JP4925468B2 - High-efficiency formation mechanism of liquid crystal flow, high-efficiency formation method of liquid crystal flow, and high-efficiency object movement mechanism using liquid crystal flow - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid crystal flow high-efficiency formation mechanism, a liquid crystal flow high-efficiency formation method, and a liquid crystal flow high-efficiency object moving mechanism. A liquid crystal refers to a state that has fluidity but is optically anisotropic, exhibits birefringence, has crystal-like properties, or exhibits such a state. When an electric field or magnetic field is applied to the liquid crystal, all liquid crystal molecules rotate around the center of gravity, and the axial direction is oriented at an angle unique to the liquid crystal with respect to the direction of the electric field or magnetic field. The present invention relates to a high-efficiency object moving mechanism using liquid crystal flow utilizing the properties of liquid crystal, a high-efficiency formation mechanism of liquid crystal flow, and a high-efficiency formation method of liquid crystal flow.

Conventionally, liquid crystals have been used in information display devices such as liquid crystal displays because their optical properties change as liquid crystal molecules are aligned.
The viscosity of the liquid crystal changes when the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules is changed by applying an electric field or a magnetic field. That is, since the liquid crystal also has a property as an electrorheological fluid, bearings, dampers, and the like using this property have been developed.

On the other hand, it is known that liquid crystal flow occurs when liquid crystal molecules are aligned, and a technique for industrially utilizing such liquid crystal flow has also been developed (Patent Document 1).
Patent Document 1 discloses a channel having a pair of opposed wall surfaces, liquid crystal molecule rotating means for rotating liquid crystal molecules in a plane intersecting the wall surface of the channel, and a pair of alignment films provided on the pair of wall surfaces. A liquid crystal flow mechanism comprising: In this liquid crystal flow mechanism, a pair of alignment films provided on a pair of wall surfaces are rubbed in the same direction, and liquid crystal molecules are twisted between the pair of wall surfaces.
For this reason, if the liquid crystal molecules are rotated by the liquid crystal molecule rotating means, a liquid crystal flow in which the flow rate does not become zero can be generated in the flow path. Can be used.

  By the way, although the technique of the said patent document 1 is a technique effective in the point which can generate the liquid crystal flow which can be utilized industrially, in order to raise the industrial utility value of a liquid crystal flow, the flow volume of a liquid crystal flow. Is preferred, and development of a technique for increasing the flow rate of liquid crystal flow is desired.

Japanese Patent No. 3586734

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention can form an industrially usable liquid crystal flow, and can increase the flow rate and momentum of the liquid crystal flow with high efficiency formation mechanism and liquid crystal flow high efficiency formation method. And a high-efficiency object moving mechanism using liquid crystal flow.

The high-efficiency formation mechanism of the liquid crystal flow according to claim 1 is characterized in that an electric field or a magnetic field is applied to the flow channel, the liquid crystal provided movably along the wall surface of the flow channel, and the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal, Liquid crystal molecule rotating means for rotating the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal in a plane intersecting the wall surface of the flow path, and the liquid crystal molecule rotating means from the direction intersecting one wall surface of the flow path A rotating means for applying an electric field or a magnetic field to the liquid crystal, and a return from which the rotating means applies an electric field or a magnetic field to the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal from a direction intersecting the direction of applying the electric field or magnetic field to the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal Means.
The high-efficiency object moving mechanism using liquid crystal flow according to claim 2 is disposed so as to be opposed to the fixing member, the movement of which is fixed, and to be movable relative to the fixing member. A liquid crystal disposed between the moving member, a moving-side facing surface of the moving member facing the fixed member, a fixed-side facing surface of the fixed member facing the moving member, and liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal A liquid crystal molecule rotating means for applying an electric field or a magnetic field to the liquid crystal molecules to rotate the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal in a plane crossing the moving side facing surface of the moving member or the fixed side facing surface of the fixing member, Rotating means for applying an electric field or a magnetic field to the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal from a direction intersecting the moving side facing surface of the moving member or the fixed side facing surface of the fixed member, and the rotating means in front The direction intersecting with the direction of application of an electric field or a magnetic field to the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal, characterized in that it comprises a return means for applying an electric field or magnetic field to the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for forming a liquid crystal flow with high efficiency, wherein the liquid crystal is disposed in a flow path, and an electric field or a magnetic field can be applied to the liquid crystal along a direction intersecting one wall surface of the flow path. And a return means capable of applying an electric field or a magnetic field to the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal from a direction intersecting a direction in which the rotating means applies an electric field or a magnetic field to the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal. An electric field or a magnetic field is applied to the liquid crystal.

According to the first invention, when an electric field or a magnetic field is alternately applied to the liquid crystal from the rotating means and the returning means, each liquid crystal molecule can be swung around its center of gravity, resulting from the rocking of the liquid crystal molecule. Liquid crystal flow can be generated. By controlling the timing of applying an electric field or magnetic field from each means, the flow rate and flow direction of the generated liquid crystal flow can be controlled, making it easier to use the liquid crystal flow industrially.
According to the second invention, if an electric field or a magnetic field is alternately applied to the liquid crystal from the rotating means and the returning means, each liquid crystal molecule can be swung around its center of gravity. Then, since the liquid crystal flow resulting from the oscillation of the liquid crystal molecules can be generated, the moving member can be moved in the liquid crystal flow direction with respect to the fixed member. Therefore, since the flow of the liquid crystal can be used for the movement of the member, it can be applied to a transport device using liquid crystal. By controlling the timing of applying an electric field or magnetic field from each means, it is possible to control the flow rate and flow direction of the generated liquid crystal flow, so that the movement amount and movement direction of the moving member can be controlled.
According to the third aspect of the invention, if an electric field or a magnetic field is alternately applied to the liquid crystal from the rotating means and the returning means, each liquid crystal molecule can be swung around its center of gravity, resulting from the rocking of the liquid crystal molecule. Liquid crystal flow can be generated. By controlling the timing of applying an electric field or magnetic field from each means, the flow rate and flow direction of the generated liquid crystal flow can be controlled, making it easier to use the liquid crystal flow industrially.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, before explaining the high-efficiency formation mechanism of liquid crystal flow according to the present invention, the principle of liquid crystal flow occurring when an electric field or magnetic field is applied to the liquid crystal will be described.
In addition, when an electric field or a magnetic field is applied to the liquid crystal, the axial direction of the liquid crystal molecules is aligned at an angle unique to the liquid crystal with respect to the direction of the electric field or the magnetic field. A liquid crystal in which the axial direction of liquid crystal molecules is parallel to the direction of an electric field or magnetic field will be described.
In addition, since the liquid crystal molecules are aligned when an electric field or a magnetic field is applied, only the case where an electric field is applied will be described below.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the movement of the liquid crystal molecules m when an electric field is applied. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the movement of the liquid crystal molecules m when an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal LC placed on the parallel plate P.
In FIG. 4, when the liquid crystal molecules m rotate around the center of gravity, the liquid crystal molecules m move (translate) along the surface of the parallel plate P. It is described in a state where it is not allowed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when an electric field ef is applied to the liquid crystal LC so as to intersect the axial direction of the liquid crystal molecule m, the liquid crystal molecule m has a direction in which the rotation angle decreases (in FIG. Direction) until the axial direction coincides with the electric field ef (FIG. 3B). Then, since a velocity gradient is generated around each liquid crystal molecule m, a liquid crystal flow is generated (FIG. 3C).

Here, as shown in FIG. 4, in the liquid crystal LC in contact with the flat plate P or the like, the liquid crystal molecules m located near the wall surface of the parallel plate P or the like are intermolecularly generated between the wall surface and the liquid crystal molecule m. Due to the influence of the action, the rotation and translation around the center of gravity are slightly limited as compared with the liquid crystal molecules m located away from the wall surface. Then, even if the electric field ef is applied, the liquid crystal molecules m located in the vicinity of the parallel plate P cannot rotate until the axial direction thereof coincides with the electric field ef, and the rotation amount becomes small, and the rotation of the liquid crystal molecules m. As a result, the velocity gradient formed in the surroundings is also reduced (FIGS. 4B and 4C).
Therefore, in the liquid crystal LC arranged so as to be in contact with the flat plate P or the like, a flow of liquid crystal molecules m having a velocity distribution as shown in FIG. 4D is generated in the liquid crystal LC when the electric field ef is applied. To do.

Now, the highly efficient formation mechanism of the liquid crystal flow of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of a high-efficiency formation mechanism of liquid crystal flow according to the present invention, (A) is a YZ sectional view showing a state of liquid crystal molecules m before applying an electric field ef, and (B) is a YZ sectional view. In the figure, it is the figure which showed the arrangement | sequence of the liquid crystal molecule when the electric field ef is applied, (C) is a schematic explanatory drawing in case the flow path L is a cylindrical flow path. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory view of the high-efficiency formation mechanism of the liquid crystal flow of the present invention, (A) is a diagram showing the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules when the application of the electric field ef is stopped, and is a YZ sectional view, ) Is a diagram showing the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules when a magnetic field bf is applied in the YZ sectional view, and (C) is a liquid crystal generated between the pair of wall surfaces B and B when the magnetic field bf is applied in the YZ sectional view. It is the figure which showed the velocity distribution.
In FIGS. 1B and 2B, the coil CL is omitted for easy understanding of the drawings.

In FIG. 1, a symbol L indicates a flow path in which a liquid crystal LC to be described later flows. The flow path L includes a pair of opposing wall surfaces B and B. The pair of wall surfaces B and B are parallel to each other, and both wall surfaces B are formed as flat surfaces. The pair of wall surfaces B and B are not provided with an alignment film and are not subjected to rubbing-less treatment.
Note that the pair of opposing wall surfaces B and B may not be parallel, and the other wall surface B may be inclined with respect to the one wall surface B.
Furthermore, each wall surface B may not be a flat surface. For example, one wall surface B may be a flat surface and the other wall surface B may be a surface having unevenness, or any wall surface B may be a surface having unevenness.

  A liquid crystal LC is inserted between the pair of wall surfaces B of the flow path L. The liquid crystal LC is, for example, a nematic liquid crystal, a smectic liquid crystal, a cholesteric liquid crystal, a discotic liquid crystal, or the like, but is not particularly limited as long as the liquid crystal molecules rotate when an electric field is applied.

As shown in FIG. 1, inside the flow path L, a pair of electrodes E and E are provided on the inner surfaces of the pair of wall surfaces B 1 and B 2, respectively. The pair of electrodes E and E are arranged so that a line connecting them is perpendicular to the pair of wall surfaces B 1 and B 2.
Furthermore, a coil CL is provided outside the pair of wall surfaces B of the flow path L. The coil CL is arranged such that its axial direction intersects the direction of the electric field ef. Specifically, the coil CL is disposed such that its axial direction is not orthogonal to the direction of the electric field ef.

  The pair of electrodes E, E and the coil CL are all connected to the control device D. The control device D controls the timing and voltage value for supplying voltage to the pair of electrodes E and E, and also controls the timing and current value for supplying current to the coil CL.

Therefore, if a voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes E, E by the control device D, an electric field ef perpendicular to the pair of wall surfaces B, B can be formed between the pair of wall surfaces B, B (FIG. 1B )).
Further, when a current is passed through the coil CL by the control device D, a magnetic field bf along the axial direction can be formed around the coil CL. That is, a magnetic field bf that intersects the direction of the electric field ef can be formed (FIG. 2B).
The pair of electrodes E, E, the coil CL, and the control device D constitute the liquid crystal molecule rotating means CB. The pair of electrodes E, E correspond to the rotating means in the claims, and the coil CL is claimed. This corresponds to the return means in the range.

Next, the operation and effect of the high-efficiency formation mechanism for liquid crystal flow according to this embodiment will be described.
First, when a voltage is applied between the pair of electrodes E, E by the control device D, an electric field ef in a direction perpendicular to the pair of wall surfaces B, B is generated between the pair of wall surfaces B, B in the flow path L. Then, all the liquid crystal molecules m of the liquid crystal LC rotate around the center of gravity of each liquid crystal molecule m so that the axial direction is parallel to the electric field ef (FIGS. 1A and 1B).
At this time, since the pair of wall surfaces B and B have no alignment film and are not subjected to rubbing-less treatment, the directions of the liquid crystal molecules m in the flow path L are different until the electric field ef is applied. In L, liquid crystal flow in a specific direction does not occur.

  When all the liquid crystal molecules m of the liquid crystal LC are parallel to the electric field ef, the voltage application between the pair of electrodes E and E is stopped. However, since there is no alignment film on the pair of wall surfaces B and B and no rubbing treatment is performed, all the liquid crystal molecules m are maintained in parallel with the electric field ef.

  Next, when a current is passed through the coil CL by the control device D, a magnetic field bf along the axial direction is formed around the coil CL, so that all the liquid crystal molecules m are directed to the direction of the magnetic field bf. It rotates around the center of gravity of the molecule m (FIGS. 2A and 2B).

Here, since the axial direction of the coil CL is arranged so as not to be orthogonal to the direction of the electric field ef, all the liquid crystal molecules m have a small amount of rotation when facing the direction of the magnetic field bf. Rotate in the direction That is, in FIG. 1B, it rotates counterclockwise.
Then, in the flow path L, the velocity distribution shown in FIG. 2C is formed in a plane including both the direction of the magnetic field ef and the direction of the electric field ef, and a liquid crystal flow in the left direction is generated.

Next, the supply of current to the coil CL is stopped. At this time, too, since the pair of wall surfaces B and B have no alignment film and are not subjected to rubbing-less treatment, all liquid crystal molecules m are parallel to the magnetic field bf. Maintained.
If a voltage is applied between the pair of electrodes E, E by the control device D to generate an electric field ef from that state, all the liquid crystal molecules m are rotated in a direction that reduces the amount of rotation when facing the direction of the electric field ef. Rotate. That is, it rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction when it faces the direction of the magnetic field bf from the state where it faces the direction of the electric field ef. In FIG. 2 (B), it rotates clockwise.
Then, in the flow path L, the velocity distribution shown in FIG. 2C and the velocity distribution opposite to the y-axis are formed in a plane including both the direction of the magnetic field ef and the direction of the electric field ef. , Rightward liquid crystal flow occurs.

That is, if the application of the electric field ef between the pair of electrodes E and E and the application of the magnetic field bf by the coil CL are alternately performed on the liquid crystal molecule m, each liquid crystal molecule m can be swung around its center of gravity. Therefore, the liquid crystal flow along the plane including both the direction of the magnetic field ef and the direction of the electric field ef, that is, the liquid crystal flow in the right direction and the liquid crystal flow in the left direction in FIGS. Can be generated alternately.
Then, if there is a difference between the flow rate of the liquid crystal flow to the right (hereinafter referred to as the flow rate at the time of application) and the flow rate of the liquid crystal flow to the left direction (hereinafter referred to as the flow rate at the time of restoration), A liquid crystal flow having a flow rate is generated in the flow path L.

Then, by adjusting the strength of the electric field ef and the strength of the magnetic field bf and the timing of applying the electric field ef and the magnetic field bf, the flow rate and flow direction of the liquid crystal flow generated in the flow path L can be controlled. The liquid crystal flow can be more industrially utilized.
Moreover, since there is no alignment film or the like that resists rotation or movement of the liquid crystal molecules m, liquid crystal flow generated in the flow path L, that is, generated in the flow path L, compared to the case where an alignment film or the like is provided. The flow rate to be increased can be increased.

Note that the pair of electrodes E and E need not be arranged so that the line connecting them is perpendicular to the pair of wall surfaces B and B, and the liquid crystal LC is generated by the electric field ef formed on the pair of electrodes E and E. The liquid crystal molecules m may be arranged so as to rotate in a plane intersecting one of the wall surfaces B.
A pair of electrodes E, E may be attached to the outer surface of the flow path L. In this case, the electric field ef can be formed between the pair of wall surfaces B and B if the material of the flow path L is a material that can transmit a conductor or an electric field.
Furthermore, when the material of the flow path L is a conductor, if the control device D is directly connected to the flow path L and a voltage is applied to the flow path L by the control device D, an electric field ef is generated between the pair of wall surfaces B and B. Can be generated.
And it cannot be overemphasized that instead of a pair of electrodes E and E, a magnetic field generating member may be provided on a pair of wall surfaces B and B that can form a magnetic field bf between the pair of wall surfaces B and B.

As shown in FIG. 1C, when the flow path L of the liquid crystal flow high efficiency forming mechanism of the present embodiment is a cylindrical flow path, the flow path L is located in the coil CL. By doing so, the magnetic field bf passing through the coil CL can be applied to the liquid crystal molecules m. Then, adjustment of the magnetic field bf applied to the liquid crystal molecules m is facilitated, and the magnetic flux density is increased, which is preferable.
Further, when the liquid crystal LC arranged in the flow path L is a photo-alignment liquid crystal, a laser light source that can irradiate the liquid crystal with laser light can also be employed as the return means.

The wall B may be subjected to a weak anchoring process. In this case, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules m can be slightly adjusted. Since the force for restraining the liquid crystal molecules m in the vicinity of the wall surface B is weaker than that in the case where a normal alignment film is provided or the rubbing-less process is performed, the liquid crystal molecules m in the vicinity of the wall surface B can freely rotate around the center of gravity. Movement along the wall surface B (translational movement) can be performed.
Further, the wall surface B may be in a state where the liquid crystal molecules m in the vicinity thereof can freely rotate and translate around the center of gravity to some extent and the liquid crystal molecules m are not restrained by the influence of the wall surface B. If it can be set in the state, no processing may be performed on the wall surface B. However, if the process of removing the influence of the wall surface B on the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules m is performed, the liquid crystal molecules m in the vicinity of the wall surface B can freely rotate around the center of gravity or move along the wall surface B. This is preferable because it is possible.

Next, a highly efficient object moving mechanism using liquid crystal flow according to the present invention will be described.
The high-efficiency object moving mechanism using liquid crystal flow according to the present invention is obtained by applying the above-described high-efficiency forming mechanism of liquid crystal flow to moving an object. Therefore, the contents overlapping with those described in the high-efficiency formation mechanism for liquid crystal flow will be briefly described.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a high-efficiency object moving mechanism using liquid crystal flow according to the present embodiment. In the same figure, the code | symbol P has shown a pair of member. The pair of members P 1 and P 2 are parallel to each other, and the opposing wall surfaces of either member P are formed as flat surfaces. Of the pair of members P 1 and P 2, one member P (lower member P in FIG. 5) is fixed, but the other member P (upper member P in FIG. 5) is in relation to one member P. Are relatively movable.

  In the pair of members P 1 and P 2, the liquid crystal LC is placed between the lower surface (moving side facing surface) of the upper member P and the upper surface (fixing side facing surface) of the lower member P, and the moving side No alignment film is provided on the opposing surface and the fixed-side opposing surface, and neither is a rubbing-less treatment.

A pair of electrodes E, E are provided on the fixed side facing surface and the moving side facing surface of the pair of upper and lower members P 1, 2 P, respectively, and a voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes E, E by a control device (not shown). When added, they are arranged so that an electric field ef perpendicular to the fixed side facing surface and the moving side facing surface of the pair of members P 1 and P 2 can be formed.
A coil CL is provided outside the pair of wall surfaces B, B of the flow path L, and the axial direction of the coil CL intersects the direction of the electric field ef. Is connected to a control device (not shown) for supplying

Therefore, if the application of the electric field ef between the pair of electrodes E and E and the application of the magnetic field bf by the coil CL are alternately performed, the liquid crystal flow in the right direction and the liquid crystal flow in the left direction are caused to flow into the flow path L. It can be generated alternately. Then, while the lower member P is fixed, the upper member P is movable relative to the lower member P. Therefore, the flow direction of the liquid crystal LC, that is, the upper member P is changed. It can be moved along the axial direction of the coil CL.
FIG. 5B shows the liquid crystal flow generated when the electric field ef is applied and the movement of the upper member P.

  Note that the pair of opposing members P and P may not be parallel. For example, the moving-side facing surface of the upper member P may be inclined with respect to the fixed-side facing surface of the lower member P. In this case, the upper member P can be moved along the moving-side facing surface. That is, the upper member P can be moved three-dimensionally with respect to the lower member P.

  And if the highly efficient object moving mechanism of this embodiment is applied, the conveyance apparatus using a liquid crystal can be made. Such a transport device or the like can be made very compact and can be driven by a weak electric power, and therefore can be applied to a work machine associated with a micromachine, for example.

  In addition, since the high-efficiency object moving mechanism of the present embodiment can generate liquid crystal flow with weak electric power, it can be used as a sensor that operates by detecting a magnetic field or electric field generated when a weak current flows. Is also applicable.

It is a schematic explanatory drawing of the highly efficient formation mechanism of the liquid crystal flow of the present invention, (A) is a YZ sectional view showing the state of liquid crystal molecules m before applying electric field ef, and (B) is an electric field in the YZ sectional view. It is the figure which showed the arrangement | sequence of the liquid crystal molecule when adding ef, (C) is a schematic explanatory drawing in case the flow path L is a cylindrical flow path. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a schematic explanatory drawing of the highly efficient formation mechanism of the liquid crystal flow of this invention, (A) is a figure which showed the arrangement | sequence of a liquid crystal molecule when the application of the electric field ef is stopped, (B) is YZ sectional drawing. It is the figure which showed the arrangement | sequence of the liquid crystal molecule when the magnetic field bf is added in sectional drawing, (C) is the velocity distribution of the liquid crystal which generate | occur | produces between a pair of wall surfaces B and B when applying the magnetic field bf in YZ sectional drawing. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of a motion of the liquid crystal molecule m when an electric field is applied. It is explanatory drawing of a motion of the liquid crystal molecule m when an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal LC mounted on the parallel plate P. It is explanatory drawing of the highly efficient object moving mechanism using the liquid-crystal flow of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

L channel B wall surface CL coil LC liquid crystal m liquid crystal molecule ef electric field bf magnetic field

Claims (3)

A flow path;
A liquid crystal provided movably along the wall surface of the flow path;
A liquid crystal molecule rotating means for applying an electric field or a magnetic field to the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal and rotating the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal in a plane intersecting the wall surface of the flow path;
The liquid crystal molecule rotating means comprises:
Rotating means for applying an electric field or a magnetic field to the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal from a direction intersecting one wall surface of the flow path;
A liquid crystal comprising: the rotating means including a returning means for applying an electric field or a magnetic field to the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal from a direction crossing a direction of applying an electric field or a magnetic field to the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal Highly efficient formation mechanism of flow. A fixed member with fixed movement;
A moving member that is disposed so as to face the fixing member and is movable relative to the fixing member;
A liquid crystal disposed between a moving-side facing surface of the moving member facing the fixed member and a fixed-side facing surface of the fixed member facing the moving member;
Liquid crystal molecule rotating means for applying an electric field or a magnetic field to the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal to rotate the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal in a plane that intersects the moving side facing surface of the moving member or the fixed side facing surface of the fixing member. And consist of
The liquid crystal molecule rotating means comprises:
Rotating means for applying an electric field or a magnetic field to the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal from a direction intersecting the moving side facing surface of the moving member or the fixed side facing surface of the fixing member;
A liquid crystal comprising: the rotating means including a returning means for applying an electric field or a magnetic field to the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal from a direction crossing a direction of applying an electric field or a magnetic field to the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal High-efficiency object movement mechanism using flow. Place the liquid crystal in the flow path,
Rotating means capable of applying an electric field or a magnetic field to the liquid crystal along a direction intersecting one wall surface of the flow path;
An electric field or a magnetic field is alternately provided by a returning means capable of applying an electric field or a magnetic field to the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal from a direction intersecting a direction in which the rotating means applies an electric field or a magnetic field to the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal. Is added to the liquid crystal. A method for forming liquid crystal flow with high efficiency.