WO2024084842A1 - 光学素子および照明装置 - Google Patents

光学素子および照明装置 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024084842A1
WO2024084842A1 PCT/JP2023/032101 JP2023032101W WO2024084842A1 WO 2024084842 A1 WO2024084842 A1 WO 2024084842A1 JP 2023032101 W JP2023032101 W JP 2023032101W WO 2024084842 A1 WO2024084842 A1 WO 2024084842A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
liquid crystal
crystal cell
cell
connection pad
inter
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/JP2023/032101
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English (en)
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
幸次朗 池田
健夫 小糸
佳克 今関
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Japan Display Inc
Original Assignee
Japan Display Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Japan Display Inc filed Critical Japan Display Inc
Priority to JP2024551304A priority Critical patent/JP7802197B2/ja
Priority to CN202380066069.1A priority patent/CN119816780A/zh
Publication of WO2024084842A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024084842A1/ja
Priority to US19/175,852 priority patent/US20250237910A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1347—Arrangement of liquid crystal layers or cells in which the final condition of one light beam is achieved by the addition of the effects of two or more layers or cells
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V14/00—Controlling the distribution of the light emitted by adjustment of elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1335—Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
    • G02F1/1336—Illuminating devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1335—Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
    • G02F1/1336—Illuminating devices
    • G02F1/133602—Direct backlight
    • G02F1/133612—Electrical details
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1343—Electrodes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1343—Electrodes
    • G02F1/134309—Electrodes characterised by their geometrical arrangement
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1345—Conductors connecting electrodes to cell terminals
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1347—Arrangement of liquid crystal layers or cells in which the final condition of one light beam is achieved by the addition of the effects of two or more layers or cells
    • G02F1/13471—Arrangement of liquid crystal layers or cells in which the final condition of one light beam is achieved by the addition of the effects of two or more layers or cells in which all the liquid crystal cells or layers remain transparent, e.g. FLC, ECB, DAP, HAN, TN, STN, SBE-LC cells

Definitions

  • One embodiment of the present invention relates to an optical element that uses liquid crystal to control the distribution of light emitted from a light source.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an illumination device that includes the optical element.
  • an FPC is connected to each of the multiple liquid crystal cells.
  • optical elements can have a complex mounting process due to the large number of wirings, which can increase manufacturing costs.
  • one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an optical element having electrical connections that enable multiple liquid crystal cells to be driven simultaneously by inputting a single signal.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an illumination device that includes the optical element.
  • An optical element includes a first liquid crystal cell, a second liquid crystal cell, a third liquid crystal cell, and a fourth liquid crystal cell, which are sequentially stacked, and each of the first liquid crystal cell, the second liquid crystal cell, the third liquid crystal cell, and the fourth liquid crystal cell includes a first substrate having a first electrode, a second electrode, a first connection pad electrically connected to the first electrode, and a second connection pad electrically connected to the second electrode, and a third electrode, a fourth electrode, a third connection pad electrically connected to the third electrode, and a fourth connection pad electrically connected to the fourth electrode.
  • a second substrate provided with a fourth connection pad electrically connected to the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, the second substrate of the second liquid crystal cell facing the second substrate of the first liquid crystal cell, the first substrate of the third liquid crystal cell facing the first substrate of the second liquid crystal cell, the second substrate of the fourth liquid crystal cell facing the second substrate of the third liquid crystal cell, and the first connection pad of the first liquid crystal cell electrically connected to the first connection pad of the third liquid crystal cell via a first inter-cell conducting electrode.
  • the second connection pad of the first liquid crystal cell is electrically connected to the second connection pad of the third liquid crystal cell via a second inter-cell conductive electrode
  • the third connection pad of the first liquid crystal cell is electrically connected to the third connection pad of the third liquid crystal cell via a third inter-cell conductive electrode
  • the fourth connection pad of the first liquid crystal cell is electrically connected to the fourth connection pad of the third liquid crystal cell via a fourth inter-cell conductive electrode
  • the first connection pad of the second liquid crystal cell is electrically connected to the fifth inter-cell conductive electrode.
  • the second connection pad of the second liquid crystal cell is electrically connected to the first connection pad of the fourth liquid crystal cell via a sixth inter-cell conductive electrode
  • the second connection pad of the second liquid crystal cell is electrically connected to the second connection pad of the fourth liquid crystal cell via a seventh inter-cell conductive electrode
  • the fourth connection pad of the second liquid crystal cell is electrically connected to the fourth connection pad of the fourth liquid crystal cell via an eighth inter-cell conductive electrode.
  • An optical element includes a first liquid crystal cell, a second liquid crystal cell, a third liquid crystal cell, and a fourth liquid crystal cell, which are sequentially stacked, and each of the first liquid crystal cell, the second liquid crystal cell, the third liquid crystal cell, and the fourth liquid crystal cell includes a first substrate having a first electrode, a second electrode, a first connection pad electrically connected to the first electrode, and a second connection pad electrically connected to the second electrode, and a third electrode, a fourth electrode, a third connection pad electrically connected to the third electrode, and a fourth connection pad electrically connected to the fourth electrode.
  • the second substrate of the second liquid crystal cell faces the second substrate of the first liquid crystal cell
  • the first substrate of the third liquid crystal cell faces the first substrate of the second liquid crystal cell
  • the second substrate of the fourth liquid crystal cell faces the second substrate of the third liquid crystal cell
  • the third substrate of the second liquid crystal cell is electrically connected to the first substrate of the third liquid crystal cell via a first inter-cell conducting electrode.
  • the fourth connection pad of the second liquid crystal cell is electrically connected to the second connection pad of the third liquid crystal cell via a second inter-cell conductive electrode
  • the first connection pad of the second liquid crystal cell is electrically connected to the third connection pad of the third liquid crystal cell via a third inter-cell conductive electrode
  • the second connection pad of the second liquid crystal cell is electrically connected to the fourth connection pad of the third liquid crystal cell via a fourth inter-cell conductive electrode
  • the second connection pad of the first liquid crystal cell is electrically connected to the fifth inter-cell conductive electrode.
  • the first connection pad of the first liquid crystal cell is electrically connected to the first connection pad of the fourth liquid crystal cell via a sixth inter-cell conductive electrode
  • the first connection pad of the first liquid crystal cell is electrically connected to the second connection pad of the fourth liquid crystal cell via a sixth inter-cell conductive electrode
  • the fourth connection pad of the first liquid crystal cell is electrically connected to the third connection pad of the fourth liquid crystal cell via a seventh inter-cell conductive electrode
  • the third connection pad of the first liquid crystal cell is electrically connected to the fourth connection pad of the fourth liquid crystal cell via an eighth inter-cell conductive electrode.
  • An illumination device includes the optical element and a light source disposed adjacent to the first liquid crystal cell.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a lighting device in a first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an optical element in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a liquid crystal cell included in the optical element in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a liquid crystal cell included in the optical element in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a liquid crystal cell included in the optical element in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating an electrode pattern of a liquid crystal cell included in the optical element in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating an electrode pattern of a liquid crystal cell included in the optical element in the first embodiment.
  • 3A to 3C are schematic diagrams illustrating optical characteristics of a liquid crystal cell in the first embodiment.
  • 3A to 3C are schematic diagrams illustrating optical characteristics of a liquid crystal cell in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view (top view) illustrating the configuration of electrical connections of optical elements in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view (bottom view) illustrating the configuration of electrical connections of optical elements in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view (front view) illustrating the configuration of electrical connections of optical elements in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view (right side view) illustrating the configuration of electrical connections of optical elements in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view (left side view) illustrating the configuration of electrical connections of optical elements in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view (rear view) illustrating the configuration of electrical connections of optical elements in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration of electrical connections of optical elements in the first embodiment.
  • 5 is a timing chart showing signals input to an optical element for controlling a light distribution having a linear shape in the x-axis direction in the first embodiment.
  • 5 is a timing chart showing signals input to an optical element for controlling a light distribution having a linear shape in the y-axis direction in the first embodiment.
  • 5 is a timing chart showing signals input to an optical element for controlling a circular light distribution in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of an illumination device in a second embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view (top view) showing the configuration of an optical element in a second embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of an illumination device in a third embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view (top view) showing the configuration of an optical element in a third embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view (bottom view) showing the configuration of an optical element in a third embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view (front view) showing the configuration of an optical element in a third embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view (right side view) showing the configuration of an optical element in a third embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view (left side view) showing the configuration of an optical element in a third embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view (rear view) showing the configuration of an optical element in a third embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of an illumination device in a fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a configuration of an optical element in a fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a configuration of an optical element in a fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view (top view) showing the configuration of an optical element in a fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view (bottom view) showing the configuration of an optical element in a fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view (front view) showing the configuration of an optical element in a fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view (right side view) showing the configuration of an optical element in a fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view (left side view) showing the configuration of an optical element in a fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view (rear view) showing the configuration of an optical element in a fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration of electrical connections of optical elements in the first embodiment.
  • 5 is a timing chart showing signals input to an optical element for controlling a light distribution having a linear shape in the x-axis direction in the first embodiment.
  • 5 is a timing chart showing signals input to an optical element for controlling a light distribution having a linear shape in the y-axis direction in the first embodiment.
  • 5 is a timing chart showing signals input to an optical element for controlling a circular light distribution in the first embodiment.
  • 5 is a timing chart showing signals input to an optical element for controlling a light distribution having an elliptical shape in the first embodiment.
  • 5 is a timing chart showing signals input to an optical element for controlling a light distribution having a cross shape in the first embodiment.
  • 6 is another timing chart showing signals input to the optical element for controlling the light distribution having a cross shape in the first embodiment.
  • drawings may show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part in a schematic manner compared to the actual embodiment, but these are merely examples, and the illustrated shapes themselves do not limit the interpretation of the present invention.
  • elements with similar functions to those explained in relation to previous drawings in the specification may be given the same reference numerals, even if they are in different drawings, and duplicate explanations may be omitted.
  • each structure When a film is processed to form multiple structures, each structure may have a different function or role, and each structure may be formed on a different base.
  • these multiple structures originate from a film formed as the same layer in the same process, and are made of the same material. Therefore, these multiple films are defined as existing in the same layer.
  • an illumination device 1 and an optical element 10 included in the illumination device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of an illumination device 1 in this embodiment.
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an optical element 10 in this embodiment.
  • the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are coordinate axes based on the optical element 10. Note that, in the following, the direction indicated by the arrows on the coordinate axes represents the + direction, and the opposite direction represents the - direction, but when the direction on the axis is not particularly limited, the + or - sign may not be added.
  • the lighting device 1 includes an optical element 10 and a light source 20.
  • the optical element 10 includes a first liquid crystal cell 100-1, a second liquid crystal cell 100-2, a third liquid crystal cell 100-3, and a fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, a first terminal connection substrate 200-1, and a second terminal connection substrate 200-2.
  • the configuration of the optical element 10 will be described in detail later, but the optical element 10 can change the shape of the light passing through the optical element 10, i.e., the light distribution, by controlling the diffusion of the light emitted from the light source 20.
  • the light source 20 for example, light-emitting diodes (Light Emitting Diodes: LEDs) can be used, but are not limited to this.
  • the light source 20 may be any element or device that can emit light.
  • the first terminal connection substrate 200-1, the first liquid crystal cell 100-1, the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, the third liquid crystal cell 100-3, the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, and the second terminal connection substrate 200-2 are stacked in the z-axis direction in order from the side closest to the light source 20. That is, the optical element 10 includes four liquid crystal cells 100 between the two terminal connection substrates 200. The four liquid crystal cells 100 overlap each other. Note that the number of liquid crystal cells 100 included in the optical element 10 is not limited to four. It is sufficient that the optical element 10 includes at least two liquid crystal cells 100.
  • An optically elastic resin layer 300 is provided between the first terminal connection substrate 200-1 and the first liquid crystal cell 100-1, between the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, between the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, and between the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 and the second terminal connection substrate 200-2.
  • the optically elastic resin layer 300 can bond and fix two adjacent liquid crystal cells 100, or the terminal connection substrate 200 and the liquid crystal cell 100.
  • an adhesive containing a light-transmitting acrylic resin can be used as the optically elastic resin layer 300.
  • Each of the first terminal connection substrate 200-1 and the second terminal connection substrate 200-2 is a substrate having optical transparency.
  • each of the first terminal connection substrate 200-1 and the second terminal connection substrate 200-2 is a glass substrate, but is not limited to this.
  • a plurality of terminals 210 are provided on each of the first terminal connection substrate 200-1 and the second terminal connection substrate 200-2.
  • Each of the plurality of terminals 210 is provided on a side surface of the optical element 10 and is electrically connected to an inter-cell conductive electrode 400 extending in the z-axis direction.
  • the inter-cell conductive electrode 400 may be, for example, a conductive adhesive containing a conductive filler.
  • the conductive filler may be, for example, silver or carbon.
  • the inter-cell conductive electrode 400 may be formed using a dispenser. Specifically, the inter-cell conductive electrode 400 may be formed on the side surface of the optical element 10, extending in the z-axis direction, by discharging the conductive adhesive from the nozzle of the dispenser while moving the dispenser in the z-axis direction.
  • the conductive adhesive may also be injected into a step formed on the side surface of the optical element 10 by utilizing the capillary phenomenon.
  • the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 to the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 all have the same configuration. That is, in the optical element 10, four liquid crystal cells 100 having the same configuration are stacked with their orientations changed from one another.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the liquid crystal cell 100 included in the optical element 10 in this embodiment.
  • Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B are each a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the liquid crystal cell 100 included in the optical element 10 in this embodiment.
  • Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal cell 100 in the ca plane cut along the line A1-A2 in Fig. 3
  • Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal cell 100 in the bc plane cut along the line B1-B2 in Fig. 3.
  • the a-axis, b-axis, and c-axis are coordinate axes based on the liquid crystal cell 100.
  • the liquid crystal cell 100 is constructed by bonding a first substrate 110-1 and a second substrate 110-2 together.
  • the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2 do not completely overlap, but are bonded together so that a portion of the surface of the first substrate 110-1 and a portion of the surface of the second substrate 110-2 are exposed.
  • the exposed surface of the first substrate 110-1 and the exposed surface of the second substrate 110-2 are provided with connection pads that are electrically connected to the inter-cell conductive electrodes 400.
  • a first substrate 110-1 is provided with a plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1, a plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2, and a first alignment film 130-1 covering the plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1 and the plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2.
  • the first transparent electrodes 120-1 and the second transparent electrodes 120-2 are arranged alternately.
  • a second substrate 110-2 is provided with a plurality of third transparent electrodes 120-3, a plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120-4, and a second alignment film 130-2 covering the plurality of third transparent electrodes and the plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120-4.
  • the third transparent electrodes 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrodes 120-4 are arranged alternately.
  • the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2 are arranged so that the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 face the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4, and are bonded via a sealant 140 provided on the periphery of the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2.
  • Liquid crystal is sealed in the space surrounded by the first substrate 110-1 (more specifically, the first alignment film 130-1), the second substrate 110-2 (more specifically, the second alignment film 130-2), and the sealant 140, and a liquid crystal layer 150 is provided between the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2.
  • Each of the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2 may be a rigid substrate having optical transparency, such as a glass substrate, a quartz substrate, or a sapphire substrate. Also, each of the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2 may be a flexible substrate having optical transparency, such as a polyimide resin substrate, an acrylic resin substrate, a siloxane resin substrate, or a fluororesin substrate.
  • Each of the first transparent electrode 120-1, the second transparent electrode 120-2, the third transparent electrode 120-3, and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 functions as an electrode for forming an electric field in the liquid crystal layer 150.
  • Each of the first transparent electrode 120-1, the second transparent electrode 120-2, the third transparent electrode 120-3, and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 is made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).
  • the liquid crystal layer 150 can refract the light passing through it or change the polarization state of the light passing through it depending on the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules.
  • Nematic liquid crystals or the like are used as the liquid crystal for the liquid crystal layer 150.
  • the liquid crystal described in this embodiment is of the positive type, but it is also possible to apply a negative type by changing the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules when no voltage is applied to the transparent electrode 120.
  • the liquid crystal contains a chiral agent that imparts a twist to the liquid crystal molecules.
  • the first alignment film 130-1 and the second alignment film 130-2 each align the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 in a predetermined direction.
  • a polyimide resin or the like is used as each of the first alignment film 130-1 and the second alignment film 130-2.
  • each of the first alignment film 130-1 and the second alignment film 130-2 may be given alignment characteristics by an alignment treatment such as a rubbing method or a photo-alignment method.
  • the rubbing method is a method in which the surface of the alignment film is rubbed in one direction.
  • the photo-alignment method is a method in which the alignment film is irradiated with linearly polarized ultraviolet light.
  • the first alignment film 130-1 is rubbed in the a-axis direction, and has an alignment characteristic that aligns the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 110-1 side of the liquid crystal layer 150 in the a-axis direction.
  • the second alignment film 130-2 is rubbed in the b-axis direction, and has an alignment characteristic that aligns the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 110-2 side of the liquid crystal layer 150 in the b-axis direction.
  • an adhesive containing epoxy resin or acrylic resin is used as the sealing material 140.
  • the adhesive may be of the ultraviolet curing type or the heat curing type.
  • Electrode Pattern of Liquid Crystal Cell 100 are schematic plan views illustrating the electrode patterns of the liquid crystal cell 100 included in the optical element 10 in this embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 5A is a plan view showing an electrode pattern A formed on a first substrate 110-1, and Fig. 5B is a plan view showing an electrode pattern B formed on a second substrate 110-2.
  • the electrode pattern A includes a plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1 and a plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2 extending in the b-axis direction.
  • the plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1 and the plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2 are arranged in a comb-tooth shape.
  • the electrode pattern A also includes a first connection pad 160-1 and a second connection pad 160-2 provided on the periphery of the first substrate 110-1.
  • the plurality of first transparent electrodes 120-1 are electrically connected to the first connection pad 160-1 via wiring WL1.
  • the plurality of second transparent electrodes 120-2 are electrically connected to the second connection pad 160-2 via wiring WL2.
  • electrode pattern B includes a plurality of third transparent electrodes 120-3 and a plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120-4 extending in the a-axis direction.
  • the plurality of third transparent electrodes 120-3 and the plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120-4 are arranged in a comb-tooth shape.
  • Electrode pattern B also includes a third connection pad 160-3 and a fourth connection pad 160-4 provided on the periphery of the second substrate 110-2.
  • the plurality of third transparent electrodes 120-3 are electrically connected to the third connection pad 160-3 via wiring WL3.
  • the plurality of fourth transparent electrodes 120-4 are electrically connected to the fourth connection pad 160-4 via wiring WL4.
  • the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2 are bonded together with a shift in the a-axis direction (see FIG. 3).
  • a shift in the a-axis direction see FIG. 3
  • at least a portion of the first connection pad 160-1 and at least a portion of the second connection pad 160-2 on the first substrate 110-1 are exposed from the second substrate 110-2.
  • at least a portion of the third connection pad 160-3 and at least a portion of the fourth connection pad 160-4 on the second substrate 110-2 are exposed from the first substrate 110-1.
  • An inter-cell conductive electrode 400 is connected to each of the exposed first connection pad 160-1 to fourth connection pad 160-4.
  • a voltage can be supplied to the first transparent electrode 120-1, the second transparent electrode 120-2, the third transparent electrode 120-3, and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 via the four inter-cell conductive electrodes 400, thereby controlling the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer 150.
  • FIG. 6A shows the liquid crystal cell 100 in a state where no voltage is applied to the transparent electrode 120
  • Fig. 6B shows the liquid crystal cell 100 in a state where a voltage is applied to the transparent electrode 120.
  • the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 110-1 side of the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the a-axis direction (i.e., the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is the a-axis), and the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 110-2 side of the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned in the b-axis direction (i.e., the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is the b-axis). Therefore, when no voltage is applied to any of the first transparent electrode 120-1 to the fourth transparent electrode 120-4, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are aligned so as to be twisted 90° in the c-axis direction as they move from the first substrate 110-1 to the second substrate 110-2.
  • the polarization plane (the direction of the polarization axis or polarization component) of the light passing through the liquid crystal layer 150 is rotated 90° according to the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules. In other words, the light passing through the liquid crystal layer 150 is rotated.
  • the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 150 are oriented so as to be twisted 90° in the c-axis direction as they move from the first substrate 110-1 to the second substrate 110-2, while the liquid crystal molecules near the first substrate 110-1 side are oriented in a convex arc shape relative to the first substrate 110-1 due to the transverse electric field between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2, and the liquid crystal molecules near the second substrate 110-2 side are oriented in a convex arc shape relative to the second substrate 110-2 due to the transverse electric field between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4.
  • the liquid crystal molecules oriented on the convex arc have a refractive index distribution, and light having the same polarization direction as the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules is diffused.
  • the cell gap d which is the distance between the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2, is sufficiently larger than the distance between the two adjacent transparent electrodes (for example, 10 ⁇ m ⁇ d ⁇ 30 ⁇ m), so the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules located near the center between the first substrate 110-1 and the second substrate 110-2 hardly changes.
  • the light emitted from the light source 20 shown in FIG. 1 includes a polarized component in the x-axis direction (hereinafter referred to as the "P-polarized component”) and a polarized component in the y-axis direction (hereinafter referred to as the "S-polarized component").
  • P-polarized component a polarized component in the x-axis direction
  • S-polarized component a polarized component in the y-axis direction
  • the light emitted from the light source 20 will be described below as being divided into a first light 1000-1 having a P-polarized component and a second light 1000-2 having an S-polarized component.
  • the x-axis and y-axis directions will be described as corresponding to the a-axis and b-axis directions, respectively.
  • the P-polarized component of the first light 1000-1 incident from the first substrate 110-1 side is the same as the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 110-1 side, so the first light 1000-1 is diffused in the a-axis direction in accordance with the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules (see FIG. 6B (1)).
  • the first light 1000-1 is rotated while passing through the liquid crystal layer 150, and the polarization component changes from a P-polarized component to an S-polarized component.
  • the S-polarized component of the first light 1000-1 is the same as the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 110-2 side, so the first light 1000-1 is diffused in the b-axis direction in accordance with the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules.
  • the S-polarized component of the second light 1000-2 incident from the first substrate 110-1 side is different from the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 110-1 side, so the second light 1000-2 is not diffused (see FIG. 6B (2)).
  • the second light 1000-2 is rotated while passing through the liquid crystal layer 150, and the polarization component changes from the S-polarized component to the P-polarized component.
  • the P-polarized component of the second light 1000-2 is different from the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 110-2 side, so the second light 1000-2 is not diffused.
  • the P-polarized component of the first light 1000-1 incident from the second substrate 110-2 side is different from the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 110-2 side, so the first light 1000-1 is not diffused (see FIG. 6B (3)).
  • the second light 1000-2 is rotated while passing through the liquid crystal layer 150, and the polarization component changes from a P-polarized component to an S-polarized component.
  • the S-polarized component of the first light 1000-1 is different from the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the first substrate 110-1 side, so the first light 1000-1 is not diffused.
  • the S-polarized component of the second light 1000-2 incident from the second substrate 110-2 side is the same as the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 110-2 side, so the second light 1000-2 is diffused in the b-axis direction in accordance with the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules (see FIG. 6B (4)).
  • the second light 1000-2 is rotated while passing through the liquid crystal layer 150, and the polarization component changes from an S-polarized component to a P-polarized component.
  • the S-polarized component of the first light 1000-1 is the same as the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules on the second substrate 110-2 side, so the first light 1000-1 is diffused in the b-axis direction in accordance with the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal molecules.
  • Figures 7A to 7F are plan views illustrating the configuration of electrical connections of the optical element 10 in this embodiment. Specifically, Figures 7A to 7F respectively show a top view, a bottom view, a front view, a right side view, a left side view, and a rear view of the optical element 10. Also, Figure 7G is a schematic perspective view illustrating the configuration of electrical connections of the optical element 10 in this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 7G illustrates the electrical connections of the transparent electrodes 120 of each liquid crystal cell 100 in the optical element 10.
  • the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 is arranged so that the +a-axis direction, +b-axis direction, and +c-axis direction of the liquid crystal cell 100 correspond to the +x-axis direction, +y-axis direction, and +z-axis direction of the optical element 10, respectively.
  • the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 is arranged so that the +a-axis direction, +b-axis direction, and +c-axis direction of the liquid crystal cell 100 correspond to the -y-axis direction, -x-axis direction, and -z-axis direction of the optical element 10, respectively.
  • the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 is arranged so that the +a-axis direction, +b-axis direction, and +c-axis direction of the liquid crystal cell 100 correspond to the +x-axis direction, +y-axis direction, and +z-axis direction of the optical element 10, respectively.
  • the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 is disposed so that the +a-axis direction, +b-axis direction, and +c-axis direction of the liquid crystal cell 100 correspond to the -y-axis direction, -x-axis direction, and -z-axis direction of the optical element 10, respectively.
  • the second substrate 110-2 of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second substrate 110-2 of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 face each other
  • the first substrate 110-1 of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the first substrate 110-1 of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 face each other
  • the second substrate 110-2 of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the second substrate 110-2 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 face each other.
  • the arrangement direction of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 is the same as the arrangement direction of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, respectively.
  • the arrangement direction of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 is the same as the arrangement direction of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 flipped upside down and rotated 90 degrees.
  • the arrangement direction of the fourth liquid crystal cell is the same as the arrangement direction of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 flipped upside down and rotated 90 degrees.
  • the planar shape of the liquid crystal cell 100 is approximately square, and the corners of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 to the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 are approximately aligned in a planar view.
  • the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 can control the diffusion of the P-polarized component of the light
  • the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 can control the diffusion of the S-polarized component of the light.
  • a third inter-cell conductive electrode 400-3 and a fourth inter-cell conductive electrode 400-4 are provided on the first side (front side) of the optical element 10.
  • a fifth inter-cell conductive electrode 400-5 and a sixth inter-cell conductive electrode 400-6 are provided on the second side (right side) of the optical element 10.
  • a seventh inter-cell conductive electrode 400-7 and an eighth inter-cell conductive electrode 400-8 are provided on the third side (left side) of the optical element 10.
  • a first inter-cell conductive electrode 400-1 and a second inter-cell conductive electrode 400-2 are provided on the fourth side (rear side) of the optical element 10.
  • the first inter-cell conductive electrode 400-1 is electrically connected to the first terminal 210-1 on the first terminal connection substrate 200-1.
  • the first inter-cell conductive electrode 400-1 is also electrically connected to the first connection pad 160-1 of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the first connection pad 160-1 of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3. Therefore, the first terminal 210-1 is electrically connected to the first transparent electrode 120-1 of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the first transparent electrode 120-1 of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 via the first inter-cell conductive electrode 400-1.
  • the second inter-cell conductive electrode 400-2 is electrically connected to the second terminal 210-2 on the first terminal connection substrate 200-1.
  • the second inter-cell conductive electrode 400-2 is also electrically connected to the second connection pad 160-2 of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second connection pad 160-2 of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3. Therefore, the second terminal 210-2 is electrically connected to the second transparent electrode 120-2 of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 via the second inter-cell conductive electrode 400-2.
  • the third inter-cell conductive electrode 400-3 is electrically connected to the third terminal 210-3 on the first terminal connection substrate 200-1.
  • the third inter-cell conductive electrode 400-3 is also electrically connected to the third connection pad 160-3 of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third connection pad 160-3 of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3. Therefore, the third terminal 210-3 is electrically connected to the third transparent electrode 120-3 of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third transparent electrode 120-3 of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 via the third inter-cell conductive electrode 400-3.
  • the fourth inter-cell conductive electrode 400-4 is electrically connected to the fourth terminal 210-4 on the first terminal connection substrate 200-1.
  • the fourth inter-cell conductive electrode 400-4 is also electrically connected to the fourth connection pad 160-4 of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the fourth connection pad 160-4 of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3. Therefore, the fourth terminal 210-4 is electrically connected to the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 via the fourth inter-cell conductive electrode 400-4.
  • the fifth inter-cell conductive electrode 400-5 is electrically connected to the fifth terminal 210-5 on the second terminal connection substrate 200-2.
  • the fifth inter-cell conductive electrode 400-5 is also electrically connected to the first connection pad 160-1 of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the first connection pad 160-1 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4. Therefore, the fifth terminal 210-5 is electrically connected to the first transparent electrode 120-1 of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the first transparent electrode 120-1 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 via the fifth inter-cell conductive electrode 400-5.
  • the sixth inter-cell conductive electrode 400-6 is electrically connected to the sixth terminal 210-6 on the second terminal connection substrate 200-2.
  • the sixth inter-cell conductive electrode 400-6 is also electrically connected to the second connection pad 160-2 of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the second connection pad 160-2 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4. Therefore, the sixth terminal 210-6 is electrically connected to the second transparent electrode 120-2 of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 via the sixth inter-cell conductive electrode 400-6.
  • the seventh inter-cell conductive electrode 400-7 is electrically connected to the seventh terminal 210-7 on the second terminal connection substrate 200-2.
  • the seventh inter-cell conductive electrode 400-7 is also electrically connected to the third connection pad 160-3 of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the third connection pad 160-3 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4. Therefore, the seventh terminal 210-7 is electrically connected to the third transparent electrode 120-3 of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the third transparent electrode 120-3 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 via the seventh inter-cell conductive electrode 400-7.
  • the eighth inter-cell conductive electrode 400-8 is electrically connected to the eighth terminal 210-8 on the second terminal connection substrate 200-2.
  • the eighth inter-cell conductive electrode 400-8 is also electrically connected to the fourth connection pad 160-4 of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the fourth connection pad 160-4 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4. Therefore, the eighth terminal 210-8 is electrically connected to the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 via the eighth inter-cell conductive electrode 400-8.
  • the inter-cell conductive electrode 400 electrically connects two connection pads 160 included in two different liquid crystal cells 100, and also electrically connects the two connection pads 160 to the terminal 210. This makes it possible to simultaneously apply a voltage corresponding to a signal to two transparent electrodes 120 included in two different liquid crystal cells 100 by simply inputting a signal to one terminal 210.
  • the first signal S1 input to the first terminal 210-1 is input to the first transparent electrode 120-1 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 via the first inter-cell conductive electrode 400-1.
  • the second signal S2 input to the second terminal 210-2 is input to the second transparent electrode 120-2 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 via the second inter-cell conductive electrode 400-2.
  • the third signal S3 input to the third terminal 210-3 is input to the third transparent electrode 120-3 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 via the third inter-cell conductive electrode 400-3.
  • the fourth signal S4 input to the fourth terminal 210-4 is input to the fourth transparent electrodes 120-4 of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3 via the fourth inter-cell conductive electrode 400-4.
  • the fifth signal S5 input to the fifth terminal 210-5 is input to the first transparent electrodes 120-1 of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 via the fifth inter-cell conductive electrode 400-5.
  • the sixth signal S6 input to the sixth terminal 210-6 is input to the second transparent electrodes 120-2 of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 via the sixth inter-cell conductive electrode 400-6.
  • the seventh signal S7 input to the seventh terminal 210-7 is input to the third transparent electrode 120-3 of each of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 via the seventh inter-cell conductive electrode 400-7.
  • the eighth signal S8 input to the eighth terminal 210-8 is input to the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of each of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 via the eighth inter-cell conductive electrode 400-8.
  • the optical element 10 can control the light distribution to have various shapes by inputting a signal to the terminal 210.
  • the first signal S1 to the eighth signal S8 input to the first terminal 210-1 to the eighth terminal 210-8, respectively, will be described below.
  • the intermediate voltage between the High voltage and the Low voltage will be described as 0V below, but the value of the intermediate voltage is not limited to 0V.
  • the High voltage and the Low voltage are 30V and 0V, respectively, the intermediate potential may be 15V.
  • FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing signals input to the optical element 10 to control the light distribution having a linear shape in the x-axis direction in this embodiment.
  • each of the first signal S1, the second signal S2, the seventh signal S7, and the eighth signal S8 has an AC rectangular wave in which a high voltage and a low voltage are alternately repeated.
  • the first signal S1 and the second signal S2 are in phase with each other, and the seventh signal S7 and the eighth signal S8 are in phase with each other.
  • each of the third signal S3 to the sixth signal S6 is 0V.
  • the first signal S1 and the second signal S2 generate a transverse electric field in the x-axis direction between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3.
  • the P-polarized component of the light emitted from the light source 20 is diffused only in the x-axis direction in the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3.
  • the seventh signal S7 and the eighth signal S8 generate a transverse electric field in the x-axis direction between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of each of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4. Therefore, the S-polarized component of the light emitted from the light source 20 is diffused only in the x-axis direction in the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4.
  • the light transmitted through the optical element 10 has a linear shape that spreads in the x-axis direction.
  • the diffusion width in the x-axis direction (light distribution angle in the x-axis direction) can be controlled by adjusting the potential difference between the High potential and the Low potential. For example, as the potential difference increases, the diffusion width in the x-axis direction increases.
  • FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing signals input to the optical element 10 to control the light distribution having a linear shape in the y-axis direction in this embodiment.
  • each of the third signal S3 to the sixth signal S6 has an AC rectangular wave in which a high voltage and a low voltage are alternately repeated.
  • the third signal S3 and the fourth signal S4 have inverted phases
  • the fifth signal S5 and the sixth signal S6 have inverted phases.
  • each of the first signal S1, the second signal S2, the seventh signal S7, and the eighth signal S8 is 0V.
  • the third signal S3 and the fourth signal S4 generate a transverse electric field in the y-axis direction between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3.
  • the P-polarized component of the light emitted from the light source 20 is diffused only in the y-axis direction in the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3.
  • the fifth signal S5 and the sixth signal S6 generate a transverse electric field in the y-axis direction between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 of each of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4. Therefore, the S-polarized component of the light emitted from the light source 20 is diffused only in the y-axis direction in the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4.
  • the light transmitted through the optical element 10 has a linear shape that spreads in the y-axis direction.
  • the diffusion width in the y-axis direction (light distribution angle in the y-axis direction) can be controlled by adjusting the potential difference between the High potential and the Low potential. For example, as the potential difference increases, the diffusion width in the y-axis direction increases.
  • FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing signals input to the optical element 10 to control the circular light distribution in this embodiment.
  • each of the first signal S1 to the eighth signal S8 has an AC rectangular wave in which high voltages and low voltages are alternately repeated.
  • the first signal S1 and the second signal have inverted phases
  • the third signal S3 and the fourth signal S4 have inverted phases
  • the fifth signal S5 and the sixth signal S6 have inverted phases
  • the seventh signal S7 and the eighth signal S8 have inverted phases.
  • the first signal S1 and the second signal S2 generate a transverse electric field in the x-axis direction between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3.
  • the third signal S3 and the fourth signal S4 generate a transverse electric field in the y-axis direction between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3. Therefore, the P-polarized component of the light emitted from the light source 20 is diffused not only in the x-axis direction but also in the y-axis direction in the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3. Furthermore, the fifth signal S5 and the sixth signal S6 generate a transverse electric field in the y-axis direction between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 of each of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4.
  • the seventh signal S7 and the eighth signal S8 generate a transverse electric field in the x-axis direction between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of each of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4. Therefore, the S-polarized component of the light emitted from the light source 20 is diffused not only in the x-axis direction but also in the y-axis direction in the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4.
  • the light transmitted through the optical element 10 has a circular shape that spreads in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction.
  • FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing signals input to the optical element 10 to control the light distribution having an elliptical shape in this embodiment.
  • the timing chart shown in FIG. 11 is almost the same as the timing chart shown in FIG. 10, but the amplitudes of the voltages of the first signal S1 to the eighth signal S8 are different. As shown in FIG. 11, the amplitude a of the first signal S1, the second signal S2, the seventh signal S7, and the eighth signal S8 is different from the amplitude b of the third signal S3 to the sixth signal S6.
  • the diffusion in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction correspond to the amplitude a and the amplitude b, respectively.
  • the light transmitted through the optical element 10 is diffused more in the x-axis direction than in the y-axis direction, and has an elliptical shape with the major axis in the x-axis direction.
  • the light transmitted through the optical element 10 is diffused more in the y-axis direction than in the x-axis direction, and has an elliptical shape with the major axis in the y-axis direction.
  • FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing signals input to the optical element 10 to control the light distribution having a cross shape in this embodiment.
  • each of the third signal S3, the fourth signal S4, the seventh signal S7, and the eighth signal S8 has an AC rectangular wave in which a high voltage and a low voltage are alternately repeated.
  • the third signal S3 and the fourth signal S4 have inverted phases
  • the seventh signal S7 and the eighth signal S8 have inverted phases.
  • each of the first signal S1, the second signal S2, the fifth signal S5, and the sixth signal S6 is 0V.
  • the third signal S3 and the fourth signal S4 generate a transverse electric field in the y-axis direction between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3.
  • the P-polarized component of the light emitted from the light source 20 is diffused only in the y-axis direction in the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3.
  • a transverse electric field in the x-axis direction is generated between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of each of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 by the seventh signal S7 and the eighth signal S8. Therefore, the S-polarized component of the light emitted from the light source 20 is diffused only in the x-axis direction in the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4.
  • the light transmitted through the optical element 10 has a cross shape that selectively spreads in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction.
  • the diffusion width in the x-axis direction (light distribution angle in the x-axis direction) and the diffusion width in the y-axis direction (light distribution angle in the y-axis direction) can be controlled by adjusting the amplitude a and the amplitude b, respectively.
  • timing chart for controlling the light distribution having a cross shape is not limited to the timing chart shown in FIG. 12. Below, a modified example of the timing chart for controlling the light distribution having a cross shape will be described with reference to FIG. 13.
  • FIG. 13 is another timing chart showing the signals input to the optical element 10 to control the cross-shaped light distribution in this embodiment.
  • each of the first signal S1, the second signal S2, the fifth signal S5, and the sixth signal S6 has an AC rectangular wave in which a high voltage and a low voltage are alternately repeated.
  • the first signal S1 and the second signal S2 are in phase with each other
  • the fifth signal S5 and the sixth signal S6 are in phase with each other.
  • each of the third signal S3, the fourth signal S4, the seventh signal S7, and the eighth signal S8 is 0V.
  • the first signal S1 and the second signal S2 generate a transverse electric field in the x-axis direction between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3.
  • the P-polarized component of the light emitted from the light source 20 is diffused only in the x-axis direction in the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 and the third liquid crystal cell 100-3.
  • a transverse electric field in the y-axis direction is generated between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 of each of the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 by the fifth signal S5 and the sixth signal S6. Therefore, the S-polarized component of the light emitted from the light source 20 is diffused only in the y-axis direction in the second liquid crystal cell 100-2 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4.
  • the light transmitted through the optical element 10 has a cross shape that selectively spreads in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction.
  • the diffusion width in the x-axis direction (light distribution angle in the x-axis direction) and the diffusion width in the y-axis direction (light distribution angle in the y-axis direction) can be controlled by adjusting the amplitude b and the amplitude a, respectively.
  • a voltage can be simultaneously applied to the multiple transparent electrodes 120 included in the multiple liquid crystal cells 100 through the inter-cell conductive electrodes 400 provided on the side of the optical element 10 to control the light distribution.
  • This allows the number of signals input to the optical element 10 to be reduced, simplifying the control of the light distribution of the optical element 10.
  • the number of terminals 210 electrically connected to the transparent electrodes 120 is reduced, wiring connections in the mounting process (for example, connections of FPC or wire bonding to the terminals 210 or inter-cell conductive electrodes 400) are simplified, improving the manufacturing yield of the optical element 10.
  • the lighting device 1 including the optical element 10 also has excellent light distribution control and improves the manufacturing yield.
  • the illumination device 1A and the optical element 10A included in the illumination device 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15. Note that when the configurations of the illumination device 1A and the optical element 10A are similar to the configurations of the illumination device 1 and the optical element 10 described in the first embodiment, the description of the configurations of the illumination device 1A and the optical element 10A may be omitted.
  • FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the illumination device 1A in this embodiment.
  • FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the optical element 10A in this embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 15 shows a top view of the optical element 10A.
  • the lighting device 1A includes an optical element 10A and a light source 20.
  • the optical element 10A includes a first liquid crystal cell 100-1, a second liquid crystal cell 100-2, a third liquid crystal cell 100-3, a fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4, and a terminal connection substrate 200A.
  • the terminal connection substrate 200A, the first liquid crystal cell 100-1, the second liquid crystal cell 100-2, the third liquid crystal cell 100-3, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 are stacked in the z-axis direction in order from the side closest to the light source 20.
  • the configuration and arrangement direction of the four liquid crystal cells 100 included in the optical element 10A are the same as the configuration and arrangement direction of the four liquid crystal cells 100 described in the first embodiment.
  • a third inter-cell conductive electrode 400A-3 and a fourth inter-cell conductive electrode 400A-4 are provided on a first side of the optical element 10A.
  • a fifth inter-cell conductive electrode 400A-5 and a sixth inter-cell conductive electrode 400A-6 are provided on a second side of the optical element 10A.
  • a seventh inter-cell conductive electrode 400A-7 and an eighth inter-cell conductive electrode 400A-8 are provided on a third side of the optical element 10A.
  • a first inter-cell conductive electrode 400A-1 and a second inter-cell conductive electrode 400A-2 are provided on a fourth side of the optical element 10A.
  • the first terminal 210A-1 to the eighth terminal 210A-8 are provided on the terminal connection substrate 200A.
  • the first terminal 210A-1 to the eighth terminal 210A-8 are electrically connected to the first inter-cell conductive electrode 400A-1 to the eighth inter-cell conductive electrode 400A-8, respectively. That is, in the optical element 10A, the terminals 210A electrically connected to the inter-cell conductive electrodes 400A are concentrated on one terminal connection substrate 200A.
  • the terminal connection substrate 200A may be disposed adjacent to the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4.
  • the optical element 10A has a configuration in which one terminal connection substrate 200A is disposed on only one of the top surface or the bottom surface of the optical element 10A.
  • a voltage can be simultaneously applied to multiple transparent electrodes 120 included in multiple liquid crystal cells 100 through the inter-cell conductive electrode 400A provided on the side of the optical element 10A, thereby controlling the light distribution.
  • the inter-cell conductive electrode 400A is electrically connected to a terminal 210A on one terminal connection substrate 200A arranged on the top or bottom surface of the optical element 10A. This reduces the number of terminal connection substrates 200A, which further simplifies the wiring connection in the mounting process and improves the manufacturing yield of the optical element 10A.
  • the lighting device 1A including the optical element 10A also has excellent light distribution control and improves the manufacturing yield.
  • the illumination device 1B and the optical element 10B included in the illumination device 1B will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 17F. Note that when the configurations of the illumination device 1B and the optical element 10B are similar to those of the illumination device 1 and the optical element 10 described in the first embodiment, the description of the configurations of the illumination device 1B and the optical element 10B may be omitted.
  • FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of illumination device 1B in this embodiment.
  • FIGS. 17A to 17F are schematic plan views showing the configuration of optical element 10B in this embodiment. Specifically, FIGS. 17A to 17F respectively show a top view, a bottom view, a front view, a right side view, a left side view, and a rear view of optical element 10B.
  • the lighting device 1B includes an optical element 10B and a light source 20.
  • the optical element 10B includes a first liquid crystal cell 100B-1, a second liquid crystal cell 100B-2, a third liquid crystal cell 100B-3, a fourth liquid crystal cell 100B-4, a first terminal connection substrate 200B-1, and a second terminal connection substrate 200B-2.
  • the first terminal connection substrate 200B-1, the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1, the second liquid crystal cell 100B-2, the third liquid crystal cell 100B-3, the fourth liquid crystal cell 100B-4, and the second terminal connection substrate 200B-2 are stacked in the z-axis direction in order from the side closest to the light source 20.
  • the planar shape of the liquid crystal cell 100B is different from the planar shape of the liquid crystal cell 100 described in the first embodiment.
  • the configuration of the liquid crystal cell 100B other than the planar shape is the same as the configuration of the liquid crystal cell 100.
  • the arrangement direction of the four liquid crystal cells included in the optical element 10B is the same as the arrangement direction of the four liquid crystal cells 100 described in the first embodiment.
  • the planar shape of the liquid crystal cell 100B is a substantially rectangular shape having short and long sides. Therefore, the corners of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 to the fourth liquid crystal cell do not coincide with each other. Also, in the optical element 10B, the connection pad 160 is provided on the short side of the liquid crystal cell 100B and is exposed on the side surface of the optical element 10B.
  • the inter-cell conductive electrodes 400B extend in the z-axis direction on the side surface of the optical element 10B, and electrically connect the connection pads 160 (first connection pad 160-1 to fourth connection pad 160-4) exposed on the side surface of the optical element 10B to the terminal 210 on the terminal connection substrate 200B.
  • the first inter-cell conductive electrode 400B-1 is provided on the fourth side surface (rear surface), and electrically connects the first connection pad 160-1 of the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1 and the first connection pad 160-1 of the third liquid crystal cell 100B-3 to the first terminal 210-1 on the first terminal connection substrate 200B-1.
  • the second inter-cell conductive electrode 400B-2 is provided on the fourth side surface (rear surface) and electrically connects the second connection pad 160-2 of the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1 and the second connection pad 160-2 of the third liquid crystal cell 100B-3 to the second terminal 210-2 on the first terminal connection substrate 200B-1.
  • the third inter-cell conductive electrode 400B-3 is provided on the first side surface (front surface) and electrically connects the third connection pad 160-3 of the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1 and the third connection pad 160-3 of the third liquid crystal cell 100B-3 to the third terminal 210-3 on the first terminal connection substrate 200B-1.
  • the fourth inter-cell conductive electrode 400B-4 is provided on the first side (front) and electrically connects the fourth connection pad 160-4 of the first liquid crystal cell 100B-1 and the fourth connection pad 160-4 of the third liquid crystal cell 100B-3 to the fourth terminal 210-4 on the first terminal connection substrate 200B-1.
  • the fifth inter-cell conductive electrode 400B-5 is provided on the second side (right side) and electrically connects the first connection pad 160-1 of the second liquid crystal cell 100B-2 and the first connection pad 160-1 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100B-4 to the fifth terminal 210-5 on the second terminal connection substrate 200B-2.
  • the sixth inter-cell conductive electrode 400B-6 is provided on the second side (right side) and electrically connects the second connection pad 160-2 of the second liquid crystal cell 100B-2 and the second connection pad 160-2 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100B-4 to the sixth terminal 210-6 on the second terminal connection substrate 200B-2.
  • the seventh inter-cell conductive electrode 400B-7 is provided on the third side (left side) and electrically connects the third connection pad 160-3 of the second liquid crystal cell 100B-2 and the third connection pad 160-3 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100B-4 to the seventh terminal 210-7 on the second terminal connection substrate 200B-2.
  • the eighth inter-cell conductive electrode 400B-8 is provided on the third side (left side) and electrically connects the fourth connection pad 160-4 of the second liquid crystal cell 100B-2 and the fourth connection pad 160-4 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100B-4 to the eighth terminal 210-8 on the second terminal connection substrate 200B-2.
  • optical element 10B because the planar shape of liquid crystal cell 100B is approximately rectangular, only substrate 110 on which connection pad 160 is provided protrudes from the side of optical element 10B. This makes it possible to increase the distance between two substrates 110 on which connection pads 160 are provided to electrically connect with inter-cell conductive electrodes 400B. In other words, a large step is formed on the side of optical element 10B. Therefore, more conductive adhesive is injected into the step formed between the two substrates 110, making it possible to prevent breakage of inter-cell conductive electrodes 400B.
  • a voltage can be simultaneously applied to multiple transparent electrodes 120 contained in multiple liquid crystal cells 100B through the inter-cell conductive electrode 400B provided on the side of the optical element 10B, thereby controlling the light distribution.
  • the conductive adhesive constituting the inter-cell conductive electrode 400B is injected in greater amounts into the large step formed on the side of the optical element 10B, preventing breaks in the inter-cell conductive electrode 400B and improving the manufacturing yield of the optical element 10B.
  • the lighting device 1B including the optical element 10B also has excellent light distribution control and improves the manufacturing yield.
  • the illumination device 1C and the optical element 10C included in the illumination device 1C will be described with reference to Figures 18 to 20G. Note that when the configurations of the illumination device 1C and the optical element 10C are similar to those of the illumination device 1 and the optical element 10 described in the first embodiment, the description of the configurations of the illumination device 1C and the optical element 10C may be omitted.
  • FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of an illumination device 1C in this embodiment.
  • FIG. 19 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an optical element 10C in this embodiment.
  • FIGS. 20A to 20F are plan views explaining the configuration of electrical connections of the optical element 10C in this embodiment. Specifically, FIGS. 20A to 20F respectively show a top view, a bottom view, a front view, a right side view, and a rear view of the optical element 10C.
  • FIG. 20G is a schematic perspective view explaining the configuration of electrical connections of the optical element 10C in this embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 20G illustrates the electrical connections of the transparent electrodes 120 of each liquid crystal cell 100C in the optical element 10C.
  • the lighting device 1C includes an optical element 10C and a light source 20.
  • the optical element 10C includes a first liquid crystal cell 100C-1, a second liquid crystal cell 100C-2, a third liquid crystal cell 100C-3, a fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4, a first terminal connection substrate 200C-1, and a second terminal connection substrate 200C-2.
  • the first terminal connection substrate 200C-1, the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1, the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2, the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3, the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4, and the second terminal connection substrate 200C-2 are stacked in the z-axis direction in order from the side closest to the light source 20.
  • each of the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 to the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4 is the same as the configuration of the liquid crystal cell 100 described in the first embodiment.
  • the arrangement direction of the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 to the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4 is different from the arrangement direction of the first liquid crystal cell 100-1 to the fourth liquid crystal cell 100-4 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the arrangement direction of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 to the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4 will be described with reference to Figures 20A to 20G.
  • the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 is arranged so that the +a-axis direction, +b-axis direction, and +c-axis direction of the liquid crystal cell 100 correspond to the +y-axis direction, -x-axis direction, and +z-axis direction of the optical element 10C, respectively.
  • the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 is arranged so that the +a-axis direction, +b-axis direction, and +c-axis direction of the liquid crystal cell 100 correspond to the -x-axis direction, +y-axis direction, and -z-axis direction of the optical element 10C, respectively.
  • the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3 is arranged so that the +a-axis direction, +b-axis direction, and +c-axis direction of the liquid crystal cell 100 correspond to the +x-axis direction, -y-axis direction, and -z-axis direction of the optical element 10C, respectively.
  • the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4 is arranged so that the +a-axis direction, +b-axis direction, and +c-axis direction of the liquid crystal cell 100 correspond to the -y-axis direction, -x-axis direction, and -z-axis direction of the optical element 10C, respectively.
  • the first connection pad 160-1 and the second connection pad 160-2 of the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the first connection pad 160-1 and the second connection pad 160-2 of the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3 are exposed.
  • the first connection pad 160-1 and the second connection pad 160-2 of the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the first connection pad 160-1 and the second connection pad 160-2 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4 are exposed.
  • the third connection pad 160-3 and the fourth connection pad 160-4 of the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the third connection pad 160-3 and the fourth connection pad 160-4 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4 are exposed.
  • the third connection pad 160-3 and the fourth connection pad 160-4 of the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the third connection pad 160-3 and the fourth connection pad 160-4 of the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3 are exposed.
  • the inter-cell conductive electrode 400C extends in the z-axis direction on the side of the optical element 10C and electrically connects the connection pad 160 exposed on the side of the optical element 10C to the terminal 210 on the terminal connection substrate 200C.
  • the first inter-cell conductive electrode 400C-1 is provided on the fourth side (rear surface) and electrically connects the third connection pad 160-3 of the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the fourth connection pad 160-4 of the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3 to the first terminal 210-1 on the first terminal connection substrate 200C-1.
  • the second inter-cell conductive electrode 400C-2 is provided on the fourth side surface (rear surface) and electrically connects the fourth connection pad 160-4 of the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the third connection pad 160-3 of the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3 to the second terminal 210-2 on the first terminal connection substrate 200C-1.
  • the third inter-cell conductive electrode 400C-3 is provided on the first side surface (front surface) and electrically connects the first connection pad 160-1 of the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the second connection pad 160-2 of the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3 to the third terminal 210-3 on the first terminal connection substrate 200C-1.
  • the fourth inter-cell conductive electrode 400C-4 is provided on the first side surface (front surface) and electrically connects the second connection pad 160-2 of the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the first connection pad 160-1 of the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3 to the fourth terminal 210-4 on the first terminal connection substrate 200C-1.
  • the fifth inter-cell conductive electrode 400C-5 is provided on the second side surface (right side surface) and electrically connects the second connection pad 160-2 of the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the first connection pad 160-1 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4 to the fifth terminal 210-5 on the second terminal connection substrate 200C-2.
  • the sixth inter-cell conductive electrode 400C-6 is provided on the second side (right side) and electrically connects the first connection pad 160-1 of the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the second connection pad 160-2 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4 to the sixth terminal 210-6 on the second terminal connection substrate 200C-2.
  • the seventh inter-cell conductive electrode 400C-7 is provided on the third side (left side) and electrically connects the fourth connection pad 160-4 of the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the third connection pad 160-3 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4 to the seventh terminal 210-7 on the second terminal connection substrate 200C-2.
  • the eighth inter-cell conductive electrode 400C-8 is provided on the third side (left side) and electrically connects the third connection pad 160-3 of the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the fourth connection pad 160-4 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4 to the eighth terminal 210-8 on the second terminal connection substrate 200C-2.
  • the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4 can control the diffusion of the S-polarized component of the light
  • the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3 can control the diffusion of the P-polarized component of the light.
  • the optical element 10C by simply inputting a signal to one terminal 210, a voltage corresponding to the signal can be simultaneously applied to two transparent electrodes 120 contained in two different liquid crystal cells 100C.
  • the first signal S1 input to the first terminal 210-1 is input to the third transparent electrode 120-3 of the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3 via the first inter-cell conductive electrode 400C-1.
  • the second signal S2 input to the second terminal 210-2 is input to the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the third transparent electrode 120-3 of the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3 via the second inter-cell conductive electrode 400C-2.
  • the third signal S3 input to the third terminal 210-3 is input to the first transparent electrode 120-1 of the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 of the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3 through the third inter-cell conductive electrode 400C-3.
  • the fourth signal S4 input to the fourth terminal 210-4 is input to the second transparent electrode 120-2 of the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the first transparent electrode 120-1 of the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3 through the fourth inter-cell conductive electrode 400C-4.
  • the fifth signal S5 input to the fifth terminal 210-5 is input to the second transparent electrode 120-2 of the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the first transparent electrode 120-1 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4 through the fifth inter-cell conductive electrode 400C-5.
  • the sixth signal S6 input to the sixth terminal 210-6 is input to the first transparent electrode 120-1 of the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4 via the sixth inter-cell conductive electrode 400C-6.
  • the seventh signal S7 input to the seventh terminal 210-7 is input to the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the third transparent electrode 120-3 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4 via the seventh inter-cell conductive electrode 400C-7.
  • the eighth signal S8 input to the eighth terminal 210-8 is input to the third transparent electrode 120-3 of the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4 via the eighth inter-cell conductive electrode 400C-8.
  • FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing signals input to the optical element 10C for controlling the light distribution having a linear shape in the x-axis direction in this embodiment.
  • each of the third signal S3, the fourth signal S4, the seventh signal S7, and the eighth signal S8 has an AC rectangular wave in which a high voltage and a low voltage are alternately repeated.
  • the third signal S3 and the fourth signal S4 have inverted phases
  • the seventh signal S7 and the eighth signal S8 have inverted phases.
  • each of the first signal S1, the second signal S2, the fifth signal S5, and the sixth signal S6 is 0V.
  • the third signal S3 and the fourth signal S4 generate a transverse electric field in the x-axis direction between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 of each of the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3.
  • the P-polarized component of the light emitted from the light source 20 is diffused only in the x-axis direction in the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3.
  • a transverse electric field in the x-axis direction is generated between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4 by the seventh signal S7 and the eighth signal S8. Therefore, the S-polarized component of the light emitted from the light source 20 is diffused only in the x-axis direction in the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4.
  • the light transmitted through the optical element 10C has a linear shape expanding in the x-axis direction.
  • the diffusion width in the x-axis direction (light distribution angle in the x-axis direction) can be controlled by adjusting the potential difference between the high potential and the low potential. For example, as the potential difference increases, the diffusion width in the x-axis direction increases.
  • FIG. 22 is a timing chart showing signals input to the optical element 10C for controlling the light distribution having a linear shape in the y-axis direction in this embodiment.
  • each of the first signal S1, the second signal S2, the fifth signal S5, and the sixth signal S6 has an AC rectangular wave in which a high voltage and a low voltage are alternately repeated.
  • the first signal S1 and the second signal S2 are in phase with each other
  • the fifth signal S5 and the sixth signal S6 are in phase with each other.
  • each of the third signal S3, the fourth signal S4, the seventh signal S7, and the eighth signal S8 is 0V.
  • the first signal S1 and the second signal S2 generate a transverse electric field in the y-axis direction between the third transparent electrode 120C-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120C-4 of each of the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3.
  • the P-polarized component of the light emitted from the light source 20 is diffused only in the y-axis direction in the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3.
  • a transverse electric field in the y-axis direction is generated between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4 by the fifth signal S5 and the sixth signal S6. Therefore, the S-polarized component of the light emitted from the light source 20 is diffused only in the y-axis direction in the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4.
  • the light transmitted through the optical element 10C has a linear shape expanding in the y-axis direction.
  • the diffusion width in the y-axis direction (light distribution angle in the y-axis direction) can be controlled by adjusting the potential difference between the high potential and the low potential. For example, as the potential difference increases, the diffusion width in the y-axis direction increases.
  • FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing signals input to the optical element 10C for controlling the circular light distribution in this embodiment.
  • each of the first signal S1 to the eighth signal S8 has an AC rectangular wave in which high voltages and low voltages are alternately repeated.
  • the first signal S1 and the second signal have inverted phases
  • the third signal S3 and the fourth signal S4 have inverted phases
  • the fifth signal S5 and the sixth signal S6 have inverted phases
  • the seventh signal S7 and the eighth signal S8 have inverted phases.
  • the first signal S1 and the second signal S2 generate a transverse electric field in the y-axis direction between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of each of the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3.
  • the third signal S3 and the fourth signal S4 generate a transverse electric field in the x-axis direction between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 of each of the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3. Therefore, the P-polarized component of the light emitted from the light source 20 is diffused not only in the x-axis direction but also in the y-axis direction in the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3. Furthermore, the fifth signal S5 and the sixth signal S6 generate a transverse electric field in the y-axis direction between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4.
  • the seventh signal S7 and the eighth signal S8 generate a transverse electric field in the x-axis direction between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4. Therefore, the S-polarized component of the light emitted from the light source 20 is diffused not only in the x-axis direction but also in the y-axis direction in the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4.
  • the light transmitted through the optical element 10 has a circular shape that spreads in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction.
  • FIG. 24 is a timing chart showing signals input to the optical element 10C for controlling the light distribution having an elliptical shape in this embodiment.
  • the timing chart shown in FIG. 24 is almost the same as the timing chart shown in FIG. 23, but the amplitudes of the voltages of the first signal S1 to the eighth signal S8 are different. As shown in FIG. 24, the amplitude a of the third signal S3, the fourth signal S4, the seventh signal S7, and the eighth signal S8 is different from the amplitude b of the first signal S1, the second signal S2, the fifth signal S5, and the sixth signal S6.
  • the diffusion in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction correspond to the amplitude a and the amplitude b, respectively.
  • the light transmitted through the optical element 10 is diffused more in the x-axis direction than in the y-axis direction, and has an elliptical shape with the major axis in the x-axis direction.
  • the light transmitted through the optical element 10 is diffused more in the y-axis direction than in the x-axis direction, and has an elliptical shape with the major axis in the y-axis direction.
  • FIG. 25 is a timing chart showing signals input to the optical element 10C for controlling the light distribution having a cross shape in this embodiment.
  • each of the first signal S1, the second signal S2, the seventh signal S7, and the eighth signal S8 has an AC rectangular wave in which a high voltage and a low voltage are alternately repeated.
  • the first signal S1 and the second signal S2 are in phase with each other
  • the seventh signal S7 and the eighth signal S8 are in phase with each other.
  • each of the third signal S3 to the sixth signal S6 is 0V.
  • the first signal S1 and the second signal S2 generate a transverse electric field in the y-axis direction between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of each of the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3.
  • the P-polarized component of the light emitted from the light source 20 is diffused only in the y-axis direction in the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3.
  • the seventh signal S7 and the eighth signal S8 generate a transverse electric field in the x-axis direction between the third transparent electrode 120-3 and the fourth transparent electrode 120-4 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4. Therefore, the S-polarized component of the light emitted from the light source 20 is diffused only in the x-axis direction in the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4.
  • the light transmitted through the optical element 10 has a cross shape that selectively spreads in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction.
  • the diffusion width in the x-axis direction (light distribution angle in the x-axis direction) and the diffusion width in the y-axis direction (light distribution angle in the y-axis direction) can be controlled by adjusting the amplitude a and the amplitude b, respectively.
  • timing chart for controlling the light distribution having a cross shape is not limited to the timing chart shown in FIG. 25.
  • a modified example of the timing chart for controlling the light distribution having a cross shape will be described with reference to FIG. 26.
  • FIG. 26 is another timing chart showing the signals input to optical element 10C to control the cross-shaped light distribution in this embodiment.
  • each of the third signal S3 to the sixth signal S6 has an AC rectangular wave in which a high voltage and a low voltage are alternately repeated.
  • the third signal S3 and the fourth signal S4 have inverted phases
  • the fifth signal S5 and the sixth signal S6 have inverted phases.
  • each of the first signal S1, the second signal S2, the seventh signal S7, and the eighth signal S8 is 0V.
  • the third signal S3 and the fourth signal S4 generate a transverse electric field in the x-axis direction between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 of each of the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3.
  • the P-polarized component of the light emitted from the light source 20 is diffused only in the x-axis direction in the second liquid crystal cell 100C-2 and the third liquid crystal cell 100C-3.
  • the fifth signal S5 and the sixth signal S6 generate a transverse electric field in the y-axis direction between the first transparent electrode 120-1 and the second transparent electrode 120-2 of each of the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4. Therefore, the S-polarized component of the light emitted from the light source 20 is diffused only in the y-axis direction in the first liquid crystal cell 100C-1 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 100C-4.
  • the light transmitted through the optical element 10C has a cross shape that selectively spreads in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction.
  • the diffusion width in the x-axis direction (light distribution angle in the x-axis direction) and the diffusion width in the y-axis direction (light distribution angle in the y-axis direction) can be controlled by adjusting the amplitude b and the amplitude a, respectively.
  • the arrangement direction of the liquid crystal cell 100 described in the first embodiment can be changed to manufacture an optical element 10C different from the optical element 10.
  • a voltage can be simultaneously applied to the multiple transparent electrodes 120 included in the multiple liquid crystal cells 100C through the inter-cell conductive electrodes 400C provided on the side of the optical element 10C to control the light distribution. Therefore, the number of signals input to the optical element 10C can be reduced, and the control of the light distribution of the optical element 10C is simplified. Furthermore, since the number of terminals 210 electrically connected to the transparent electrodes 120 is reduced, the wiring connection in the mounting process is simplified, and the manufacturing yield of the optical element 10C is improved. In addition, the lighting device 1C including the optical element 10C also has excellent light distribution control and improves the manufacturing yield.
  • 1, 1A, 1B, 1C lighting device, 10, 10A, 10B, 10C: optical element, 20: light source, 100, 100B, 100C: liquid crystal cell, 110: substrate, 120: transparent electrode, 130: alignment film, 140: sealant, 150: liquid crystal layer, 160: connection pad, 200, 200A, 200B, 200C: terminal connection substrate, 210, 210A: terminal, 300: optical elastic resin layer, 400, 400A, 400B, 400C: inter-cell conductive electrode, 1000-1: first light, 1000-2: second light

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Nonlinear Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Geometry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Liquid Crystal (AREA)
PCT/JP2023/032101 2022-10-19 2023-09-01 光学素子および照明装置 Ceased WO2024084842A1 (ja)

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JP2024551304A JP7802197B2 (ja) 2022-10-19 2023-09-01 光学素子および照明装置
CN202380066069.1A CN119816780A (zh) 2022-10-19 2023-09-01 光学元件以及照明装置
US19/175,852 US20250237910A1 (en) 2022-10-19 2025-04-10 Optical element and lighting device

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH04358126A (ja) * 1991-06-04 1992-12-11 Hokuriku Electric Power Co Inc:The 液晶シャッタ
US20180196318A1 (en) * 2015-09-12 2018-07-12 Lensvector Inc. Liquid crystal beam control device
WO2022176684A1 (ja) * 2021-02-18 2022-08-25 株式会社ジャパンディスプレイ 液晶光制御装置

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH04358126A (ja) * 1991-06-04 1992-12-11 Hokuriku Electric Power Co Inc:The 液晶シャッタ
US20180196318A1 (en) * 2015-09-12 2018-07-12 Lensvector Inc. Liquid crystal beam control device
WO2022176684A1 (ja) * 2021-02-18 2022-08-25 株式会社ジャパンディスプレイ 液晶光制御装置

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