WO2022209163A1

WO2022209163A1 - Liquid crystal device, eyeglasses, method for manufacturing liquid crystal device, and electrode member

Info

Publication number: WO2022209163A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/001577
Authority: WO
Inventors: 義一澁谷; 太郎前田; 蕣里李; 雅則尾▲崎▼
Original assignee: 国立大学法人大阪大学
Priority date: 2021-03-29
Filing date: 2022-01-18
Publication date: 2022-10-06
Also published as: JPWO2022209163A1

Abstract

A liquid crystal device provided with at least one liquid crystal unit having liquid crystal substrates sandwiching a liquid crystal layer in which a sawtooth-shaped refractive-index distribution is formed, the liquid crystal device characterized by: comprising a plurality of linear electrodes (62) that overlap the liquid crystal layer and extend linearly, and a conductor section (42) and a resistance distribution structure (43) that are disposed at the ends of the liquid crystal substrates so as to intersect the extension direction of the plurality of linear electrodes (62); and each resistance distribution structure (43) being interposed between the corresponding conductor section (42) and the plurality of linear electrodes (62) and having a resistance distribution corresponding to the sawtooth-shaped refractive-index distribution.

Description

Liquid crystal device, glasses, method for manufacturing liquid crystal device, and electrode member

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal device, spectacles, a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device, and an electrode member.

The liquid crystal lens described in Patent Document 1 includes a liquid crystal layer and a plurality of line electrodes extending in a certain direction. A plurality of line electrodes drive the liquid crystal of the liquid crystal layer. A plurality of switches are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of line electrodes. Each switch switches between a state in which the corresponding line electrode is connected to the first AC power supply and a state in which the corresponding line electrode is connected to the second AC power supply. By controlling each switch, the optical characteristics of the liquid crystal lens are set.

JP 2016-90718 A

However, in the liquid crystal lens described in Patent Document 1, it is required to control the line electrodes one by one by controlling each switch. Therefore, the configuration and control of the liquid crystal lens are complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a liquid crystal device, spectacles, a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device, and an electrode member that can set the optical characteristics of a liquid crystal layer with a simple configuration. .

In the liquid crystal device of the present invention, the liquid crystal device includes liquid crystal substrates sandwiching a liquid crystal layer and at least one liquid crystal unit forming a sawtooth refractive index distribution in the liquid crystal layer, wherein the liquid crystal layer overlaps the liquid crystal substrate. a plurality of linear electrodes linearly extending in a straight line, and a conductive portion and a resistance distribution structure arranged at an end portion of the liquid crystal substrate so as to intersect the extending direction of the plurality of linear electrodes. and the resistance distribution structure is interposed between the conductive portion and the plurality of linear electrodes, and has a distribution of resistance values corresponding to the sawtooth-shaped refractive index distribution.

The liquid crystal device of the present invention may be characterized in that the outer shape of the liquid crystal unit has a curved portion when viewed two-dimensionally.

In the liquid crystal device of the present invention, at least a part of the region where the sawtooth refractive index distribution is formed is provided with one or more walls for restricting movement of the liquid crystal in the in-plane direction. It may be a feature.

The liquid crystal device of the present invention further comprises a control section that outputs a first control voltage applied at one end of the conductive section and a second control voltage applied at the other end of the conductive section, The controller may control the sawtooth-shaped refractive index distribution by outputting the second control voltage different from the first control voltage.

In the liquid crystal device of the present invention, the liquid crystal device includes two liquid crystal units, and the two liquid crystal units are arranged in an overlapping manner such that the extending directions of the plurality of linear electrodes in each are substantially orthogonal. It may be characterized by

The spectacles of the present invention are characterized by comprising a pair of the above-described liquid crystal devices and a holding portion that holds the pair of liquid crystal devices.

In the method of manufacturing a liquid crystal device of the present invention, the method of manufacturing a liquid crystal device comprises the steps of: preparing a mother transparent substrate having a liquid crystal layer disposed between two mother substrates; and electrically connecting the unit liquid crystal element and the electrode member so that the electrode member extends at the end of the unit liquid crystal element, wherein the The unit liquid crystal element includes a plurality of linear electrodes extending linearly to generate a sawtooth refractive index distribution in the liquid crystal layer, and the electrode member includes a conductive portion having electrical conductivity and the sawtooth. a resistance distribution structure having a distribution of resistance values corresponding to the refractive index distribution in the form of a refractive index distribution; It is characterized in that the electrode member is interposed between the plurality of linear electrodes and connected so as to cross the extending direction of the plurality of linear electrodes.

The electrode member of the present invention is a rod-shaped electrode member for supplying a potential distribution corresponding to a sawtooth refractive index distribution to a liquid crystal layer, comprising: a conductive portion having electrical conductivity; a resistance distribution structure having a distribution of resistance values, wherein the conductive portion and the resistance distribution structure extend in the longitudinal direction of the electrode member, and the conductive portion is arranged in the thickness direction of the resistance distribution structure. The resistance distribution structure is configured such that the electrical resistivity in the longitudinal direction is higher than the electrical resistivity in the thickness direction, and the resistance value in the thickness direction varies depending on the position in the longitudinal direction. It is characterized in that the potential distribution is caused by the change.

According to the present invention, the optical properties of the liquid crystal layer can be set with a simple configuration.

1A is a front view showing a liquid crystal device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 4B is a side view showing the liquid crystal unit according to Embodiment 1; FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1(a); FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1(a); Fig. 1(a) is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Fig. 1(a); 3A is a perspective view showing an electrode member of the liquid crystal device according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a conductive portion of the electrode member according to Embodiment 1; FIG. (a) is a diagram showing the resistance distribution in the resistance distribution structure of the electrode member according to the first embodiment. (b) is a diagram showing the potential distribution on the connecting surface of the resistance distribution structure according to the first embodiment. (c) is a diagram showing a potential distribution in the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4(a) and 4(b) are diagrams conceptually showing a method for manufacturing an electrode member according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal unit according to Embodiment 1; 4 is a flow chart showing a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal element according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing wall portions formed in the liquid crystal layer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. (b) is a perspective view showing a wall portion according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a controller of the liquid crystal device according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of potential distribution on the connection surface of the electrode member according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 8A and 8B are side views showing the arrangement of electrode members according to Modification 1 and Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. (a) is a perspective view showing an electrode member according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 1. FIG. (b) is a diagram showing the resistivity distribution in the resistance distribution structure of the electrode member according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 1. FIG. (c) is a diagram showing a resistance distribution in a resistance distribution structure according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 1. FIG. (a) is a perspective view showing spectacles according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. (b) is a perspective view showing a lens member of spectacles according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a lens member according to Embodiment 2. FIG. (a) is a perspective view showing an electrode member according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. (b) is a diagram showing a conductive portion of an electrode member according to Embodiment 3. FIG. (a) is a diagram showing a resistance distribution in a resistance distribution structure of an electrode member according to Embodiment 3. FIG. (b) is a diagram showing the potential distribution on the connecting surface of the resistance distribution structure according to the third embodiment. (c) is a diagram showing the potential distribution in the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal device according to Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal unit according to Embodiment 4;

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated. In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis of the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system are appropriately added to facilitate understanding of the drawings. Furthermore, in the embodiment, the unit of electrical resistance is "Ω" and the unit of electrical resistivity is "Ω·m".

(Embodiment 1)
A liquid crystal device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. FIG. First, a liquid crystal device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1(a) is a front view showing the liquid crystal device 100. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1( a ), the liquid crystal device 100 includes a liquid crystal unit 10 , a controller 20 and a battery 30 . In other words, the liquid crystal device 100 has at least one liquid crystal unit 10 . The liquid crystal unit 10 includes an electrode member 40 and a liquid crystal element 60 . The liquid crystal element 60 has a plurality of linear electrodes 62 . The liquid crystal element 60 functions as a liquid crystal lens (specifically, a Fresnel type cylindrical lens (linear Fresnel lens)). Each of the plurality of linear electrodes 62 of Embodiment 1 extends along the first direction D1 and is arranged at intervals along the second direction D2 orthogonal to the first direction D1. For example, each of the plurality of linear electrodes 62 extends linearly.

The interval at which the plurality of linear electrodes 62 are arranged is, for example, 10 μm or less, preferably 5 μm or less, and more preferably 1 μm or less. be. Also, the width of each of the linear electrodes 62 may be 10 μm or less, 5 μm or less, or 1 μm or less according to the interval between the linear electrodes 62 .

The electrode member 40 applies a voltage to the liquid crystal element 60 to form a potential gradient in the liquid crystal element 60 . Specifically, the electrode member 40 applies a voltage to the plurality of linear electrodes 62 to apply a sawtooth potential gradient to the liquid crystal layer 65 (see FIG. 2 described later) via the plurality of linear electrodes 62 . Form.

More specifically, the battery 30 supplies the power supply voltage PV to the controller 20 . The controller 20 generates two control voltages based on the power supply voltage PV, and applies the first control voltage V1 to one end of the electrode member 40 and the second control voltage V2 to the other end thereof. In Embodiment 1, each of the first control voltage V1 and the second control voltage V2 is an AC voltage. Furthermore, the electrode member 40 simultaneously applies voltages based on the first control voltage V1 and the second control voltage V2 to the plurality of linear electrodes 62 . Details of this point will be described later.

In Embodiment 1, the electrode member 40 extends along the second direction D2 and is arranged at the end of the liquid crystal element 60 .

FIG. 1(b) is a side view showing the liquid crystal unit 10. FIG. As shown in FIG. 1(b), the electrode member 40 has a connection surface 431. As shown in FIG. The linear electrodes 62 are exposed at one end of the liquid crystal element 60 in the first direction D<b>1 , and the electrode member 40 and the linear electrodes 62 are in contact with each other at the connection surface 431 . The connection surface 431 electrically connects the electrode member 40 and the plurality of linear electrodes 62 . For convenience of notation, only one linear electrode 62 is illustrated in FIG. In Embodiment 1, the third direction D3 is orthogonal to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. A third direction D3 indicates the thickness direction of the liquid crystal element 60 .

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II in FIG. 1(a). As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid crystal element 60 includes, in addition to a plurality of linear electrodes 62, a substrate 61, a plurality of electrical insulators 63, an alignment film 64, a liquid crystal layer 65, and an alignment film 66. It includes an electrode 67 , a substrate 68 and a seal portion 69 .

The substrate 61, the linear electrode 62, the electrical insulator 63, the alignment film 64, the liquid crystal layer 65, the alignment film 66, the counter electrode 67, the substrate 68, and the seal portion 69 are transparent. As used herein, "transparent" includes colored transparent, colorless transparent, and translucent.

The

substrates

61 and 68 are a pair of substrates (liquid crystal substrates) that sandwich the liquid crystal layer 65, and are made of glass or synthetic resin, for example. Synthetic resins are, for example, polycarbonate or acrylic. The linear electrode 62 and the counter electrode 67 are made of, for example, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide).

The electrical insulator 63 insulates adjacent linear electrodes 62 . Electrical insulator 63 is, for example, silicon dioxide (SiO ₂ ). For example, instead of the electrical insulator 63, an alignment film 64 may also be formed between the adjacent linear electrodes 62 to function as an electrical insulator for insulating the adjacent linear electrodes 62 from each other.

The

alignment films

64 and 66 are, for example, polyimide films. The liquid crystal layer 65 contains liquid crystal. The liquid crystal is, for example, a nematic liquid crystal, and the orientation of the liquid crystal is homogeneous orientation under the environment of no electric field. The liquid crystal contains a large number of liquid crystal molecules LQ. 2 to 4 show the liquid crystal molecules LQ in an environment without an electric field. The seal portion 69 is made of, for example, a thermosetting epoxy resin or an ultraviolet curable resin.

A plurality of linear electrodes 62 , a plurality of electrical insulators 63 , an alignment film 64 , a liquid crystal layer 65 , an alignment film 66 and a counter electrode 67 are arranged between the

substrates

61 and 68 . The

substrates

61 and 68 are spaced apart in the third direction D3 and have a substantially flat plate shape. The seal portion 69 is formed along the periphery of the liquid crystal layer 65 . In Embodiment 1, the sealing portion 69 closes the periphery of the liquid crystal layer 65 to prevent the liquid crystal of the liquid crystal layer 65 from flowing out to the outside.

Each of the plurality of linear electrodes 62 overlaps the liquid crystal layer 65 . Moreover, the plurality of linear electrodes 62 and the plurality of electrical insulators 63 are arranged on the same layer, and the electrical insulators 63 are arranged between the plurality of linear electrodes 62 . A plurality of linear electrodes 62 and a plurality of electrical insulators 63 are formed on the main surface of the pair of main surfaces of the substrate 61 which is closer to the liquid crystal layer 65, and an alignment film 64 is formed on these surfaces. be done.

The counter electrode 67 in Embodiment 1 is formed in a substantially planar shape on the main surface of the pair of main surfaces of the substrate 68 that is closer to the liquid crystal layer 65 . An alignment film 66 is formed on the surface of the counter electrode 67 . The

alignment films

64 and 66 define the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules LQ in the liquid crystal layer 65 .

The liquid crystal layer 65 is arranged between the plurality of linear electrodes 62 and the counter electrode 67, and causes the liquid crystal device 100 to function as a liquid crystal lens by generating a refractive index distribution by an electric field applied by these electrodes. ing.

Here, the electrode member 40 according to Embodiment 1 will be particularly described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7. FIG. 3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining how the electrode member 40 is arranged in the liquid crystal element 60, and FIGS. 5 and 7 are diagrams for specifically explaining the configuration of the electrode member 40. FIG. It has become. 6 is a diagram for explaining the potential distribution generated by the electrode member 40 of FIG. 5 and the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer 65. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the electrode member 40 of the first embodiment includes a molded member 41, a conductive portion 42, and a resistance distribution structure 43, and an interface between the molded member 41 and the resistance distribution structure 43. (Arrangement surface 432) is arranged such that the conductive portion 42 is interposed therebetween. In addition, the conductive portion 42 intersects the extending direction (first direction D1) of the plurality of linear electrodes 62 . The resistance distribution structure 43 has a distribution of resistance values corresponding to the Fresnel-type cylindrical lens-like (sawtooth-like) refractive index distribution generated in the liquid crystal layer 65 . A potential gradient corresponding to the refractive index distribution is generated and output to the plurality of linear electrodes 62 . The electrode member 40 will be specifically described below with reference to these figures.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1(a). FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1(a). As shown in FIG. 3, the electrode member 40 is arranged in a portion of the liquid crystal element 60 where the substrate 68 is cut away to expose the substrate 61 from the substrate 68 .

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the electrode member 40 is crimped to the liquid crystal element 60 so that the connection surface 431 of the electrode member 40 is electrically connected to the plurality of linear electrodes 62 . Further, the molded member 41, the conductive portion 42, and the resistance distribution structure 43 in the electrode member 40 are stacked in this order along the third direction D3.

The resistance distribution structure 43 has a connection surface 431 , and the connection surface 431 is substantially planar and contacts the plurality of linear electrodes 62 . The conductive portion 42 is formed in contact with the resistance distribution structure 43 on the side opposite to the connection surface 431 side. In other words, the resistance distribution structure 43 is interposed between the conductive portion 42 and the plurality of linear electrodes 62 .

Next, the details of the electrode member 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. FIG. 5A is a perspective view schematically showing how the electrode member 40 is connected to the linear electrode 62. FIG. In FIG. 5(a), the linear electrode 62 is indicated by a chain double-dashed line in order to make the drawing easier to see. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the conductive portion 42 of the electrode member 40. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5(b) shows the conductive portion 42 viewed from the direction DA in FIG. 5(a).

First, the molding member 41 is made of electrically insulating synthetic resin such as polycarbonate or acrylic.

Next, the conductive part 42 is composed of a conductive thin film having electrical conductivity. The electrical resistivity of the conductive portion 42 is substantially the same as the electrical resistivity of the linear electrode 62 or lower than the electrical resistivity of the linear electrode 62 . Also, the electrical resistivity of the conductive portion 42 is smaller than the electrical resistivity of the electrical insulator and the resistance distribution structure 43 . The conductive portion 42 is formed of, for example, a metal thin film such as gold or aluminum. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, when the conductive portion 42 is viewed from the first direction D1, the conductive portion 42 is substantially symmetrical about the center of the electrode member 40 in the second direction D2. It is formed in a sawtooth shape and has a shape corresponding to the refractive index distribution of a Fresnel cylindrical lens. Specifically, it has a shape similar to the surface of a convex Fresnel cylindrical lens.

Here, the resistance distribution structure 43 in Embodiment 1 is configured by plastically deforming the variable shape resistor. The resistance distribution structure 43 has an anisotropic electrical resistance value due to deformation of its shape, and is connected to the plurality of linear electrodes 62 in that state. The resistance distribution structure 43 is formed using, for example, a polymer material such as silicone as a main material, and conductors (for example, metal or carbon) are dispersed therein.

In addition to the connection surface 431, the resistance distribution structure 43 has an arrangement surface 432 on which the conductive portion 42 is arranged. placed in When the resistance distribution structure 43 is viewed from the first direction D1, it has a substantially sawtooth shape like the conductive portion 42 . The conductive portion 42 and the resistance distribution structure 43 both extend in the second direction D2, which is the longitudinal direction of the electrode member 40, from one end P1 to the other end P2.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the distribution of the resistance value in the above-described resistance distribution structure 43, the potential distribution generated by the electrode member 40 having such a resistance distribution structure 43, and the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer 65 will be described. to explain.

FIG. 6(a) is a diagram showing the resistance distribution RD1 in the resistance distribution structure 43 of the electrode member 40. FIG. In FIG. 6A, the horizontal axis indicates the position along the second direction D2 in the resistance distribution structure 43, and the vertical axis indicates the electric current in the third direction D3 of the resistance distribution structure 43 at each position corresponding to the horizontal axis. Indicates the resistance value.

Here, the resistance distribution structure 43 of Embodiment 1 has anisotropic electrical resistivity at least in the third direction D3 and the second direction D2, has electrical conductivity in the third direction D3, It has a relatively high electrical resistivity in the second direction D2 (electrical conductivity lower than the electrical conductivity in the third direction D3, or insulation). As shown in FIG. 5A, since the thickness of the resistance distribution structure 43 changes in the second direction D2 like a Fresnel lens, at each position corresponding to the horizontal axis in FIG. It is designed to take the electrical resistance value shown on the axis. As shown in these figures, the electrical resistance value in the third direction D3 at each position in the second direction D2 of the resistance distribution structure 43 takes an electrical resistance value corresponding to its thickness (width in the third direction D3). The electrical resistance value in the third direction D3 at each position increases as the thickness increases. In addition, in the first direction D1 of the resistance distribution structure 43, the resistance distribution structure 43 may have electric conductivity, or may have the same electric resistivity as that in the third direction D3.

As shown in FIG. 6(a), the resistance distribution structure 43 has a sawtooth resistance distribution RD1 consisting of a plurality of undulations corresponding to its shape. The resistance distribution RD1 indicates the distribution of electrical resistance values in the third direction D3 corresponding to each position in the second direction D2, and has a plurality of resistance gradients RG1.

The distribution of the electrical resistance values in the third direction D3 at each position in the second direction D2 of the resistance distribution structure 43 is substantially symmetrical (line symmetrical) with respect to the center, and has a substantially sawtooth distribution.

FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing the potential distribution PD11 on the connection surface 431 of the resistance distribution structure 43. FIG. In FIG. 6B, the vertical axis indicates the potential of the connecting surface 431 of the resistance distribution structure 43, and the horizontal axis indicates the position in the resistance distribution structure 43 along the second direction D2. 6B, the first control voltage V1 applied to one end 421 of the conductive portion 42 shown in FIG. 5B is applied to the second control voltage V2 applied to the other end 422 of the conductive portion 42 is equal to

As shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the shape of the potential distribution PD11 on the connection surface 431 of the resistance distribution structure 43 corresponds to the shape of the resistance distribution RD1 inverted. A potential gradient PG11 indicates a potential gradient in the second direction D2. In the example of FIG. 6B, the connection surface 431 has multiple potential gradients PG11 in the second direction D2. Also, the potential of the connection surface 431 is substantially constant in the first direction D1.

Further, in the example of FIG. 6B, the potential distribution PD11 has a substantially sawtooth shape substantially symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry AX1, and the first control voltage V1 and the second control voltage V2 are the same control voltage. Therefore, the potential V10 of the connection surface 431 at the position P1 is substantially equal to the potential V20 of the connection surface 431 at the position P2.

FIG. 6(c) is a diagram showing the potential distribution PD12 in the liquid crystal layer 65 of the liquid crystal device 100. FIG. Note that the

alignment films

64 and 66 are omitted in FIG. 6C for simplification of the drawing.

As shown in FIG. 6(c), the liquid crystal layer 65 has a potential distribution PD12 corresponding to the potential distribution PD11 of the connection surface 431. As shown in FIG. Specifically, a voltage having a potential distribution PD11 is applied to the plurality of linear electrodes 62 from the connection surface 431 of the resistance distribution structure 43 . As a result, a potential distribution PD12 corresponding to the potential distribution PD11 of the connection surface 431 is formed in the liquid crystal layer 65 . Also, the counter electrode 67 is grounded and has a ground potential (0 V).

A potential gradient PG12 indicates a potential gradient in the second direction D2 in the liquid crystal layer 65 . In the example of FIG. 6C, the liquid crystal layer 65 has multiple potential gradients PG12 in the second direction D2. The multiple potential gradients PG12 correspond to the multiple potential gradients PG11 on the connection surface 431, respectively. The liquid crystal element 60 produces a refractive index distribution PD13 according to the potential distribution PD12 (specifically, a plurality of potential gradients PG12) of the liquid crystal layer 65 to converge or diverge light.

The potential distribution PD12 of the liquid crystal layer 65 has a substantially sawtooth shape in the second direction D2, and the potential of the liquid crystal layer 65 is substantially constant in the first direction D1. The potential distribution PD12 generated in the liquid crystal layer 65 is substantially symmetrical with respect to the optical axis AX2, and the liquid crystal element 60 functions as a Fresnel convex cylindrical lens.

As described above with reference to FIG. 6(a), the resistance distribution structure 43 of the electrode member 40 has a distribution of electrical resistance values in the second direction D2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6B, a potential distribution PD11 is formed on the connection surface 431 of the resistance distribution structure 43 according to the resistance distribution RD1. As a result, a potential distribution PD12 is formed in the liquid crystal layer 65, as shown in FIG. 6(c). Therefore, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules LC of the liquid crystal layer 65 changes according to the potential distribution PD12. The optical characteristics (refractive index distribution) of the liquid crystal layer 65 are set by the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules LC according to the potential distribution PD12, and the liquid crystal layer 65 functions as a lens.

Next, a method for manufacturing the electrode member 40 will be described with reference to FIG.

7(a) and 7(b) are diagrams showing a method of manufacturing the electrode member 40. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 7( a ) and 7 ( b ), the forming member 41 is pressed against the variable shape resistor and deformed into a resistance distribution structure 43 .

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7( a ), first, an arrangement surface 411 is formed on the molding member 41 . For example, when the molding member 41 is viewed from the first direction D1 (FIG. 5(a)), the arrangement surface 411 has a substantially sawtooth shape that is substantially symmetrical in the second direction D2. has a shape approximating the surface of

Next, the conductive portion 42 is formed on the surface of the placement surface 411 . The conductive portion 42 is formed on the placement surface 411 by vapor-depositing a metal thin film on the molding member 41 .

Next, the molded member 41 is pressed against the resistance distribution structure 43 while receiving pressure from the surroundings on the side and bottom surfaces so that the conductive portions 42 formed on the molded member 41 come into contact with the surface 433 of the resistance distribution structure 43 . be done. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7B, the resistance distribution structure 43 is plastically deformed on the surface 433 corresponding to the arrangement surface 411 of the molded member 41 and the conductive portion 42 while maintaining the shape of the side surface and the bottom surface. be. A surface 433 of the resistance distribution structure 43 before deformation is an arrangement surface 432 of the resistance distribution structure 43 after deformation. Therefore, the conductive portion 42 is arranged between the placement surface 411 of the molded member 41 and the placement surface 432 of the resistance distribution structure 43 .

As described above with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, according to the first embodiment, the resistance distribution structure 43 having the resistance distribution RD1 is formed by deforming the resistance distribution structure 43. can. By crimping or thermally compressing the molded member 41 having the conductive portion 42 to the variable shape resistor (resistance distribution structure 43), the density of the conductors dispersed in the variable shape resistor in the crimping direction is improved. As a result, anisotropy of the electrical resistivity is imparted to the variable shape resistor, and the electrical resistivity in the compression bonding direction (the third direction D3) becomes lower than that in the other directions.

The liquid crystal device 100 of Embodiment 1 includes the electrode member 40 as described above, and by applying a voltage to the plurality of linear electrodes 62 via the electrode member 40, the output from the controller 20 has a sawtooth shape. The potential is converted into a potential corresponding to the refractive index distribution and input to each linear electrode 62, so that the optical characteristics of the liquid crystal layer 65 can be set. Therefore, the optical characteristics of the liquid crystal layer 65 can be set with a simple configuration. In other words, since the circuit configuration of the controller 20 and the design of the wiring from the controller 20 to the linear electrodes 62 can be simplified, the degree of freedom in the shape and arrangement of the liquid crystal element 60 can be improved.

Next, a method for manufacturing the liquid crystal unit 10 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for conceptually explaining how the unit liquid crystal elements are cut and processed from the mother transparent substrate 200 according to Embodiment 1. The mother transparent substrate 200 has a substantially rectangular shape. A plurality of linear electrodes 62 extending along the first direction D1 are formed in advance on the mother transparent substrate 200, and some of the plurality of linear electrodes 62 are shown in FIG. The configuration of the mother transparent substrate 200 is substantially the same as the configuration of the liquid crystal element 60 described with reference to FIG. A liquid crystal layer 65 is sandwiched between a substrate 61 on which an electrode 62 and an electric insulator 63 are formed.

FIG. 8 shows how a liquid crystal element 60 (unit liquid crystal element) constituting one unit of the final product is cut out and processed. As shown in the figure, a plurality of unit liquid crystal elements having the same shape may be cut out from one mother transparent substrate 200, or a plurality of unit liquid crystal elements 60 having different shapes may be cut out.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal unit 10. FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the manufacturing method includes steps S1 to S4.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, first, in step S1, an operator prepares a mother transparent substrate 200. As shown in FIGS. The mother transparent substrate 200 has a liquid crystal layer 65 sandwiched between two mother substrates of a size that allows a plurality of unit liquid crystal elements 60 to be allocated. The mother transparent substrate 200 in the step S1 is processed collectively for each of the plurality of unit liquid crystal elements 60, such as the process of forming the linear electrodes 62, the counter electrodes 67, and the like. , step S1 is a step of preparing such a mother transparent substrate 200. As shown in FIG.

Next, in step S2, the worker cuts out the unit liquid crystal elements 60 from the mother transparent substrate 200 using a cutting tool. In the step of cutting out from the mother transparent substrate 200, the shape of the unit liquid crystal element 60 may be further processed after the rectangular shape is cut out, or the unit liquid crystal element 60 may be cut out directly from the mother transparent substrate 200 in an arbitrary shape. good too.

Also, in Embodiment 1, step S3 is performed after step S2. In this step S3, for example, after cutting out the substrate 68 and the like at the end of the unit liquid crystal element 60 using a cutting tool in the same manner as in step S2, the liquid crystal layer 65 intervening between the

substrates

68 and 61 is removed. A sealing portion 69 is formed by supplying a sealing material from the outside. Then, the alignment film 64 is removed by etching or the like at the end of the unit liquid crystal element 60 from which the substrate 68 is cut out, exposing the plurality of linear electrodes 62 at the end, and forming an electrode member. 40 is secured.

Next, in step S4, the operator electrically connects the electrode member 40 to the unit liquid crystal element 60. Specifically, the operator crimps the electrode member 40 to the unit liquid crystal element 60 so that the connection surface 431 of the electrode member 40 contacts the plurality of linear electrodes 62, as shown in FIG.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when the outer shape of the unit liquid crystal element 60 includes a curved portion when viewed in plan, a shape corresponding to the curved portion is provided. Attach the electrode member 40 . In this case, at least a part of the electrode member 40 which is formed in a straight line or square pole shape may be bent and attached, or the electrode member 40 which is prepared by bending at least a part in advance may be attached. good too. The conductive portion 42 and the resistance distribution structure 43 of the attached electrode member 40 extend along the curved portion, and the connection surface 431 of the resistance distribution structure 43 in the curved portion is a plurality of lines. contacting the electrode 62 .

Next, a preferred example of the mother transparent substrate 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10(a) is a diagram showing the wall portion 201 formed in the liquid crystal layer 65 of the mother transparent substrate 200. FIG. FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing the wall portion 201. FIG. Specifically, FIG. 10(b) is a perspective view showing an enlarged wall portion 201 included in the area AR of FIG. 10(a).

As shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), the liquid crystal layer 65 of the mother transparent substrate 200 has wall portions 201, which are formed to have a mesh structure in the liquid crystal layer 65. As shown in FIGS. Specifically, the wall portion 201 is erected along the third direction D3 and formed to extend from the alignment film 64 to the alignment film 66 shown in FIG. The wall portion 201 regulates the movement of the liquid crystal in the in-plane direction of the liquid crystal layer 65 (the direction substantially parallel to the substrate 61 or the substrate 68).

The wall portion 201 is transparent, for example, and is formed of thermosetting epoxy resin or ultraviolet curable resin. It is desirable that the wall portion 201 has a thickness and a size that do not significantly affect the driving of most of the liquid crystal molecules LQ. It is desirable to have a mesh size that does not affect the effect. When the wall portion 201 is formed to have a mesh structure, the size of the mesh may be, for example, 1 mm ² or more, 4 mm ² or more, or 10 mm ² or more.

By forming the wall portion 201 on the liquid crystal layer 65 of the mother transparent substrate 200, it is possible to cut out the unit liquid crystal element from the mother transparent substrate 200, connect the electrode member 40 to the unit liquid crystal element, or use other unit liquid crystal. It is possible to prevent the liquid crystal from flowing out of the unit liquid crystal element when working on the element.

Note that the wall portion 201 is not particularly limited as long as it can regulate the movement of the liquid crystal, and may not have a mesh structure. It may also be a structure formed in the direction that restricts the movement in one direction. In the mother transparent substrate 200 or the liquid crystal layer 65 of the liquid crystal element 60, a single wall portion 201 may be formed to restrict the movement of liquid crystal molecules, or a plurality of wall portions 201 may be formed to prevent the movement of liquid crystal molecules. may be regulated. Moreover, a plurality of wall portions 201 may be arranged in the liquid crystal layer 65 at a uniform density, or the wall portions 201 may be formed in various structures such as a T shape and a U shape. may have a size that does not fall within 1 mm ² or 4 mm ² in a plan view, or may be arranged with sparseness and density. The wall portion 201 may also serve as the seal portion 69, or the wall portion 201 and the seal portion 69 may be formed separately.

As described above with reference to FIG. 8 and the like, according to the first embodiment, the configuration of the liquid crystal unit 10 can be simplified by having the conductive portion 42 and the resistance distribution structure 43, and various shapes can be used. , the liquid crystal unit 10 can be easily provided. Note that the mother transparent substrate 200 and the electrode member 40 can be prepared in advance, so that it becomes possible to flexibly respond to the order situation.

Control by the controller 20 (control unit) in the liquid crystal device 100 of Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the controller 20. FIG. As shown in the figure, the controller 20 is driven by the power supply voltage PV supplied from the battery 30 . The power supply voltage PV is a DC power supply voltage. The controller 20 then generates the first control voltage V1 and the second control voltage V2 based on the power supply voltage PV. For example, each of the first control voltage V1 and the second control voltage V2 is an AC voltage. The controller 20 applies the first control voltage V1 to one end 421 (FIG. 5A) of the conductive portion 42, and applies the second control voltage V2 to the other end 422 of the conductive portion 42 (FIG. 5A). applied to

Specifically, the controller 20 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, and a power supply circuit 23.

The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 22 is, for example, a semiconductor memory. The processor 21 and memory 22 constitute, for example, a microcomputer. Processor 21 executes a computer program stored in memory 22 to control power supply circuit 23 to generate first control voltage V1 and second control voltage V2. As a result, the power supply circuit 23 generates the first control voltage V1 and the second control voltage V2. The power supply circuit 23 has, for example, an inverter, and further has a first power supply circuit that generates the first control voltage V1 and a second power supply circuit that generates the second control voltage V2.

The controller 20 controls the power supply circuit 23 so that the first control voltage V1 and the second control voltage V2 are the same. As a result, the first control voltage V1 and the second control voltage V2 having the same effective value are generated, and the potential distribution PD11 is formed on the connection surface 431 of the electrode member 40 as shown in FIG.

Further, the controller 20 in Embodiment 1 may control the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer 65 by varying the effective values of the first control voltage V1 and the second control voltage V2. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the potential distribution on the connection surface 431 of the electrode member 40 when the effective values of the first control voltage V1 and the second control voltage V2 are different.

As shown in FIG. 12, since the effective values of the first control voltage V1 and the second control voltage V2 are different, the potential distribution PD11a on the connection surface 431 of the electrode member 40 changes from the potential distribution PD11 shown in FIG. The potential distribution is almost inclined with respect to . Also, the axis of symmetry AX1 is inclined with respect to the direction of the perpendicular, and the potential V10 of the connection surface 431 at the position P1 is different from the potential V20 of the connection surface 431 at the position P2. A potential distribution corresponding to the potential distribution PD11a is formed in the liquid crystal layer 65 (a plurality of potential gradients corresponding to the plurality of potential gradients PG11a are formed), and the optical axis AX2 of the liquid crystal element 60 is also inclined.

In FIG. 12, the effective value of the first control voltage V1 is greater than the effective value of the second control voltage V2. It can be small. As described above, the controller 20 of the first embodiment individually controls the voltages (the first control voltage V1 and the second control voltage V2) applied to both ends of the electrode member 40, thereby controlling the potential distribution formed in the liquid crystal layer 65. The overall tilt of the PD 12 (FIG. 6C) and the tilt direction of the optical axis AX2 of the liquid crystal element 60 can be controlled.

Further, in the first embodiment, the focal length of the liquid crystal element 60 functioning as a lens is changed by controlling the effective values of the first control voltage V1 and the second control voltage V2 while making them the same. You can control it. In this case, the greater the effective values of the first control voltage V1 and the second control voltage V2, the shorter the focal length. Even when the effective values of the first control voltage V1 and the second control voltage V2 are different and the optical axis of the liquid crystal element 60 is tilted, the effective value of the first control voltage V1 and the effective value of the second control voltage V2 are different. By controlling the average magnitude of the values, the focal length can be controlled.

Further, as the controller 20 of the first embodiment, when the power supply voltage PV is input from the battery 30 and the output of the control voltage to the electrode member 40 is started, or when the control of the focal length and the optical axis of the liquid crystal element 60 is started. When doing so, initialization may be performed to remove the distortion of the liquid crystal molecules LQ (FIG. 2). The effective value of the voltage applied to the electrode member 40 during this initialization (hereinafter referred to as the initialization voltage) is the value for forming a sawtooth refractive index distribution in the liquid crystal layer 65 and causing the liquid crystal element 60 to function as a lens. It may be twice or more the effective value of a typical control voltage (for example, the effective value of the maximum control voltage that can be input when functioning as a lens).

Also, the controller 20 preferably makes the waveform of the initialization voltage match the time constant of the resistance distribution structure 43 . Also, the waveform of the initialization voltage may be a rectangular wave, a triangular wave, or a sine wave.

(Modification 1, Modification 2)
Next,

Modifications

1 and 2 of Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 13 . FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing the appearance of the electrode member 40 and the liquid crystal element 60 according to Modification 1, and FIG. 13(b) shows the appearance of the electrode member 40 and the liquid crystal element 60 according to Modification 2. It is a diagram. In FIG. 13(b), the connection surface 431 and the linear electrode 62 are shown with a gap therebetween for easy viewing of the drawing.

As shown in FIG. 13( a ), in Modification 1, the connection surface 431 of the electrode member 40 is substantially planar, and is connected to the plurality of linear electrodes 62 from the end of the liquid crystal element 60 . Specifically, after cutting out the unit liquid crystal element 60 from the mother transparent substrate 200 and sealing the liquid crystal layer 65 with a sealing material, each linear electrode 62 is exposed at the end surface perpendicular to the liquid crystal layer 65 . , the resistance distribution structure 43 of the electrode member 40 and the linear electrode 62 are connected by bringing the connection surface 431 of the electrode member 40 into contact with the end surface. In Modification 1, the film thickness of the plurality of linear electrodes 62 is relatively thick, thereby making it easier to connect with the electrode member 40 . Modification 1 is different from Embodiment 1 in the points described above, but is substantially the same as Embodiment 1 except for this point, and description of substantially the same construction will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 13(b), in Modification 2, the electrode member 40 is configured to have a step. In Modified Example 2, the electrode member 40 engages with the edge portion of the liquid crystal element 60 due to this step, so that the structure is such that the liquid crystal element 60 is easily fixed during crimping. As the electrode member 40 in Modification 2, for example, the variable shape resistor may be plastically deformed so as to generate a step in the resistance distribution structure 43 (see FIG. 7). Modification 2 is different from Embodiment 1 in the points described above, but is substantially the same as Embodiment 1 except for this point, and description of substantially the same construction will be omitted.

(Modification 3)
Next, Modification 3 of Embodiment 1 will be described. The resistance distribution structure 43 of the electrode member 40 in Modification 3 is different from the resistance distribution structure 43 of Embodiment 1 in that it is manufactured by a three-dimensional modeling apparatus (three-dimensional printer). Modification 3 will be described below.

First, the electrode member 40 in Modification 3 includes a conductive portion 42 and a resistance distribution structure 43 as in Embodiment 1. The conductive portion 42 and the resistance distribution structure 43 are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the electrode member 40 ( The conductive portions 42 extend in the second direction D2) and are arranged so as to be stacked in the thickness direction (third direction D3) of the resistance distribution structure 43 . The resistance distribution structure 43 has the same external shape as the resistance distribution structure 43 shown in FIG. 7(c), and has an undulating surface in the shape of a Fresnel cylindrical lens. The conductive portion 42 vapor-deposited on the surface of the molding member 41 is arranged on this Fresnel-type cylindrical lens-like surface.

In the following, the resistance distribution structure 43 in Modification 3 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 7(c). The resistance distribution structure 43 of Modification 3 is manufactured by three-dimensional modeling in which materials are successively laminated in the longitudinal direction of the electrode member 40 . Specifically, layers are formed by combining materials along a two-dimensional slice shape in a direction perpendicular to the second direction D2, and sequentially stacked (combined) in the second direction D2, Anisotropy is generated.

Also, the resistance distribution structure 43 of Modification 3 includes a first layer with high electrical conductivity and a second layer with lower electrical conductivity than the first layer. By periodically arranging the two types of layers, the electrical resistivity in the lamination direction is configured to be higher than the electrical resistivity in the other direction (two-dimensional slice direction).

The first and second layers of the resistance distribution structure 43 are formed, for example, by alternately laminating metal layers with high electrical conductivity and ceramic layers with low electrical conductivity (or with insulating properties). good too. In addition, by using a material with high electrical conductivity as the main material and a material with lower electrical conductivity than the main material as a secondary material, by periodically increasing or decreasing the amount of the secondary material added during lamination, the content of the primary material A first layer having a high σ and a low content of the secondary material and a second layer having a low content of the primary material and a high content of the secondary material may be formed.

Further, by stacking a predetermined material with high electrical conductivity and periodically modifying the predetermined material, two types of layers are formed. Anisotropy may occur. In this case, for example, three-dimensional modeling is performed so that a metal layer composed of aluminum and a modified layer formed by oxidizing aluminum are periodically arranged.

In addition, the lamination pitch of the layers with high electrical conductivity and the layers with low electrical conductivity in the resistance distribution structure 43 is not particularly limited. length.

The resistance distribution structure 43 of Modification 3 has the configuration as described above, and generates the potential distribution PD11 as shown in FIG. The resistance distribution structure 43 of Modification 3 differs from Embodiment 1 in that it has the above-described configuration. The remaining description of the resulting configuration is omitted.

(Modification 4)
Next, an electrode member 40 according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Modification 4 is different from Embodiment 1 mainly in that the electrode member 40 does not include the molding member 41 shown in FIG. Differences of the fourth modification from the first embodiment will be mainly described below.

FIG. 14(a) is a perspective view showing an electrode member 40 according to Modification 4. FIG. In FIG. 14(a), the linear electrode 62 is indicated by a chain double-dashed line in order to make the drawing easier to see. As shown in FIG. 14(a), the electrode member 40 includes a conductive portion 42A and a resistance distribution structure 43A, which extend along the longitudinal direction of the electrode member 40. As shown in FIG.

The conductive part 42A is a conductive thin film similar to the conductive part 42 shown in FIG. Moreover, the resistance distribution structure 43A is substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and the thickness at each position in the second direction D2 is substantially constant. The resistance distribution structure 43A has a connection surface 431 and an arrangement surface 432A, and the connection surface 431 and the arrangement surface 432A in Modification 4 are formed in a substantially planar shape so as to face each other. Also, the conductive portion 42A is arranged on the arrangement surface 432A.

The resistance distribution structure 43A of Modification 4 has anisotropic electrical resistivity in the third direction D3 and the second direction D2, electrical conductivity in the third direction D3, and electrical conductivity in the second direction D2. is shaped to have a relatively high electrical resistivity at. Furthermore, the resistance distribution structure 43A of Modification 4 is shaped such that the resistivity in the thickness direction (third direction D3) varies depending on the position in the longitudinal direction (second direction D2). there is

As for the three-dimensional modeling of the resistance distribution structure 43A, as in the case of Modification 3, for example, a layer with high electrical conductivity and a layer with low electrical conductivity are arranged periodically in the second direction D2. It is recommended that the Furthermore, the layer with high electrical conductivity is shaped so that the electrical resistivity changes according to the position in the second direction D2. As for the layer with high electrical conductivity, the electrical conductivity may be changed according to the position in the second direction D2 by controlling parameters such as pressure and the degree of polymerization at the time of molding. The electrical conductivity may be changed according to the position in the second direction D2 by controlling the amount of material added, the degree of modification, and the like.

FIG. 14B is a diagram showing the resistivity distribution RVD in the thickness direction of the resistance distribution structure 43A of the electrode member 40 according to Modification 4. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 14B, the vertical axis indicates the electrical resistivity in the thickness direction, and the horizontal axis indicates the position in the second direction D2 in the resistance distribution structure 43A. FIG. 14C is a diagram showing the resistance distribution RD1 in the resistance distribution structure 43A according to Modification 4. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 14(b), the electrical resistivity in the thickness direction of the resistance distribution structure 43A varies substantially in a sawtooth shape according to the position in the second direction D2. In other words, the resistance distribution structure 43A has a resistivity distribution RVD in the thickness direction, and the resistivity distribution RVD includes a plurality of resistivity gradients RVG and has a substantially line-symmetrical distribution.

As shown in FIG. 14(c), the shape of the resistance distribution RD1 of the resistance distribution structure 43A corresponds to the shape of the resistivity distribution RVD since its thickness is constant. The resistance distribution RD1 of the resistance distribution structure 43A is similar to the resistance distribution RD1 of the resistance distribution structure 43 shown in FIG. A potential gradient PG12) is formed.

Modification 4 differs from Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the resistance distribution structure 43A as described above, but is substantially the same as the configuration of Embodiment 1 except for this point. are omitted.

(Embodiment 2)
A pair of spectacles 300 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. In Embodiment 2, the liquid crystal device 100 according to Embodiment 1 is applied to spectacles 300 . In the following, differences of the second embodiment from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

FIG. 15(a) is a perspective view showing spectacles 300 according to Embodiment 2. FIG. As shown in FIG. 15( a ), spectacles 300 include a frame FL, a pair of lens members LN, a controller 20 and a battery 30 . A pair of lens members LN, the controller 20, and the battery 30 constitute a liquid crystal device. The glasses 300 also include one or both of the pair of non-contact detection units 25 and the electrooculography sensor 11 as an eye detection unit.

A frame FL holds a pair of lens members LN. In addition, the controller 20, the pair of non-contact detection units 25, and the battery 30 are mounted on the frame FL.

Specifically, the frame FL includes a pair of rims 1, a bridge 2, a pair of end pieces 3, a pair of hinges 4, a pair of temples 5, a pair of temple tips 6, and a nose pad 7. It's okay. A rim 1 holds a lens member LN. The rim 1 corresponds to an example of a "holding part".

The bridge 2 connects one rim 1 and the other rim 1 of the pair of rims 1 . The end piece 3 is located at the outer edge of the rim 1 with respect to the bridge 2. The end piece 3 connects the rim 1 and the temple 5 via the hinge 4 . The hinge 4 rotatably supports the temple 5 with respect to the endpiece 3 . A pair of temples 5 sandwich the head of the wearer of the spectacles 300 . A modern 6 covers the tip region of the temple 5 and contacts the top of the wearer's ear.

The non-contact detection unit 25 detects eye movements of the wearer of the spectacles 300 . Specifically, the pair of non-contact detection units 25 are installed on the top of one rim 1 and the top of the other rim 1 so as to detect the movement of the wearer's left eye and the movement of the right eye, respectively. be done.

The electro-oculogram sensor 11 measures the electro-oculography of both eyes to detect the movement of the wearer's eyes. Specifically, the electro-oculogram sensor 11 includes an electrode 8 and a pair of electrodes 9 . An electrode 8 is arranged on the nose pad 7 . Electrode 8 contacts the nose of the wearer of spectacles 300 . A pair of electrodes 9 are arranged on a pair of temples 5, respectively. The pair of electrodes 9 are in contact with the temples (skin) of the wearer of the spectacles 300, respectively. Electrode 8 detects the voltage at the nose, that is, the voltage at approximately the center of the left and right eyes. A pair of electrodes 9 also detect the voltage of the left and right temples, that is, the voltage of the outer portions of the left and right eyes. Specifically, the electrode 8 and one electrode 9 measure the ocular potential of the left eye, and the electrode 8 and the other electrode 9 measure the ocular potential of the right eye.

FIG. 15(b) is a perspective view schematically showing the lens member LN of the spectacles 300. FIG. As shown in FIG. 15(b), the lens member LN includes a first liquid crystal unit 10A and a second liquid crystal unit 10B. The first liquid crystal unit 10A and the second liquid crystal unit 10B each have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, are superimposed and adhered, and held by the rim 1 in FIG. 15(a).

The configuration of the lens member LN will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the lens member LN. As shown in FIG. 16, the first liquid crystal unit 10A and the second liquid crystal unit 10B each include an electrode member 40 and a liquid crystal element 60, and the plurality of linear electrodes 62 in the first liquid crystal unit 10A It overlaps with the plurality of linear electrodes 62 in the second liquid crystal unit 10B so as to be substantially perpendicular to each other. 16 conceptually shows the resistance distribution of the electrode member 40 in the first liquid crystal unit 10A and the second liquid crystal unit 10B, and the potential distribution output by the electrode member 40. FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16, at the end of the position corresponding to the upper side of the first liquid crystal unit 10A, part of the substrate is removed so that the linear electrode 62 is exposed, and the electrode member 40 is arranged. It extends along the second direction D2. On the other hand, at the end of the position corresponding to the right side of the second liquid crystal unit 10B, part of the substrate is removed so as to expose the linear electrode 62, and the electrode member 40 is arranged along the first direction D1. extend.

As shown in FIG. 16, the electrode member 40 (resistance distribution structure 43 not shown in FIG. 16) of the first liquid crystal unit 10A has a resistance distribution RD1 undulating in a sawtooth shape in the horizontal direction for the wearer. A control voltage applied across the member 40 generates a potential distribution PD11. As a result, a potential distribution corresponding to the potential distribution PD11 is generated in the liquid crystal layer 65 of the first liquid crystal unit 10A, and the light is generally focused and condensed in a straight line perpendicular to the wearer.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 16, the electrode member 40 (resistance distribution structure 43 not shown in FIG. 16) of the second liquid crystal unit 10B has a resistance distribution RD2 undulating in a sawtooth shape in the vertical direction for the wearer. Then, a control voltage applied across the electrode member 40 generates a potential distribution PD21. As a result, a potential distribution corresponding to the potential distribution PD21 is generated in the liquid crystal layer 65 of the second liquid crystal unit 10B, and the light is generally focused and condensed in a straight line that is horizontal to the wearer.

By overlapping and holding the first liquid crystal unit 10A and the second liquid crystal unit 10B, the lens power in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction can be individually controlled, and the focus of each of the first liquid crystal unit 10A and the second liquid crystal unit 10B can be controlled. By aligning the distance, it is possible to provide the lens member LN that can focus on one point. At this time, at least part of the electrode members 40 of the first liquid crystal unit 10A and the second liquid crystal unit 10B may be held so as to be hidden by the rim 1, or the electrode members 40 may be held by the rim 1 so as to cover the liquid crystal elements. It may be fixed (or crimped) to the end of 60 .

Next, control of the lens member LN will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 16. FIG. The controller 20 controls not only the first control voltage V1 and the second control voltage V2 that are input to both ends of the electrode member 40 of the first liquid crystal unit 10A, but also the second control voltage that is input to both ends of the electrode member 40 of the second liquid crystal unit 10B. 3 to output a control voltage V3 and a fourth control voltage V4. Specifically, the power supply circuit 23 of the controller 20 generates the first control voltage V1 to the fourth control voltage V4, and controls both ends of the electrode member 40 of the first liquid crystal unit 10A and the electrodes of the second liquid crystal unit 10B. Output to both ends of the member 40 .

Further, since the controller 20 of the second embodiment outputs control voltages for the left and right lens members LN of the spectacles 300, the first control voltage V1 to the fourth control voltage V4 for the left eye lens member LN and the right eye output the first control voltage V1 to the fourth control voltage V4 to the lens member LN.

Furthermore, the controller 20 of the second embodiment detects the direction of the line of sight of the left eye of the wearer of the spectacles 300 and The gaze direction of the eye is calculated. Hereinafter, the line-of-sight direction of the wearer's left eye is also referred to as "line-of-sight direction SLL", and the line-of-sight direction of the wearer's right eye is also referred to as "line-of-sight direction SLR".

Then, the controller 20 controls the first to fourth control voltages V1 to V4 to be output to the left and right lens members LN of the spectacles 300 based on the line-of-sight direction SLL and the line-of-sight direction SLR. Therefore, the optical axis and/or the focal length of the left and right lens members LN are controlled according to the line-of-sight direction SLL and the line-of-sight direction SLR.

For example, when the pair of non-contact detection units 25 or the electro-oculography sensor 11 detects the convergence of both eyes of the wearer of the spectacles 300, the left and right lens members LN that focus and converge in the vertical direction for the wearer The control voltage of one liquid crystal unit 10A is controlled respectively. Specifically, the first liquid crystal unit 10A of the lens member LN for the left eye and the first liquid crystal unit 10A of the lens member LN for the right eye have a sawtooth refractive index distribution directed toward the nose of the wearer. In order to tilt the optical axis (see FIG. 12), two control voltages with different effective values are applied to both ends of the electrode member 40, respectively. Note that convergence is a movement in which the eyeballs of both eyes move inward or widen outward when the wearer of the spectacles 300 tries to gaze at an object.

When the wearer of the spectacles 300 detects a movement of the line of sight such as a movement of convergence that focuses on an arbitrary object, the control voltage of the two lens members LN is controlled as described above to obtain a sawtooth refractive index By adjusting the optical axis of the distribution, coma aberration can be corrected and visibility can be improved.

As the eye tracking technology applied to the eye detection unit of the second embodiment, for example, a non-contact type such as a corneal reflection method, a dark pupil method, or a bright pupil method may be adopted, or an electro-oculography method or the like. contact type may be adopted, and is not limited to these. Further, each of the non-contact detection units 25 may include, for example, a light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and an imaging unit such as a camera (for example, a video camera).

(Embodiment 3)
An electrode member 40 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. The main difference from Embodiment 1 with the electrode member 40 of FIG. 7 is that the electrode member 40 according to Embodiment 3 includes at least one auxiliary electrode 45 . In the following, differences of the third embodiment from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

FIG. 17(a) is a perspective view showing an electrode member 40 according to Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 17(b) is a diagram showing the conductive portion 42 and the auxiliary electrode 45 of the electrode member 40 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17(b) shows the conductive portion 42 and the auxiliary electrode 45 viewed from the direction DA in FIG. 17(a).

As shown in FIGS. 17( a ) and 17 ( b ), the electrode member 40 has at least one auxiliary electrode 45 . In Embodiment 3, the electrode member 40 includes a plurality of auxiliary electrodes 45 in the conductive portion 42 , and the auxiliary electrodes 45 apply a control voltage from a location other than both ends of the conductive portion 42 to connect the connection surface 431 . It is possible to control the potential distribution PD31 that occurs at . The plurality of auxiliary electrodes 45 are spaced apart in the second direction D2 and extend along the first direction D1. Specifically, the auxiliary electrode 45 is electrically connected to the conductive portion 42 by contacting the central region CA of the conductive portion 42 in the second direction D2. Also, although the auxiliary electrode 45 is in contact with the placement surface 432 of the resistance distribution structure 43 , it may be placed between the molding member 41 and the conductive portion 42 .

The controller 20 shown in FIG. 11 applies the auxiliary control voltage CV to the plurality of auxiliary electrodes 45. Specifically, the power supply circuit 23 applies the auxiliary control voltage CV to the auxiliary electrode 45 under the control of the processor 21 .

In Embodiment 3, the controller 20 applies 0 V as the auxiliary control voltage CV to the plurality of auxiliary electrodes 45 to set the potential of each auxiliary electrode 45 to the ground potential.

FIG. 18(a) is a diagram showing the resistance distribution RD1 in the third direction D3 at each position in the second direction D2 in the resistance distribution structure 43 of the electrode member 40 according to the third embodiment. The resistance distribution RD1 is similar to the resistance distribution RD1 shown in FIG. 6(a).

FIG. 18(b) is a diagram showing the potential distribution PD31 on the connection surface 431 of the resistance distribution structure 43 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 18(b), the control voltages applied across the conductive portion 42 shown in FIG. 17(b) are equal. As shown in FIG. 18B, the connection surface 431 of the resistance distribution structure 43 has a potential distribution PD31 in the second direction D2, and the potential distribution PD31 has a plurality of potential gradients PG31. In Embodiment 3, since the ground potential is applied from the auxiliary electrode 45, each gradient of the potential gradient PG31 is larger than in the case of FIG. 6(b).

Also, as shown in FIG. 18(b), the potential distribution PD31 of the connection surface 431 of the resistance distribution structure 43 is substantially symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry AX1 and has a substantially sawtooth shape in the second direction D2.

FIG. 18(c) is a diagram showing the potential distribution PD32 in the liquid crystal layer 65 of the liquid crystal device 100 according to the third embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 18C, the

alignment films

64 and 66 are omitted for simplification of the drawing. As shown in FIG. 18(c), the liquid crystal layer 65 has a potential distribution PD32 corresponding to the potential distribution PD31 of the connection surface 431 shown in FIG. 18(b). The potential distribution PD32 of the liquid crystal layer 65 includes a plurality of potential gradients PG32, and has a substantially sawtooth shape that is substantially symmetrical with respect to the optical axis AX2. The liquid crystal element 60 produces a refractive index distribution PD33 according to the potential distribution PD32 (specifically, a plurality of potential gradients PG32) of the liquid crystal layer 65 to converge or diverge light. As a result, the liquid crystal layer 65 functions as a convex Fresnel cylindrical lens.

Further, in the third embodiment, the controller 20 shown in FIG. 11 controls the effective values of the first control voltage V1 and the second control voltage V2 in the same manner as in the first embodiment so that the focal length of the liquid crystal element 60 is and the tilt direction of the optical axis AX2 can be controlled. Further, the controller 20 of Embodiment 3 can further adjust the potential gradient PG32 included in the potential distribution PD32 generated in the liquid crystal layer 65 by controlling the auxiliary control voltage CV applied to the auxiliary electrode 45 .

In the third embodiment, three auxiliary electrodes 45 are arranged as shown in FIG. 17(b), and the auxiliary control voltage CV is applied to each of them. may be applied with the auxiliary control voltage CV. For example, if the ground potential is applied to only one of the three auxiliary electrodes 45, either left or right, the liquid crystal layer 65 has an asymmetric refractive index distribution, but the optical axis AX2 can be shifted from the center. , optical properties can be adjusted.

Also, the auxiliary electrode 45 does not necessarily need to be arranged in the center, and may be arranged regularly at a plurality of positions away from the center. Further, the auxiliary control voltage CV applied to the one or more auxiliary electrodes 45 does not necessarily have to be the ground potential, and may be an AC voltage having an effective value. Further, when a plurality of auxiliary electrodes 45 are arranged on the conductive portion 42, mutually different auxiliary control voltages may be applied to the plurality of auxiliary electrodes 45, thereby reducing the sawtooth potential distribution PD32 generated in the liquid crystal layer 65. may be adjusted.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram for conceptually explaining how the unit liquid crystal elements are separated from the mother transparent substrate 200 and processed according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown in the figure, in the mother transparent substrate 200, a plurality of inner regions 71 are arranged in a grid pattern at intervals, and a frame-shaped region (outer edge region 72) is arranged so as to partition each inner region 71. be. The inner region 71 and the outer edge region 72 are regions with different densities in which the wall portions 201 are formed as shown in FIG. It's becoming The mother transparent substrate 200 of Embodiment 4 mainly differs from the mother transparent substrate 200 of Embodiment 1 in this respect.

As shown in FIG. 19, each of the inner regions 71 of the mother transparent substrate 200 corresponds to the unit liquid crystal element 60 and is separated by the cutout line 73 into an arbitrary shape as in the case of the first embodiment. processed. In the unit liquid crystal element 60 , the outer edge region 72 is positioned near the outer edge of the liquid crystal layer 65 , and the inner region 71 is positioned inside the outer edge region 72 .

The inner area 71 and the outer edge area 72 are areas in which a plurality of linear electrodes 62 extend, and areas where an electric field is applied from the linear electrodes 62 to drive the liquid crystal molecules and produce a refractive index distribution. It has become. Furthermore, the wall portion 201 is formed in at least the outer edge region 72 out of the inner region 71 and the outer edge region 72 to restrict the movement of the liquid crystal molecules, thereby reducing the leakage of the liquid crystal to the outside of the unit liquid crystal element 60 . Also, by arranging the inner region 71 in the center of the liquid crystal layer 65 and arranging the outer edge region 72 so as to surround the inner region 71, the leakage of liquid crystal to the outside can be reduced.

For example, when the wall portion 201 is formed in a mesh (or grid) structure as shown in FIG. The density of the walls 201 may be varied by reducing the size of the mesh. Further, in the case of the wall portion 201 having a mesh structure as shown in FIG. good. By doing so, the liquid crystal molecules efficiently spread over the liquid crystal layer 65 when the mother transparent substrate 200 is prepared.

When a plurality of walls 201 are arranged, the walls 201 surround the inner region 71 so as to block linear access to the inner region 71 from the outside of the liquid crystal layer 65 of the liquid crystal element 60. It is preferably located at 72 . Even in such a case where the wall portions 201 are scattered, leakage of liquid crystal from the inner region 71 can be reduced. The arrangement pitch of the wall portions 201 in the outer edge region 72 may be smaller than the arrangement pitch in the inner region 71 , or the wall portions 201 may be arranged only in the outer edge region 72 and the wall portions 201 may be arranged in the inner region 71 . 201 may not exist.

As shown in FIG. 19, since the outer edge region 72 having the wall portion 201 is formed on the mother transparent substrate 200, leakage of the liquid crystal can be reduced, so that the step of sealing the liquid crystal layer 65 by the sealing portion 69 itself is omitted. Alternatively, the area where the seal portion 69 is formed may be reduced.

The above-described Embodiment 4 differs from Embodiment 1 mainly in the above points. Except for this point, the configuration of Embodiment 4 is substantially the same as that of Embodiment 1, and the description of the configuration that is substantially similar is omitted.

Although it is preferable to dispose the electrode member 40 in which the conductive portion 42 and the resistance distribution structure 43 are integrated as in the above-described Embodiment 1, etc., at the end portion of the liquid crystal substrate, it is not limited to such a mode. Instead, for example, the conductive portion 42 and the resistance distribution structure 43 may be configured as separate parts and arranged at the end portion of the liquid crystal substrate in different steps. Both of the conductive portion 42 and the resistance distribution structure 43, or only the latter may be built into the edge portion of the liquid crystal substrate by three-dimensional modeling or patterning directly on the substrate 61. FIG. As the resistance distribution structure 43, for example, a wiring group made of a material having a relatively high resistivity is patterned so as to have a length corresponding to the sawtooth refractive index distribution. A structure in which each of the groups is connected to the linear electrode 62 may be used.

In Embodiment 1 and the like, the mother transparent substrate 200 has a rectangular shape and is assigned to the n×n unit liquid crystal elements 60. The unit liquid crystal element 60 may be assigned to each strip. In this case, the step of exposing the plurality of linear electrodes 62 from the substrate 68 may be performed on the mother transparent substrate 200 before the unit liquid crystal elements 60 are separated.

In Embodiment 1 and the like, an example is shown in which the liquid crystal element 60 (liquid crystal device 100) having an external shape as shown in FIG. The liquid crystal element 60 may be processed into various external shapes such as molds, the electrode members 40 may also have curved portions according to the external shape, or the electrode members 40 may be curved in the longitudinal direction. Further, the liquid crystal element 60 may have, for example, an external shape in which the electrode member 40 and the end portion to which the electrode member 40 is crimped are formed in a straight line, and the portion other than the end portion is curved. The same applies to the lens member LN of the spectacles 300 according to the second embodiment, and the liquid crystal element 60 and the lens member LN are not limited to the outer shape as shown in FIGS. The lens member LN may be machined into various contours.

Although the application of the liquid crystal device 100 of Embodiment 1 and the like is not particularly limited, for example, a head-mounted display or goggles for realizing virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), or mixed reality (MR). may be applied. Further, when applied to these or spectacles, control may be performed to correct astigmatism. The liquid crystal device 100 can also be applied to, for example, glasses for eye treatment, eyeglasses for assisting eyesight, eyeglasses for eye training, single glasses, goggle-type glasses, and the like.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be embodied in various aspects without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Also, the plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, some of all the components shown in one embodiment may be added to the components of another embodiment, or some configurations of all the components shown in one embodiment may be added. Elements may be deleted from the embodiment.

In addition, the drawings schematically show each component mainly for easy understanding of the invention, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. It may be different from the actual one due to the convenience of Further, the configuration of each component shown in the above embodiment is an example and is not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention. .

(1) In the first embodiment described above, the end of the liquid crystal element 60 to which the electrode member 40 is crimped is ensured to be wide, and the position of the liquid crystal element 60 to which the electrode member 40 is crimped can be changed within a predetermined range. may The position of the optical axis AX2 can be changed by making it possible to change the position where the electrode member 40 is crimped in the direction in which the plurality of linear electrodes 62 are arranged side by side. Further, in Embodiment 2, the end portion of the lens member LN to which the electrode member 40 is crimped is ensured to be wide, and the position of the electrode member 40 in the first liquid crystal unit 10A (second liquid crystal unit 10B) is shifted in the second direction D2 (the second direction D2). By making it possible to change in one direction D1), the position of the optical axis AX2 can be changed according to the feeling of use of the wearer. Further, the spectacles 300 of Embodiment 2 are configured to have a clearance (gap) at the end of the liquid crystal element 60 to which the electrode member 40 is crimped while the lens member LN is held by the rim 1. Alternatively, the position of the optical axis of the liquid crystal element 60 may be changed by removing the lens member LN from the rim 1 to change the position of the electrode member 40 .

(2) In the above embodiment, the electrode member 40 is arranged at one end of the substrate 61 so as to cross the extending direction of the plurality of linear electrodes 62 of the liquid crystal element 60. The unit 10 may have two or more electrode members 40 . In this case, for example, two electrode members 40 may be arranged at the ends of the liquid crystal element 60 facing each other (for example, the upper end and the lower end). With such two electrode members 40, the voltage applied to the plurality of linear electrodes 62 can be stabilized. When the two electrode members 40 are arranged at the ends of the liquid crystal element 60 facing each other, the resistance distribution structure 43 at one end is arranged to have a resistance value distribution corresponding to a convex Fresnel cylindrical lens. , and the resistance distribution structure 43 at the other end has a distribution of resistance values corresponding to a concave Fresnel cylindrical lens, and a control voltage is supplied to one of the two electrode members 40. The focal length adjustment range can be expanded.

(3) Further, when manufacturing the lens member LN of Embodiment 2, two mother transparent substrates 200 shown in FIG. It is also possible to use two mother transparent substrates 200 stacked in the third direction D3 and adhered so as to be substantially orthogonal to the linear electrodes 62 of the transparent substrates 200 . In this case, the substrates 61 on which the linear electrodes 62 are formed in the two mother transparent substrates 200 are adhered to each other, and the liquid crystal element 60 of the first liquid crystal unit 10A and the liquid crystal element 60 of the second liquid crystal unit 10B are adhered. It may be cut out in a state where it is cut out.

The present invention provides a liquid crystal device, spectacles, a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device, and an electrode member, and has industrial applicability.

1 rim (holding part)
10 liquid crystal unit 10A first liquid crystal unit 10B second liquid crystal unit 20 controller (control unit)
40 electrode member 43 resistance distribution structure 42 conductive portion 45 auxiliary electrode 60 liquid crystal element (unit liquid crystal element)
62 linear electrode 65 liquid crystal layer 67 counter electrode 100 liquid crystal device 200 mother transparent substrate 201 wall portion

Claims

A liquid crystal device comprising at least one liquid crystal unit having liquid crystal substrates sandwiching a liquid crystal layer and forming a sawtooth refractive index distribution in the liquid crystal layer,
a plurality of linear electrodes overlapping and linearly extending over the liquid crystal layer;
a conductive portion and a resistance distribution structure arranged at an end portion of the liquid crystal substrate so as to intersect the extending direction of the plurality of linear electrodes;
The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the resistance distribution structure is interposed between the conductive portion and the plurality of linear electrodes, and has a distribution of resistance values corresponding to the sawtooth-shaped refractive index distribution.
The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the outer shape of the liquid crystal unit has a curved portion when viewed two-dimensionally.
2. One or a plurality of wall portions for restricting movement of the liquid crystal in an in-plane direction are disposed in at least a portion of the region where the sawtooth refractive index distribution is formed. 3. A liquid crystal device according to claim 2.
A control unit that outputs a first control voltage applied at one end of the conductive portion and a second control voltage applied at the other end of the conductive portion,
4. The control section according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control section controls the sawtooth refractive index distribution by outputting the second control voltage different from the first control voltage. The liquid crystal device according to the item.
The liquid crystal device includes two liquid crystal units,
5. The liquid crystal unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the two liquid crystal units are overlapped so that the extending directions of the plurality of linear electrodes in each are substantially orthogonal to each other. The described liquid crystal device.
A pair of liquid crystal devices according to claim 5,
Glasses comprising a holding portion for holding the pair of liquid crystal devices.
A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device,
preparing a mother transparent substrate having a liquid crystal layer disposed between two mother substrates;
a step of cutting out a unit liquid crystal element having a predetermined shape from the mother transparent substrate;
electrically connecting the unit liquid crystal element and the electrode member such that the electrode member extends at the end of the unit liquid crystal element;
including
The unit liquid crystal element includes a plurality of linear electrodes extending linearly to generate a sawtooth refractive index distribution in the liquid crystal layer,
The electrode member includes a conductive portion having electrical conductivity and a resistance distribution structure having a resistance value distribution corresponding to the sawtooth refractive index distribution,
In the step of electrically connecting the unit liquid crystal element and the electrode member, the resistance distribution structure is interposed between the conductive portion and the plurality of linear electrodes, and the electrode member is connected to the plurality of linear electrodes. A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal device, wherein the electrodes are connected so as to intersect the extending direction of the electrodes.
A rod-shaped electrode member for supplying a potential distribution corresponding to a sawtooth refractive index distribution to a liquid crystal layer,
a conductive portion having electrical conductivity;
a resistance distribution structure having a distribution of resistance values corresponding to the refractive index distribution;
including
The conductive portion and the resistance distribution structure extend in the longitudinal direction of the electrode member,
The conductive portion is arranged in the thickness direction of the resistance distribution structure,
The resistance distribution structure is configured such that the electrical resistivity in the longitudinal direction is higher than the electrical resistivity in the thickness direction, and the resistance value in the thickness direction changes according to the position in the longitudinal direction. An electrode member characterized in that the electric potential distribution is generated by: