JP2021173955A - Liquid crystal element, lamp unit, and lighting fixture for vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a liquid crystal element of a passive type, with which it is possible to set a state of light in various ways.SOLUTION: There is provided a liquid crystal element including a first substrate 51 and a second substrate 52, first conductive layers 53a, 53b, 53c, a first insulating layer 55, second conductive layers 56a, 56b, second insulating layers 57a, 57b overlapping a portion of the first insulating layer in a plan view, third insulating layers 58a, 58b having a plurality of first columnar insulating films overlapping some of the second insulating layers in a plan view, a liquid crystal layer 59, and a counter electrode 54. An area where the first and second substrates overlap in a plan view includes a first area and a second area adjacent to each other, with the liquid crystal layer arranged between the first insulating layer and the second substrate in the first area, the liquid crystal layer arranged between the second insulating layer and the second substrate in the second area, layer thicknesses of the liquid crystal layer in the first and second areas being mutually different.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal element, a lamp unit using the liquid crystal element, and a vehicle lighting system.

Liquid crystal elements are widely used in applications such as information display devices for images and the like. Further, in recent years, when irradiating light to the front of a vehicle, the light distribution pattern has been adopted in a vehicle lighting system that controls the light distribution by a light distribution pattern in which the positions of oncoming vehicles and pedestrians are selectively dimmed. There are also known ones that use a liquid crystal element to form a corresponding image. Conventional examples of liquid crystal devices are described in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 3282156 (Patent Document 1).

By the way, in the above-mentioned vehicle lighting system, for the purpose of further improving the functionality, the transmission / non-transmission (low transmission) of the light from the light source is simply controlled to form an image corresponding to the light distribution pattern. In addition to this, there is a desire to set various light states (for example, light color, brightness, etc.) within a range in which light can be irradiated. Regarding this, for example, it is conceivable to use a full-color liquid crystal element of the active matrix type, but from the viewpoint of ease of control, degree of freedom in pixel design, cost reduction, etc., a passive type liquid crystal element (especially no color filter is used). Liquid crystal element) is advantageous. However, when a passive liquid crystal element is used, it is relatively difficult to realize a configuration in which various light states can be set. It should be noted that such a problem can occur not only in vehicle applications but also in lighting devices using liquid crystal elements.

Japanese Patent No. 3282156

One of the specific aspects of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of setting various light states in, for example, a passive type liquid crystal element. Another specific aspect according to the present invention is one object of the present invention to provide a lamp unit and a vehicle lighting system capable of setting various light states.

[1] The liquid crystal element of one aspect according to the present invention includes (a) a first substrate and a second substrate arranged to face each other, and (b) a first conductive layer arranged on one surface side of the first substrate. (C) The first insulating layer arranged above the first conductive layer of the first substrate, and (d) the first conductive layer arranged above the first insulating layer of the first substrate. A second insulating layer that is electrically connected to the second conductive layer and (e) is arranged above the second conductive layer of the first substrate and overlaps a part of the first insulating layer in a plan view. The layers are arranged either (f) above the second insulating layer of the first substrate or on one side of the second substrate facing the first substrate, each of which is the second insulating layer. A third insulating layer having a plurality of first columnar insulating films overlapping a part of the above in a plan view, (g) a liquid crystal layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, and (h) the first. The region including the counter electrode arranged on one surface side of the two substrates, and (i) the region where the first substrate and the second substrate overlap in a plan view has a first region and a second region which are adjacent to each other. (J) In the first region, the liquid crystal layer is arranged between the first insulating layer and the second substrate, and in the second region, the liquid crystal layer is arranged between the second insulating layer and the second substrate. A liquid crystal element in which a liquid crystal layer is arranged and the layer thicknesses of the liquid crystal layers in the first region and the second region are different from each other.
[2] The lamp unit of one aspect according to the present invention condenses and projects the liquid crystal element according to [1], a light source for incident light on the liquid crystal element, and light transmitted through the liquid crystal element. A lamp unit that includes a lens.
[3] The vehicle lighting system according to the present invention is a vehicle lighting system including the lamp unit according to [2] and a control unit for controlling the operation of the lamp unit.

According to the configuration of the above [1], for example, in a passive type liquid crystal element, a technique capable of setting various light states can be obtained. According to the configuration of the above [2], a lamp unit capable of setting various light states can be obtained. According to the configuration of the above [3], a vehicle lighting system capable of setting various light conditions can be obtained.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle lighting system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B is a schematic view showing a state in which the lamp unit is viewed from the front. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ADB unit. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the liquid crystal element. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a pixel electrode, an inter-pixel electrode, and a wiring portion. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the applied voltage to the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal element and the transmittance of transmitted light. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the chromaticity of transmitted light with respect to the applied voltage in the region 1, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the chromaticity of transmitted light with respect to the applied voltage in the region 2. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the chromaticity of transmitted light with respect to the applied voltage in the region 1 when the layer thickness D1 is set to 6 μm. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an irradiation range of irradiation light by a vehicle lighting system. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of light distribution control by the vehicle lighting system. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining transmitted light in a region where each of the pixel electrode and the inter-pixel electrode is provided. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the above-mentioned manufacturing method of the liquid crystal element. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of the above-mentioned manufacturing method of the liquid crystal element. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the liquid crystal element. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the liquid crystal element.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle lighting system according to an embodiment. The illustrated vehicle lighting system is used as, for example, a headlight, and includes a control unit 1 and a pair of lamp units 2L and 2R. The control unit 1 controls the operation of each lamp unit 2L and 2R. Each of the lamp units 2L and 2R includes a low beam unit 3 and an ADB unit 4, respectively. The ADB unit 4 of each lamp unit 2L and 2R is configured by using the liquid crystal element of one embodiment according to the present invention (details of the liquid crystal element will be described later).

FIG. 1B is a schematic view showing a state in which the lamp unit is viewed from the front. Here, the lamp unit 2L arranged on the front left side of the vehicle is shown, but the lamp unit 2R arranged on the front right side of the vehicle is symmetrical and has the same structure. As shown in the figure, in the lamp unit 2L, the low beam unit 3 is arranged relatively outside the vehicle, and the ADB unit 4 is relatively arranged inside the vehicle.

The low beam unit 3 is for irradiating a road surface or the like in a range relatively close to the vehicle with light (so-called low beam). The ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) unit 4 is a light distribution type light irradiation unit, and is variably set according to the situation in front of the vehicle (for example, oncoming vehicle, preceding vehicle, pedestrian, road sign, etc.). It is for irradiating light with a light pattern. The ADB unit 4 of the present embodiment irradiates the irradiation region of the high beam, which is irradiated relatively above the low beam, with light, and also for a road surface or the like in a range relatively close to the vehicle similar to the low beam. Irradiate light to present predetermined information. The predetermined information is, for example, a mark for alerting the driver that a pedestrian is present.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ADB unit. The ADB unit 4 includes a light source 11, a condenser lens 12, a liquid crystal element 13, a pair of polarizing plates 14a and 14b, and a projection lens 15. The operation of the ADB unit 4 is controlled by the control unit 21 included in the control unit 1. Specifically, the control unit 21 detects the positions of the front vehicle (preceding vehicle, oncoming vehicle), pedestrians, etc. existing around the own vehicle based on the image taken by the camera 22, and the front vehicle, etc. It is for performing light irradiation with a light distribution pattern that is variably set according to the situation around the vehicle, such as setting a certain range including the position as the dimming range and setting the other range as the light irradiation range. be. The control unit 21 is realized by executing a predetermined operation program in a computer system having, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, or the like.

The light source 11 includes, for example, a pseudo white light LED configured by combining a light emitting element (LED) that emits blue light with a yellow phosphor. The light source 11 includes, for example, a plurality of white light LEDs arranged in a matrix or a line. As the light source 11, in addition to the LED, a laser, and a light source generally used for a vehicle lamp unit such as a light bulb or a discharge lamp can be used. The on / off state of the light source 11 is controlled by the control unit 21. The light emitted from the light source 11 enters the liquid crystal element (liquid crystal panel) 13 via the polarizing plate 14a.

The condensing lens 12 is arranged on the front side of the light emitting portion of the light source 11, and condenses the light emitted from the light source 11 and causes the light emitted from the light source 11 to enter the liquid crystal element 13. Further, another optical system (for example, a lens, a reflecting mirror, or a combination thereof) may exist on the path from the light source 11 to the liquid crystal element 13.

The liquid crystal element 13 is a passive type liquid crystal element, each of which has a plurality of pixel regions (optical control regions) that can be individually controlled, and each pixel region has a size of a voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer. The orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer is variably controlled. By irradiating the liquid crystal element 13 with light from the light source 11, an image having light and darkness and hue corresponding to the above-mentioned light distribution pattern is formed. For example, the liquid crystal element 13 includes a liquid crystal layer in which the initial orientation mode in which no voltage is applied is a substantially vertical alignment mode (or vertical alignment mode), and is arranged between a pair of polarizing plates 14a and 14b arranged in orthogonal Nicols. When no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer (or a voltage below the threshold value), the light transmittance is extremely low (light-shielding state). The liquid crystal element 13 of the present embodiment includes a driver that applies a voltage to the liquid crystal layer, and the operation of this driver is controlled by the control unit 21.

For example, the pair of polarizing plates 14a and 14b have their polarization axes substantially orthogonal to each other, and are arranged so as to face each other with the liquid crystal element 13 interposed therebetween. In the present embodiment, a normally black mode is assumed, which is an operation mode in which light is shielded (transmittance becomes extremely low) when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer. As the polarizing plates 14a and 14b, for example, an absorption type polarizing plate made of a general organic material (iodine-based or dye-based) can be used. Further, when it is desired to place more importance on heat resistance, it is also preferable to use a reflective polarizing plate or a wire grid type polarizing plate formed of an optical multilayer film. The wire grid type polarizing plate is a reflective polarizing plate formed by arranging ultrafine wires made of a metal such as aluminum. Further, the absorption type polarizing plate and these reflection type polarizing plates may be used in combination.

The projection lens 15 spreads an image (an image having light and darkness or hue corresponding to the light distribution pattern) formed by the light transmitted through the liquid crystal element 13 so as to be a light distribution for headlights, and projects the image toward the front of the own vehicle. A lens that is appropriately designed is used. In this embodiment, an inverted projection type projector lens is used.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the liquid crystal element. The liquid crystal element 13 includes a first substrate 51 and a second substrate 52 arranged to face each other, an inter-pixel electrode 53a, a wiring portion 53b, a wiring portion 53c, a counter electrode (common electrode) 54, a first insulating film 55, and a pixel electrode 56a. It includes 56b, the second insulating films 57a and 57b, a columnar spacer 58a, a columnar rib portion 58b, a liquid crystal layer 59, and a sealing member 60. In the present embodiment, the first insulating film 55 corresponds to the "first insulating layer", the second insulating films 57a and 57b correspond to the "second insulating layer", and the columnar spacer 58a and the columnar rib portion 58b correspond to the "first insulating layer". Corresponding to the "three insulating layers", the inter-pixel electrodes 53a, the wiring portion 53b, and the wiring portion 53c correspond to the "first conductive layer", and the pixel electrodes 56a and 56b correspond to the "second conductive layer". Further, the columnar spacer 58a corresponds to the "first columnar insulating film", the second insulating film 57b corresponds to the "second columnar insulating film", and the columnar rib portion 58b corresponds to the "third columnar insulating film".

Although not shown for convenience of explanation, the first substrate 51 and the second substrate 52 are appropriately provided with an alignment film for regulating the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer 59, respectively. As shown in the figure, the liquid crystal element 13 includes a region 1 (first region) and a region 2 (second region) in which the layer thicknesses of the liquid crystal layers 59 are different from each other. Assuming that the layer thickness of the liquid crystal layer 59 in the region 1 is D1 and the layer thickness of the liquid crystal layer 59 in the region 2 is D2, the relationship is D1> D2. The functions of the areas 1 and 2 will be described later.

The first substrate 51 and the second substrate 52 are rectangular substrates in a plan view, and are arranged so as to face each other. As each substrate, for example, a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate or a plastic substrate can be used. The first substrate 51 and the second substrate 52 are separated from each other by a superposed body of the second insulating film 57b and the columnar spacer 58a in the region 1, and separated from each other by the columnar spacer 58a in the region 2, and the mutual spacing is desired. (For example, about several μm) is maintained.

The inter-pixel electrode 53a is arranged so as to overlap the gap between adjacent pixel electrodes 56a in a plan view. The wiring portion 53b is electrically connected to any pixel electrode 56a via a through hole (not shown) provided in the first insulating film 55, and a voltage is applied to the connected pixel electrode 56a. Used to do. The wiring portion 53c is connected to any pixel electrode 56b via a through hole (not shown) provided in the first insulating film 55, and in order to apply a voltage to the connected pixel electrode 56b. Used. These interpixel electrodes 53a, wiring portion 53b, and wiring portion 53c are provided on the same surface on one surface side of the first substrate 51, and a transparent conductive film such as indium tin oxide (ITO) is appropriately patterned. It is composed of things.

The counter electrode (common electrode) 54 is provided on one surface side of the second substrate 52. The counter electrode 54 is integrally provided so as to face the pixel electrodes 56a and 56b of the first substrate 51. The counter electrode 54 is configured by appropriately patterning a transparent conductive film such as indium tin oxide (ITO).

The first insulating film 55 is provided so as to cover the inter-pixel electrode 53a, the wiring portion 53b, and the wiring portion 53c on one surface side of the first substrate 51. The first insulating film 55 is made of a transparent insulating material such as an acrylic organic insulating material. Since the first insulating film 55 is used to secure insulation between the pixel electrodes 53a and the like and the pixel electrodes 56a and the like, it is desirable that the first insulating film 55 has a high resistance value.

The pixel electrodes 56a and 56b are provided above the first insulating film 55 on one surface side of the first substrate 51. Each of the pixel electrodes 56a and 56b is configured by appropriately patterning a transparent conductive film such as indium tin oxide (ITO). A gap is provided between each pixel electrode 56a. A pixel region (optical control region) is formed in each of the overlapping regions of the counter electrode 54 and the pixel electrodes 56a and 56b. Although three pixel electrodes 56a and two pixel electrodes 56b are shown in the figure, there are actually a large number of each.

The second insulating films 57a and 57b are provided so as to overlap a part of the first insulating film 55 in a plan view on one surface side of the first substrate 51. Specifically, the second insulating film 57a is basically selectively provided in a region substantially overlapping with each pixel electrode 56a in a plan view so as to individually cover each pixel electrode 56a. Further, the second insulating film 57a is exceptionally provided between the pixel electrodes 56a at a position where it overlaps with the columnar rib portion 58b. Further, the second insulating film 57b is also provided at a position where it overlaps with the columnar spacer 58a corresponding to the pixel electrode 56b.

The columnar spacer 58a is provided at a predetermined position on the upper side of the second insulating film 57a so as to overlap a part of the second insulating film 57a in a plan view on one surface side of the first substrate 51. Specifically, the columnar spacer 58a is provided at a position where it overlaps with the pixel electrodes 56a and 56b in a plan view, and functions as a spacer. It is desirable that the columnar spacer 58a is formed so that the area (cross-sectional area) in the plan view is 900 μm ^{2 or less.} For example, when the plan view shape is formed into a rectangular shape, it is desirable that one side thereof be 30 μm or less, and when the plan view shape is formed into a circular shape, the diameter may be set to 30 μm or less. desirable. Further, the columnar rib portion 58b is provided in a region (inter-pixel portion) between adjacent pixel electrodes 56a in a plan view and overlapping with a wiring portion 53b on the lower layer side thereof. As will be described in detail later, the columnar rib portion 58b is for preventing unintended lighting (light transmission) in the region.

The liquid crystal layer 59 is provided between the first substrate 51 and the second substrate 52. In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 59 is formed by using a nematic liquid crystal material having a negative dielectric constant anisotropy Δε, a high phase transition temperature to an isotropic phase (for example, 130 ° C.), and fluidity. .. Although the case where the liquid crystal layer does not contain the chiral material has been described, the chiral material may be contained. The liquid crystal layer 59 of the present embodiment is in a uniaxially oriented state in which the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules is inclined in one direction when no voltage is applied, and the pretilt angle is in the range of, for example, 88 ° or more and less than 90 ° with respect to each substrate surface. It is set to have a substantially vertical orientation. As described above, alignment films are provided on one surface side of the first substrate 51 and one surface side of the second substrate 52, respectively. As each alignment film, a vertical alignment film that regulates the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer 59 to vertical alignment is used. Each alignment film is subjected to a uniaxial alignment treatment such as a rubbing treatment, and has a uniaxial orientation regulating force that regulates the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 59 in that direction. The directions of the orientation treatments for each alignment film are set to be, for example, staggered (anti-parallel).

The sealing member 60 is for sealing the liquid crystal layer 59, and is provided between the first substrate 51 and the second substrate 52 so as to surround the liquid crystal layer 59. As the sealing member 60, for example, a thermosetting resin, an ultraviolet effective resin, a mixture thereof, or the like can be used. Further, a gap control material may be added to the seal member 60. In the illustrated example, the sealing member 60 is provided on the first substrate 51 above the first insulating film 55. In this case, it is desirable to add a gap control material having a diameter substantially equal to that of the liquid crystal layer thickness D1 corresponding to the region 1.

When the sealing member 60 is provided at the position where the first insulating film 55 and the second insulating film 57a are provided on the first substrate 51, a gap having substantially the same diameter as the layer thickness D2 corresponding to the region 2 is provided. It is desirable to add a control material. As another example, when the sealing member 60 is provided at a position where none of the insulating films is provided, the diameter is approximately the total of the total film thicknesses of the first insulating film 55, the second insulating film 57a, and the columnar spacer 58a. It is desirable to add equal gap control material. In either case, the film thickness of the inter-pixel electrode 53a, the pixel electrode 56a, and the like can be reduced to, for example, about 0.2 μm, so that there is almost no effect even if no consideration is given to the selection of the gap control material.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a pixel electrode, an inter-pixel electrode, and a wiring portion. Although the above-mentioned FIG. 3 shows a simplified configuration so that the characteristics of the liquid crystal element can be easily understood, FIG. 4 shows a relatively detailed configuration example of the liquid crystal element. Therefore, in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sizes and the like of each configuration do not always exactly match. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 4, each pixel electrode 56a is arranged in three rows along the Y direction, and an arbitrary number is arranged along the X direction. Here, for each pixel electrode 56a, the one in the first row is referred to as the pixel electrode 156a, the one in the second row is referred to as the pixel electrode 256a, and the one in the third row is referred to as the pixel electrode 356a in order from the top in the drawing. As for the inter-pixel electrode 53a, the one associated with the pixel electrode 156a in the first row is associated with the inter-pixel electrode 153a, and the one associated with the pixel electrode 256a in the second row is associated with the inter-pixel electrode 253a in the third row. The one associated with the pixel electrode 356a of the above is referred to as an inter-pixel electrode 353c. Further, as for the wiring portion 53b, the one associated with the pixel electrode 156a and the inter-pixel electrode 153a in the first row is associated with the wiring portion 153b and the pixel electrode 256a and the inter-pixel electrode 253a in the second row. The wiring portion 253b associated with the pixel electrode 356a on the third line and the inter-pixel electrode 353a is referred to as a wiring portion 353b.

Each pixel electrode 156a is connected to the inter-pixel electrode 153a and the wiring portion 153b on the lower layer side via a through hole 161a provided in the first insulating film 55. As a result, the pixel electrode 156a, the inter-pixel electrode 153a, and the wiring portion 153b are electrically connected to each other to be equipotential. As shown in FIG. 4, each through hole 161a has a substantially triangular outer edge shape in a plan view, and corresponds to one of the four corners (upper left corner in the figure) of each pixel electrode 156a in a plan view. It is attached. Each pixel electrode 156a is in contact with an interpixel electrode 156a and a portion exposed on the bottom of the through hole 161a of the wiring portion 153b via a connecting portion formed along the wall surface of the through hole 161a.

Similarly, each pixel electrode 256a is connected to the inter-pixel electrode 253a and the wiring portion 253b via a connecting portion formed along the wall surface of the through hole 261a. As a result, the pixel electrode 256a, the inter-pixel electrode 253a, and the wiring portion 253b are electrically connected to each other to be equipotential. Similarly, each pixel electrode 356a is connected to the inter-pixel electrode 353a and the wiring portion 353b via a connecting portion formed along the wall surface of the through hole 361a. As a result, the pixel electrode 356a, the inter-pixel electrode 353a, and the wiring portion 353b are electrically connected to each other to be equipotential.

The inter-pixel electrodes 153a are arranged so as to overlap each other in a gap between two pixel electrodes 156a adjacent to each other in the X direction in a plan view. In the present embodiment, the inter-pixel electrodes 153a are arranged so that their left outer edge in plan view and the right outer edge of the pixel electrode 156a arranged on their left side are substantially the same in the vertical direction. ing. Further, each pixel electrode 153a partially overlaps a part of the area inside the right side edge of the pixel electrode 156a in a plan view near the left outer edge of the pixel electrode 156a arranged on the right side of the pixel electrode 156a. It is located in. This partial region has the effect of preventing an oblique electric field from being generated near the left outer edge of the pixel electrode 156a in the drawing and suppressing the generation of a dark region in the transmitted light. From this, it is preferable that the length of each partial region in the Y direction is as wide as possible, and in the present embodiment, the length of the partial region in the Y direction is set to be substantially the same as the length of the corresponding pixel electrode 156a in the Y direction. ..

Similarly, the inter-pixel electrodes 253a are arranged between two pixel electrodes 256a adjacent to each other in the X direction in a plan view, and are arranged so that a part thereof partially overlaps with the pixel electrode 256a on the right side of the pixel electrode 256a. Has been done. Similarly, each pixel-to-pixel electrode 353a is arranged between two pixel electrodes 356a adjacent to each other in the X direction in a plan view, and is arranged so that a part thereof partially overlaps with the pixel electrode 366a on its right side. Has been done.

The wiring portion 153b is connected to one inter-pixel electrode 153a and extends upward in the drawing. In the present embodiment, the wiring portion 153b is integrally provided with the same width as the corresponding inter-pixel electrode 153a.

The wiring portion 253b is connected to one inter-pixel electrode 253a and extends upward in the drawing. The wiring portion 253b has a portion that overlaps with the pixel electrode 156a, a portion located between the pixel electrode 156a and the pixel electrode 256a, and a portion that overlaps with the pixel electrode 256a, and the pixel electrode 256a passes through the through hole 261a. Is connected to. Of the wiring portion 253b, the portion of the pixel electrode 256a that overlaps the vicinity of the upper edge in the drawing has an effect of suppressing the generation of a dark region in the transmitted light in the vicinity of the upper outer edge. Further, the portion of the wiring portion 253b located between the pixel electrodes 156a and the pixel electrodes 256a also functions as an inter-pixel electrode arranged between the pixel electrodes 156a and 256a. As a result, the area that substantially functions as a pixel area can be expanded.

The wiring portion 353b is connected to one inter-pixel electrode 353a and extends upward in the drawing. The wiring portion 353b is a portion that overlaps with the pixel electrode 156a, a portion that is located between the pixel electrode 156a and the pixel electrode 256a, a portion that overlaps with the pixel electrode 256a, and a portion that is located between the pixel electrode 256a and the pixel electrode 356a. And is connected to the pixel electrode 356a via the through hole 361a. Of the wiring portion 353b, the portion of the pixel electrode 356a that overlaps the vicinity of the upper edge in the drawing has an effect of suppressing the generation of a dark region in the vicinity of the upper outer edge. Further, the portion of the wiring portion 353b located between the pixel electrodes 256a and the pixel electrodes 356a also functions as an inter-pixel electrode arranged between the pixel electrodes 256a and 356a. As a result, the area that substantially functions as a pixel area can be expanded.

Here, the portion (inter-pixel portion) located between the pixel electrode 156a and the pixel electrode 256a is referred to as a connection portion 356c (shown by shading in the figure). The connection portion 356c is provided with the above-mentioned columnar rib 58b for preventing erroneous lighting. Specifically, assuming that the columnar rib portion 58b described above is not provided in the connection portion 356c, when a voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 356a to bring the region into a light transmitting state, the same voltage is also applied to the connection portion 356c. Is applied, so that the light transmission state is also obtained in the region corresponding to the connection portion 356c. At this time, for example, if each region corresponding to the pixel electrode 156a and the pixel electrode 256a is in a non-transmissive state (or a low transmission state), the light transmission state in the region corresponding to the connection portion 356c can be visually recognized as a bright spot. It becomes a state. Therefore, by providing the columnar rib 58b in association with the connection portion 356c which is a portion located between the pixel electrode 156a and the pixel electrode 256a in the wiring portion 353b, the liquid crystal molecule (liquid crystal layer 59) does not exist in this portion. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of bright spots as described above. Since the connecting portion 356c is always in a non-transparent state, it can be visually recognized as a black spot, but since the black spot is less noticeable as a characteristic of the human eye, it can be said that it is preferable to becoming a bright spot. Further, as shown in the illustrated example, the connecting portion can be formed in a relatively small size, so that the black spots can be substantially invisible.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the applied voltage to the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal element and the transmittance of transmitted light. Here, the characteristics when the layer thickness D1 of the region 1 of the liquid crystal layer 59 is set to 3.2 μm and the layer thickness D2 of the region 2 is set to 2.4 μm are shown. The refractive index anisotropy Δn of the liquid crystal material is about 0.08 to 0.2, and here, a liquid crystal material having a refractive index of about 0.016 is used. Further, the chiral material is not added to the liquid crystal material (it may be added). The applied voltage is an AC voltage. The pair of polarizing plates 14a and 14b are arranged so that their absorption axes are substantially orthogonal to each other.

As shown in the figure, it can be seen that in the region 1, the maximum transmittance is reached between the applied voltages of 4 V and 5 V, and then the transmittance decreases. This is because the transmitted light is colored (wavelength dispersion) in the high range of the applied voltage due to the voltage-controlled double refraction effect, and the transmittance at the light wavelength showing the maximum transmittance does not change, but the peak wavelength changes. This is a phenomenon in which transmitted light is colored. Such a change is a phenomenon that occurs when the retardation (Δn · d) in the liquid crystal layer 59 changes according to the applied voltage, and appears remarkably in the region 1 having a relatively large layer thickness D1.

On the other hand, in the region 2, the maximum transmittance is reached at an applied voltage (about 6 V) higher than that in the region 1, but even if a higher voltage is applied, the transmittance does not change much and is almost saturated. This is because the layer thickness D2 of the region 2 is relatively small, so that the change in retardation with increasing applied voltage is small, and it is not possible to obtain a change in retardation that causes remarkable coloring of transmitted light. It is believed that there is.

FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the chromaticity of transmitted light with respect to the applied voltage in the region 1, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the chromaticity of transmitted light with respect to the applied voltage in the region 2. Both figures show the chromaticity based on the chromaticity diagram (CIE1931) specified by the International Commission on Illumination. For convenience of illustration, the color representation in the chromaticity diagram is omitted. As shown in FIG. 6A, it can be seen that in the region 1, the color tone of the transmitted light changes relatively significantly as the applied voltage increases. Almost white is obtained at an applied voltage of 4 V (voltage at maximum transmittance), which is preferable as the color tone of the irradiation light to the front of the vehicle. Further, it can be seen that in the range of the applied voltage of 5V to 8V, the color tone of the transmitted light becomes more yellowish, but the color tone of the irradiation light to the front of the vehicle is at a level that is not a problem under the law. In the range of the applied voltage of 8 V or more, the color tone of the transmitted light becomes stronger. Therefore, for example, this color tone can be used when irradiating the road surface with light indicating various information. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, it can be seen that in the region 2, the change in the color tone of the transmitted light due to the increase in the applied voltage is small, and white is obtained without any legal problem. As described above, the region 1 of the liquid crystal element 13 can be used for light irradiation for presenting various information on the road surface in a range relatively close to the vehicle as in the low beam, and the region 2 is the position of the vehicle in front or the like. It can be used for light irradiation of a variable light distribution type according to the above.

The characteristics shown in FIG. 6A for the region 1 are an example, and the type of hue of transmitted light can be increased by changing the size of retardation by increasing the layer thickness D1 of the liquid crystal layer 59 or the like. Can be done. For example, FIG. 7 shows the chromaticity of transmitted light with respect to the applied voltage in the region 1 when the layer thickness D1 is set to 6 μm. As shown in the figure, it can be seen that the chromaticity changes significantly with respect to the applied voltage. Specifically, for example, when the applied voltage is 4V, it is yellow (X = 0.396; Y = 0.42), and when it is 5V, it is red (X = 0.469; Y = 0.32), 7V. Sometimes blue (X = 0.164; Y = 0.109), cyan at 15V (X = 0.204; Y = 0.325), green at 50V (X = 0.283; Y) It can be seen that transmitted light of = 0.441) can be obtained.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an irradiation range of irradiation light by a vehicle lighting system. In FIG. 8, the irradiation range of the irradiation light on the screen arranged in the vertical direction at a predetermined position in front of the vehicle is shown with a pattern. As shown in the illustrated example, the boundary of the irradiation light formed by using each of the above-mentioned regions 1 and 2 of the liquid crystal element 13 is set at a position 1 ° downward from the horizontal direction (vertical axis 0 °). be able to. For example, assuming that the lamp units 2L and 2R are installed at a height of 70 cm from the road surface, the area 1 can correspond to the light irradiation on the road surface up to 40 m in front of the vehicle, and the area 2 is in front of the vehicle. It is possible to correspond to light irradiation to a distance beyond 40 m. The position of the boundary of the irradiation light can be freely set in the range of 0 ° to 10 ° downward. Further, the low beam by the low beam unit 3 is also irradiated in the range overlapping with the irradiation light using the region 1 (the range close to the vehicle).

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of light distribution control by the vehicle lighting system. In FIG. 9, the state in front of the vehicle is schematically shown. As shown in the figure, by light irradiation of the variable light distribution type using the region 2 of the liquid crystal element 13, the non-irradiation range (dimming range) 101 according to the position of the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle and the position of the road sign corresponded. The non-irradiation range (dimming range) 102, the non-irradiation range (dimming range) 103 according to the position of the pedestrian (mainly the head position), etc. are set, and the high beam with the other irradiation range is set in front of the vehicle. Can be irradiated. This makes it possible to prevent glare on the preceding vehicle, the oncoming vehicle, and the pedestrian. In addition, the intensity of the reflected light generated by the road sign can be reduced to reduce glare to the driver or the like.

Further, by irradiating light using the region 1 of the liquid crystal element 13, for example, a warning mark 104 for notifying the approach of the preceding vehicle within a predetermined distance, a marking beam 105 for notifying the direction in which a pedestrian exists, and the like are various. It can be drawn on the road surface by the light of the color tone. At this time, it is also desirable that the color tone differs depending on the type of information. In addition to the information illustrated here, for example, a linear marking beam indicating the center position of the own vehicle, a band-shaped marking beam indicating the width of the own vehicle, a marking beam indicating the position of a white line on the road, etc. are drawn. You may. This makes it possible to notify the driver and the like of various information in front of the vehicle in a state in which it is easier to see.

The light irradiation using the region 1 of the liquid crystal element 13 is not limited to drawing information on the road surface, and may be used, for example, as an answerback to the driver or the like for operations (for example, locking / unlocking) by a remote controller on the vehicle. .. For example, when a remote control operation is performed, light irradiation can be performed by blinking a predetermined color (for example, blue or green). In this case, it is also desirable to detect the position of the remote controller and irradiate light in that direction. Further, in a vehicle equipped with a storage battery such as a so-called electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, light irradiation may be performed to notify the charging status of the storage battery. For example, it is conceivable to irradiate with light such as green when the battery is fully charged, yellow when the remaining amount is 50% or less, and red when the remaining amount is small. Further, in a vehicle equipped with an automatic driving function, light irradiation with different colors may be performed in order to notify the automatic driving and the non-automatic driving. For example, it is conceivable to detect the position of a pedestrian and emit green light during automatic driving and yellow light during non-automatic driving (when driving by a human) toward the pedestrian. Alternatively, it is conceivable to perform light irradiation in which the colors are sequentially switched in the order of purple, blue, cyan, and green only during automatic operation.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining transmitted light in a region where each of the pixel electrode and the inter-pixel electrode is provided. In FIG. 10, a part of the liquid crystal element 13 is shown in an enlarged manner, and a configuration not related to the description here is omitted. As shown in the figure, in the region corresponding to the optical path (measurement point) A, a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 59 between the inter-pixel electrode 53a and the counter electrode 54 with the first insulating film 55 interposed therebetween. On the other hand, in the region corresponding to the optical path (measurement point) B, a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 59 between the pixel electrode 56a and the counter electrode 54 with the second insulating film 57a interposed therebetween.

At this time, if the film thickness and the dielectric constant of the first insulating film 55 and the second insulating film 57a are not significantly different, the voltages applied to the liquid crystal layer 59 in the regions corresponding to the optical paths A and B are the same. It becomes. Here, the layer thickness of the liquid crystal layer 59 is different in the region corresponding to each of the optical path A and the optical path B, but theoretically, the threshold voltage at the start of the orientation change of the liquid crystal molecules due to the voltage is the layer thickness of the liquid crystal layer 59. Does not depend on. Therefore, in the region corresponding to each of the optical path A and the optical path B, the behavior of the transmittance with respect to the voltage can be made the same, especially in the range where the applied voltage is low. Thereby, in the region corresponding to each of the optical path A and the optical path B, it is possible to almost eliminate the difference in the transmittance especially when the applied voltage is relatively low. Generally, the human eye is more sensitive to the difference in dark transmitted light, but the behavior of the transmittance in the optical paths A and B is the same, so that the viewer can see the dark lines that can occur between the pixel electrodes 56a in the irradiation light. It can be difficult to recognize.

The suitable film thickness of each of the first insulating film 55 and the second insulating film 57a will be further examined. In order to make the behaviors of the transmittances in the optical paths A and B equal, it is considered that the applied voltages in the respective regions should be made equal. On the premise of this, the relationship of capacitance in each region can be expressed as follows.
here,
C _LC1 is the capacitance of the liquid crystal layer 59 in the region corresponding to the optical path A.
C in ₁ is the capacitance of the first insulating film 53 in the region corresponding to the optical path A.
C _LC2 is the capacitance of the liquid crystal layer 59 in the region corresponding to the optical path B.
C in ₂ is the capacitance of the first insulating film 53 in the region corresponding to the optical path B.

From the above equation (1), the following equation (2) is derived.
here,
ε in ₁ is the dielectric constant of the first insulating film 55,
d1 is the film thickness of the first insulating film 55,
ε in ₂ is the dielectric constant of the second insulating film 57a.
d2 is the film thickness of the second insulating film 57a,
ε _LC is the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 59 in the layer thickness direction.
d _LC1 is the layer thickness of the liquid crystal layer 59 in the region corresponding to the optical path A.
d _LC1- d2 is the layer thickness of the liquid crystal layer 59 in the region corresponding to the optical path B.
S1 is the area of the region corresponding to the optical path A,
S2 is the area of the region corresponding to the optical path B.

In the above equation (2), _assuming that S1 = S2 and ε in2 = ε _in2 , the relationship between the film thickness d1 of the first insulating film 55 and the film thickness d2 of the second insulating film 57a can be expressed as follows.

Using the above equation (3), for example, the layer thickness d _LC1 (corresponding to D1 shown in FIG. 3) of the liquid crystal layer 59 in the region corresponding to the optical path A is 3.2 μm, and the film of the first insulating film 55. Assuming that the thickness d1 is 1 μm, the preferable value of the film thickness d2 of the second insulating film 57a can be determined to be about 0.8 μm (0.6 μm to 0.9 μm). In other words, it can be expressed as d1: d2 = 1: 0.6 to 0.9.

11 and 12 are diagrams for explaining an example of the above-mentioned manufacturing method of the liquid crystal element. In each figure, a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal element is illustrated by a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. Although the manufacturing method is shown here by focusing on one liquid crystal element, a plurality of liquid crystal elements are collectively formed on a large-sized substrate by the same manufacturing method and finally divided to obtain individual liquid crystal elements. May be good.

A conductive film pattern (first conductive layer) 53 is formed on one surface side of the first substrate 51 made of a glass substrate or the like (FIG. 11 (A)). For example, a conductive film made of a conductor such as ITO (indium tin oxide) is formed on one surface side of the first substrate 51 by a film forming technique such as a vacuum deposition method or a sputtering method, and patterning is performed by a photolithography technique. Since the conductive film pattern 53 includes an inter-pixel electrode 53a, a wiring portion 53b, and the like, it is desirable to use a low-resistance conductive film for forming the conductive film pattern 53.

Next, a first insulating film (first insulating layer) 55 is formed on one surface side of the first substrate 51 so as to cover the conductive film pattern 53 (FIG. 11 (B)). Here, for example, an organic insulating film such as an acrylic film can be used. Since the first insulating film 55 functions as an interlayer insulating film, it is desirable to use a material having a high resistance value (determined by resistivity and film thickness) that can be electrically insulated. For example, an insulating film is formed by a method such as slit coating or spin coating using a photosensitive material, and the insulating film is irradiated with ultraviolet rays through a photomask and developed to develop a first insulating film having a desired pattern. 55 can be formed. At this time, through holes 161 and the like (see FIG. 4) are also formed. Further, by high-temperature firing (200 ° C. to 300 ° C.), patterning can be prevented in the subsequent steps.

Next, a conductive film pattern (second conductive layer) 56 is formed on the upper side of the first insulating film 55 of the first substrate 51 (FIG. 11 (C)). For example, a conductive film pattern 56 can be obtained by forming a conductive film made of a conductive material such as ITO on the upper side of the first insulating film 55 and patterning the conductive film. The conductive film pattern 56 includes pixel electrodes 56a and 56b. Since it is used as a pixel electrode, a conductive film having a relatively high resistance may be used. At this time, the pixel electrode 56a and the inter-pixel electrode 53a are electrically connected via the through hole 161 or the like.

Next, a second insulating film pattern (second insulating layer) 57 is formed on the upper side of the conductive film pattern 56 of the first substrate 51 (FIG. 1 (D)). The specific forming method is the same as in the case of the first insulating film 55. The second insulating film pattern 57 includes the second insulating films 57a and 57b. The second insulating film 57a is basically selectively provided so as to cover the pixel electrode 56a as described above, but is also provided in a region where the columnar rib portion 58b for preventing erroneous lighting should be provided. Further, since the second insulating film 57b functions as a part of the spacer in the region 1 of the liquid crystal element 13, it is ^{formed into a relatively thin columnar shape having a cross-sectional area of 900 μm 2} or less (one side or a diameter of 30 μm or less). Will be done.

Next, a third insulating film pattern (third insulating layer) 58 is formed on the upper side of the second insulating film pattern 57 of the first substrate 51 (FIG. 1 (E)). The specific forming method is the same as in the case of the first insulating film 55 and the like. The third insulating film pattern 58 includes a columnar spacer 58a and a columnar rib portion 58b. The columnar spacer 58a is formed in a relatively thin columnar shape having a cross-sectional area of 900 ^{μm 2} or less (one side or a diameter of 30 μm or less). A part of the columnar spacer 58a is formed so as to be overlapped with the second insulating film 57b. As a result, the layer thickness can be maintained at D1 in the region 1 and at D2 in the region 2. Further, the columnar rib portion 58b is provided to prevent erroneous lighting as described above, and the cross-sectional area (one side or diameter) is set larger than that of the columnar spacer 58a.

Next, an alignment film is formed on each of the first substrate 51 and the second substrate 52 (not shown). For example, an alignment film is formed by applying a vertically oriented film material by a technique such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing and firing it under predetermined conditions (for example, 200 ° C. to 240 ° C.). Further, these alignment films are subjected to uniaxial alignment treatment such as rubbing treatment.

Next, the sealing material 60 is formed on one surface side of the first substrate 51 (FIG. 12 (A)). Here, the sealing material 60 is formed so as to surround a certain region (optical functional portion) including the region 1 and the region 2. Further, when the liquid crystal material is vacuum-injected in the next step, an injection port is provided in a part of the sealing material 60 at a predetermined position. When the liquid crystal material is injected by the ODF (One Drop Fill) method, an injection port is not required. Here, for example, a thermosetting resin or the like is applied to one surface side of the first substrate 51 in a predetermined shape by a method such as screen printing.

Next, the first substrate 51 and the second substrate 52 provided with the counter electrode 54 in advance are aligned and overlapped to fix the positions of both substrates, and the sealing material 60 is fired using a press jig or the like. (Fig. 12 (B)). For example, both substrates are pressed and fired at 150 ° C. for 2 hours.

Next, the liquid crystal layer 59 is formed by injecting a liquid crystal material into the gap between the first substrate 51 and the second substrate 52 that are overlapped with each other (FIG. 12 (C)). After that, the liquid crystal element 13 is completed by appropriately cleaning the liquid crystal element 13.

According to the above-described embodiment, for example, in a passive type liquid crystal element, a technique capable of setting various light states can be obtained. Further, a lamp unit and a vehicle lighting system capable of setting various light conditions can be obtained.

The present invention is not limited to the contents of the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified and implemented within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a vehicle lighting system of a four-wheeled vehicle is illustrated, but the present invention can also be applied to a vehicle lighting system of another type of vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to vehicle applications but also to various lighting devices and lighting systems.

Further, the third insulating layer in the liquid crystal element of the above-described embodiment may be provided on the second substrate side. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the configuration of the liquid crystal element 13a of the modified example may be provided with a fourth insulating film (fourth insulating layer) 61 between the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer. Specifically, the fourth insulating film 61 is provided so as to cover the pixel electrodes 56a and the like on the upper side of the first insulating film 55 of the first substrate 51. In this case, the second insulating films 57a and 57b are provided at predetermined positions corresponding to the pixel electrodes 56a and the like on the upper side of the fourth insulating film 61. In the liquid crystal element 13a of this modified example, the relationship between the total film thickness of the first insulating film 55 and the fourth insulating film 61 and the total film thickness of the second insulating film 57a and the like and the fourth insulating film 61 is 1: It is desirable to form each insulating film so as to be 0.6 to 0.9. By providing the fourth insulating film 61, a short circuit between the first substrate 51 and the second substrate 52 can be more reliably prevented.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the configuration of the liquid crystal element 13b of the modified example may be further provided with boundary pixel electrodes 70 and 71 at the boundary between the region 1 and the region 2 of the liquid crystal element. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a part of the liquid crystal element 13b including the boundary between the region 1 and the region 2. The configuration of the portion of the liquid crystal element 13b other than the illustrated portion is the same as that of the liquid crystal element 13 shown in FIG. 3 described above. In the liquid crystal element 13b of the modified example shown in the figure, the boundary pixel electrode 70 is provided on the upper side of the first insulating film 55 on the right side of the drawing with the boundary between the area 1 and the area 2 (indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in the figure). On the left side of the drawing with the boundary in between, the boundary pixel electrode 71 is provided on the upper side of the first substrate 51. These boundary pixel electrodes 70 and 71 are formed in a band shape, for example, from one end to the other end in the left-right direction of the irradiation light so that the light irradiation can be controlled in a band shape.

The boundary pixel electrodes 70 and 71 can be formed together with other electrodes and wiring portions in the same layer. That is, the boundary pixel electrode 70 can be arranged between the first substrate 51 and the first insulating film 55 like the wiring portion 53c, and the boundary pixel electrode 71 is the first insulating film 55 and the second insulating film 55 like the pixel electrode 56a. It can be arranged between the insulating films 57a. A part of the boundary pixel electrode 70 and the boundary pixel electrode 71 on the side close to the boundary overlap each other in a plan view. Further, as shown in the drawing, the boundary pixel electrode 70 is provided so that one end thereof substantially coincides with the boundary. By applying a voltage of the same magnitude to such boundary pixel electrodes 70 and 71 or a voltage such that the difference in transmittance of light passing through these boundary pixel electrodes 70 and 71 is smaller, a region in the irradiation light is applied. The boundary portion corresponding to 1 and the region 2 (a portion of about 1 ° downward in FIG. 8) can be made inconspicuous.

Further, the region corresponding to the boundary pixel electrode 71 has different electro-optical characteristics from the region corresponding to the other pixel electrodes 56b in the region 1, and even if the threshold voltage is the same, it is transmitted in a voltage range higher than that. Differences can occur in rates. Considering this difference in transmittance, a voltage is applied between the counter electrode 54 and the boundary pixel electrodes 70 and 71 independently of the other electrodes to express the same brightness and color in the region 1 and the region 2. It is also possible to realize irradiation lights of different colors from each other when drawing a road surface or the like.

1: Control unit, 2L, 2R: Lamp unit, 3: Low beam unit, 4: ADB unit, 11 light sources, 12: Condensing lens, 13: Liquid crystal element, 14a, 14b: Plate plate, 15: Projection lens, 21: Control unit, 22: camera, 51: first substrate, 52: second substrate, 53a: interpixel electrode, 53b: wiring unit, 53c: wiring unit, 54: counter electrode (common electrode), 55: first insulating film , 56a, 56b: Pixel electrode, 57a: Second insulating film, 58a: Columnar spacer, 58b: Columnar rib portion, 59: Liquid crystal layer, 60: Seal member

Claims (13)

The first substrate and the second substrate which are arranged to face each other,
The first conductive layer arranged on one surface side of the first substrate and
A first insulating layer arranged above the first conductive layer of the first substrate,
A second conductive layer arranged above the first insulating layer of the first substrate and electrically connected to the first conductive layer,
A second insulating layer arranged above the second conductive layer of the first substrate and overlapping a part of the first insulating layer in a plan view,
It is arranged on either the upper side of the second insulating layer of the first substrate or the one-sided side of the second substrate facing the first substrate, and each of them is viewed in plan with a part of the second insulating layer. A third insulating layer having a plurality of first columnar insulating films overlapping with each other,
A liquid crystal layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate,
A counter electrode arranged on one side of the second substrate and
Including
The region where the first substrate and the second substrate overlap in a plan view has a first region and a second region which are adjacent to each other.
In the first region, the liquid crystal layer is arranged between the first insulating layer and the second substrate, and in the second region, the liquid crystal layer is arranged between the second insulating layer and the second substrate. The layer thicknesses of the liquid crystal layers in the first region and the second region are different from each other.
Liquid crystal element. The plurality of first columnar insulating films of the third insulating layer function as spacers for separating the first substrate and the second substrate from each other.
The liquid crystal element according to claim 1. The second insulating layer has one or more second columnar insulating films associated with one or more of the first columnar insulating films arranged in the first region of the plurality of first columnar insulating films. ,
The liquid crystal element according to claim 1 or 2. The plurality of first columnar insulating films and the second columnar insulating film each have a cross-sectional area of 900 ^{μm 2} or less, or each side or diameter of 30 μm or less.
The liquid crystal element according to claim 3. The initial alignment mode in which no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer is a substantially vertical alignment mode or a vertical alignment mode.
The liquid crystal element according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The second conductive layer has at least two pixel electrodes arranged in the second region and adjacent to each other in a plan view.
The first conductive layer has an inter-pixel portion arranged between the two adjacent pixel electrodes of the second conductive layer in a plan view.
The third insulating layer further has a third columnar insulating film provided at a position overlapping the inter-pixel portion in a plan view.
The liquid crystal element according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The ratio of the layer thickness of the first insulating layer to the layer thickness of the second insulating layer is 1: 0.6 to 0.9.
The liquid crystal element according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A fourth insulating layer provided between the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer is further provided on one surface side of the first substrate.
The liquid crystal element according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The ratio of the total thickness of the first insulating layer and the fourth insulating layer to the total thickness of the second insulating layer and the fourth insulating layer is 1: 0.6 to 0.9.
The liquid crystal element according to claim 8. Further, the first boundary pixel electrode is arranged between the first substrate and the first insulating layer on the first region side near the boundary between the first region and the second region, and the first boundary pixel electrode is arranged. A second boundary pixel electrode is arranged near the boundary between the first region and the second region and between the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer on the second region side.
The liquid crystal element according to any one of claims 1 to 9. In a plan view, the first boundary pixel electrode and the second boundary pixel electrode have a part of the side close to the boundary between the first region and the second region overlapping with each other.
The liquid crystal element according to claim 10. The liquid crystal element according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
A light source that causes light to enter the liquid crystal element,
A lens that collects and projects the light transmitted through the liquid crystal element, and
Including the lamp unit. The lamp unit according to claim 12 and
A control unit that controls the operation of the lamp unit and
Including vehicle lighting system.

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