formed in the same layer as the second transparent electrodes 120-2_1. Furthermore, in the second transparent electrode arrangement region 113_2, the respective central portions of the plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1_2 extending in the y-axis direction are electrically connected to each other via wiring formed in the same layer as the first transparent electrodes 120-1_2. On the other hand, in the transparent electrode arrangement region 113_2, the central portions of each of the plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2_2 extending in the y-axis direction are in direct contact with the second connection wiring 122-2_2 and are electrically connected to each other via the second connection wiring 122-2_2. An insulating layer 123 is provided between the first transparent electrode 120-1_1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2_2 and the second transparent electrode 120-2_1 and the first transparent electrode 120-1_2. The third transparent electrode arrangement region 113_3 and the fourth transparent electrode arrangement region 113_4 have the same connection configuration as the first transparent electrode arrangement region 113_1 and the second transparent electrode arrangement region 113_2, respectively.

[0200] The first transparent electrode 120-1_1 in the first transparent electrode arrangement region 113_1 and the first transparent electrode 120-1_2 in the second transparent electrode arrangement region 113_2 are separated by an insulating layer 123. Therefore, even if the distance between the first transparent electrode 120-1_1 in the first transparent electrode arrangement region 113_1 and the first transparent electrode 120-1_2 in the second transparent electrode arrangement region 113_2 is short in plan view, a short circuit between the first transparent electrode 120-1_1 in the first transparent electrode arrangement region 113_1 and the first transparent electrode 120-1_2 in the second transparent electrode arrangement region 113_2 is suppressed. Therefore, in this modification, the gap between two adjacent transparent electrode arrangement regions 113 can be reduced.

[0201] It is understood that within the scope of the concept of the present invention, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations, and that these modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, even if a person skilled in the art appropriately adds, deletes, or modifies the design of the above-described embodiments, or adds, omits, or modifies the conditions of steps, these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they maintain the gist of the present invention.

[0202] Furthermore, other effects and advantages brought about by each embodiment that are clear from the description in this specification or that can be appropriately thought of by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention.

[0203] 1, 1B: lighting device, 10, 10A, 10B: optical element, 11, 11B: light output region, 11_1, 11B_1: first light output region, 11_2, 11B_2: second light output region, 11_3, 11B_3: third light output region, 11_4, 11B_4: fourth light output region, 11_5, 11B_5: fifth light output region, 11_6, 11B_6: sixth light output region, 12A: through hole, 20: light source unit, 100, 100A, 100B: liquid crystal cell, 100-1, 100A-1, 100B-1: first liquid crystal cell, 100-2, 100A-2: second liquid crystal cell, 100-3, 100A-3, 100B-3: third liquid crystal cell; 101, 101B: liquid crystal control unit; 101_1, 101B_1: first liquid crystal control unit;101_2, 101B_2: second liquid crystal control unit, 101_3, 101B_3: third liquid crystal control unit, 101_4, 101B_4: fourth liquid crystal control unit, 101B_5: fifth liquid crystal control unit, 101B_6: sixth liquid crystal control unit, 111, 111A: first substrate, 112, 112A: second substrate, 113, 113B, 114, 114B: transparent electrode arrangement area, 113_1, 113B_1, 114_1, 114B_1: first transparent electrode arrangement area, 113_2, 113B_2, 114_2, 114B_2: second transparent electrode arrangement area, 113_3, 113B_3, 114_3, 114B_3: third transparent electrode arrangement region, 113_4, 113B_4, 114_4, 114B_4: fourth transparent electrode arrangement region, 113B_5, 114B_5: fifth transparent electrode arrangement region, 113B_6, 114B_6: sixth transparent electrode arrangement region, 113_7, 113B_7, 114_7, 114B_7: non-transparent electrode arrangement region, 120, 120B: transparent electrodes, 120-1, 120B-1: first transparent electrodes, 120-2, 120B-2: second transparent electrodes, 120-3, 120B-3: third transparent electrodes, 120-4, 120B-4: fourth transparent electrodes, 121: Terminal portion, 122-1: First connection wiring, 122-2: Second connection wiring, 123: Insulating layer, 124-1: First contact hole, 124-2: Second contact hole, 131: First alignment film, 132: Second alignment film, 140: Sealing material, 150: Liquid crystal layer, 160: Optical elastic resin layer, 200: Light source, 200-1: First light source, 200-2: Second light source, 200-3: Third light source, 200-4: Fourth light source, 1000-1: First polarized light component, 1000-2: Second polarized light component

Claims

1. A first substrate; a second substrate disposed opposite the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first transparent electrode extending in a first direction and a second transparent electrode adjacent to the first transparent electrode, a third transparent electrode extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a fourth transparent electrode adjacent to the third transparent electrode, on the first substrate; a fifth transparent electrode extending in a third direction and a sixth transparent electrode adjacent to the fifth transparent electrode, on the second substrate; a seventh transparent electrode extending in a fourth direction intersecting the third direction, and an eighth transparent electrode adjacent to the seventh transparent electrode; a first alignment film covering the first to fourth transparent electrodes and having been subjected to an alignment treatment so as to align the major axes of liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate side of the liquid crystal layer in a fifth direction; a second alignment film that covers the fifth to eighth transparent electrodes and has been subjected to an alignment treatment so as to align the long axes of liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate side of the liquid crystal layer in a sixth direction that intersects with the fifth direction, wherein the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode overlap with the fifth transparent electrode and the sixth transparent electrode, and the third transparent electrode and the fourth transparent electrode overlap with the seventh transparent electrode and the eighth transparent electrode.

2. The liquid crystal cell according to claim 1, wherein the angle between the first direction and the third direction and the angle between the second direction and the fourth direction are approximately 90 degrees.

3. The liquid crystal cell according to claim 1, wherein the angle between the first direction and the second direction and the angle between the third direction and the fourth direction are approximately 90 degrees.

4. The liquid crystal cell according to claim 1, wherein the angle between the first direction and the second direction and the angle between the third direction and the fourth direction are approximately 60 degrees.

5. A liquid crystal cell according to claim 1, wherein the fifth direction and the sixth direction substantially coincide with the first direction and the third direction, respectively.

6. A liquid crystal cell according to claim 1, wherein each of the fifth direction and the sixth direction does not coincide with any of the first direction to the fourth direction.

7. The liquid crystal cell of claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal cell includes: a non-transparent electrode arrangement region in which the first to eighth transparent electrodes are not arranged in a planar view; and a transparent electrode arrangement region surrounding the non-transparent electrode arrangement region in which the first to eighth transparent electrodes are arranged, the transparent electrode arrangement region being partitioned into a plurality of liquid crystal control regions including a first liquid crystal control region and a second liquid crystal control region; the orientation of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer in the first liquid crystal control region is controlled by voltages applied to the first transparent electrode, the second transparent electrode, the fifth transparent electrode, and the sixth transparent electrode, respectively; and the orientation of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer in the second liquid crystal control region is controlled by the third transparent electrode, the fourth transparent electrode, the seventh transparent electrode, and the eighth transparent electrode.

8. The liquid crystal cell according to claim 7, wherein the number of the plurality of liquid crystal control regions is four or six.

9. The liquid crystal cell according to claim 7, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are opened in the region where the non-transparent electrode is disposed.

10. A liquid crystal display device comprising: 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 comprises: a first substrate; a second substrate disposed opposite the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first transparent electrode extending in a first direction and a second transparent electrode adjacent to the first transparent electrode on the first substrate, a third transparent electrode extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and a fourth transparent electrode adjacent to the third transparent electrode, on the second substrate; a fifth transparent electrode extending in a third direction and a sixth transparent electrode adjacent to the fifth transparent electrode, on the second substrate, a seventh transparent electrode extending in a fourth direction intersecting the third direction and an eighth transparent electrode adjacent to the seventh transparent electrode; and a first alignment film covering the first to fourth transparent electrodes. a second alignment film covering the fifth to eighth transparent electrodes, wherein in each of the first and second liquid crystal cells, the first and second transparent electrodes overlap with the fifth and sixth transparent electrodes, respectively; in each of the first and second liquid crystal cells, the third and fourth transparent electrodes overlap with the seventh and eighth transparent electrodes, respectively; and in the first liquid crystal cell, the first alignment film is subjected to an alignment treatment so that the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are aligned in a fifth direction, and the second alignment film is subjected to an alignment treatment so that the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are aligned in a sixth direction intersecting the fifth direction, An optical element, wherein in the second liquid crystal cell, the first alignment film is subjected to an alignment treatment so that the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are aligned in the sixth direction, and the second alignment film is subjected to an alignment treatment so that the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are aligned in the fifth direction.

11. The optical element according to claim 10, wherein in each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the angle formed between the first direction and the third direction and the angle formed between the second direction and the fourth direction are approximately 90 degrees.

12. The optical element according to claim 10, wherein in each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the angle between the first direction and the second direction and the angle between the third direction and the fourth direction are approximately 90 degrees.

13. The optical element according to claim 10, wherein in each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the angle between the first direction and the second direction and the angle between the third direction and the fourth direction are approximately 60 degrees.

14. The optical element according to claim 10, wherein in each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the fifth direction and the sixth direction are approximately the same as the first direction and the third direction, respectively.

15. The optical element according to claim 10, wherein in each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the fifth direction and the sixth direction do not coincide with the first direction to the fourth direction.

16. Each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell includes, in a planar view, a non-transparent electrode arrangement region in which the first to eighth transparent electrodes are not arranged, and a transparent electrode arrangement region in the planar view that surrounds the non-transparent electrode arrangement region and in which the first to eighth transparent electrodes are arranged, the transparent electrode arrangement region being partitioned into a plurality of liquid crystal control regions including a first liquid crystal control region and a second liquid crystal control region, and in each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the orientation of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer in the first liquid crystal control region is controlled by voltages applied to the first transparent electrode, the second transparent electrode, the fifth transparent electrode, and the sixth transparent electrode, 11. The optical element of claim 10, wherein in each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer within the second liquid crystal control region is controlled by the third transparent electrode, the fourth transparent electrode, the seventh transparent electrode, and the eighth transparent electrode.

17. The optical element according to claim 16, wherein the number of the plurality of liquid crystal control regions in each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell is four or six.

18. The optical element according to claim 16, wherein in each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the first substrate and the second substrate are opened in the region where the non-transparent electrode is disposed.

19. An illumination device comprising: an optical element according to any one of claims 10 to 18; and a plurality of light sources including a first light source overlapping the first transparent electrode, the second transparent electrode, the fifth transparent electrode, and the sixth transparent electrode of each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell; and a second light source overlapping the third transparent electrode, the fourth transparent electrode, the seventh transparent electrode, and the eighth transparent electrode of each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell.

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