JP5210682B2 - Light irradiation device - Google Patents
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- JP5210682B2 JP5210682B2 JP2008084151A JP2008084151A JP5210682B2 JP 5210682 B2 JP5210682 B2 JP 5210682B2 JP 2008084151 A JP2008084151 A JP 2008084151A JP 2008084151 A JP2008084151 A JP 2008084151A JP 5210682 B2 JP5210682 B2 JP 5210682B2
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- Liquid Crystal (AREA)
- Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
- Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
Description
本発明は、光照射装置に関し、特に、液晶により光線の進行方向を曲げる光偏向を行う光照射装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a light irradiating device, and more particularly to a light irradiating device that performs light deflection by bending the traveling direction of a light beam using liquid crystal.
例えばアダプティブフロントライティングシステム（ＡＦＳ）に用いる前照灯は、車両の操舵角に応じて左右方向に配光を変化させる。前照灯に配光を変化させるための可動部があると、構造が大きくなったり、信頼性を高めるのが難しくなったりする。液晶セルを用いて可動部なしに配光方向を変化させられる光照射装置が、特許文献１に開示されている。 For example, a headlamp used in an adaptive front lighting system (AFS) changes the light distribution in the left-right direction according to the steering angle of the vehicle. If the headlamp has a movable part for changing the light distribution, the structure becomes large and it becomes difficult to improve the reliability. Patent Document 1 discloses a light irradiation apparatus that uses a liquid crystal cell to change a light distribution direction without a movable part.
特許文献１は、一対の基板の一方の内面にプリズムを形成した液晶セルを用い、電圧無印加状態と電圧印加状態とを切り替えて、液晶層の屈折率を切り替えることにより、光の進行方向を切り替える。 Patent Document 1 uses a liquid crystal cell in which a prism is formed on one inner surface of a pair of substrates, and switches a voltage non-application state and a voltage application state to change the refractive index of a liquid crystal layer, thereby changing the traveling direction of light. Switch.
特許文献１の段落［００５３］や図１１等に示されているように、液晶セルに入射する光線の、電気ベクトルの振動方向（偏光方向）がプリズム長さ方向（グレーティング溝方向）に平行な偏光成分は屈折されずそのまま直進し、プリズム長さ方向に垂直な偏光成分が屈折される。なお、特許文献１は、特に上下方向に配光を変化させて、走行用配光とすれ違い用配光とを切り替えている。 As shown in paragraph [0053] of Patent Document 1 and FIG. 11 and the like, the oscillation direction (polarization direction) of the electric vector of the light incident on the liquid crystal cell is parallel to the prism length direction (grating groove direction). The polarization component is not refracted but goes straight, and the polarization component perpendicular to the prism length direction is refracted. Note that Patent Document 1 switches the light distribution for traveling and the light distribution for passing by changing the light distribution particularly in the vertical direction.
特許文献２は、前方を照らす光をすべて、偏光方向が鉛直方向となる偏光成分（垂直偏光）にして照射する前照灯を開示する。偏光の分離に偏光ビームスプリッタを使い、偏光状態の変換に１／２波長板を用いている。照射する光をすべて垂直偏光とすることにより、濃霧・豪雨時に空中に存在する扁平な水滴による垂直方向への反射を抑え、遠方まで光が達することが図られる。 Patent Document 2 discloses a headlamp that irradiates all light that illuminates the front with a polarization component (vertical polarization) having a vertical polarization direction. A polarizing beam splitter is used to separate polarized light, and a half-wave plate is used to convert the polarization state. By making all the irradiated light vertically polarized, it is possible to suppress the reflection in the vertical direction by flat water droplets existing in the air during heavy fog and heavy rain, and to reach the light far away.
雨天時等、左右方向に光を広げると、ロービームであっても、路面で反射した光を対向車のドライバーや歩行者が眩しく感じる。 When light is spread in the left-right direction during rainy weather, oncoming drivers and pedestrians feel the light reflected on the road surface even with low beams.
本発明の一目的は、例えば雨天時の車両用灯具として用いたとき、対向車のドライバーや歩行者が感じる眩しさを抑制した配光が行える光照射装置を提供することである。 An object of the present invention is to provide a light irradiation device that can perform light distribution while suppressing glare that is felt by an oncoming vehicle driver or pedestrian, for example, when used as a vehicle lamp in rainy weather.
本発明の一観点によれば、光線が入射する第１の基板と、前記第１の基板と対向し、前記光線が出射する第２の基板と、前記第１及び第２の基板の間に挟まれた液晶層と、前記第１及び第２の基板の一方の前記液晶層側内面に、該液晶層と接するように、第１の方向に長いプリズムが形成されたプリズム層と、前記液晶層とプリズム層との界面における液晶分子の長軸方向が、前記第１の方向と平行になるように制御する配向構造と
を有し、前記液晶層は、電気ベクトルの振動方向が液晶分子の長軸方向に平行な偏光成分に対する第１の屈折率と、電気ベクトルの振動方向が液晶分子の長軸方向に垂直な偏光成分に対する第２の屈折率とが相互に異なり、該第２の屈折率と、前記プリズム層の屈折率とが同等であり、前記液晶層と前記プリズムとの界面において、前記第１の方向と平行に配向した液晶分子の長軸方向と平行な電気ベクトルの振動方向を持つ偏光成分が、前記第２の基板から出射したとき、この偏光成分の電気ベクトルの振動方向が鉛直方向となるように、前記第１の方向が選択されている車両用光照射装置が提供される。
According to an aspect of the present invention, a first substrate on which a light beam is incident, a second substrate that is opposed to the first substrate and that emits the light beam, and the first and second substrates are interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. A liquid crystal layer sandwiched; a prism layer having a long prism in the first direction so as to be in contact with the liquid crystal layer on one liquid crystal layer side inner surface of the first and second substrates; and the liquid crystal An alignment structure that controls the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules at the interface between the layer and the prism layer to be parallel to the first direction, and the liquid crystal layer has an oscillation direction of an electric vector of the liquid crystal molecules. A first refractive index for a polarized component parallel to the major axis direction and a second refractive index for a polarized component whose electric vector oscillation direction is perpendicular to the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules are different from each other. And the refractive index of the prism layer are equal, the liquid crystal layer and the prism When a polarization component having a vibration direction of an electric vector parallel to the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules aligned parallel to the first direction at the interface with the first direction is emitted from the second substrate, There is provided a vehicle light irradiation apparatus in which the first direction is selected so that the vibration direction of a vector is a vertical direction.
電気ベクトルの振動方向（偏光方向）が液晶分子長軸方向に平行な偏光成分が、液晶層とプリズム層との界面で曲げられ、曲げられて出射した光の偏光方向が鉛直方向である。偏光方向が液晶分子長軸方向と垂直な偏光成分は、液晶層とプリズム層との界面で曲げられずにそのまま出射する。 A polarization component whose electric vector oscillation direction (polarization direction) is parallel to the liquid crystal molecule major axis direction is bent at the interface between the liquid crystal layer and the prism layer, and the polarization direction of the light emitted after being bent is the vertical direction. The polarized light component whose polarization direction is perpendicular to the liquid crystal molecule major axis direction is emitted as it is without being bent at the interface between the liquid crystal layer and the prism layer.
例えば、光照射装置を雨天時の車両用前照灯として用いたとき、曲げられずにそのまま出射する光で前方を照らし、曲げられた光で対向車や歩行者を照らすことができる。曲げられた光の偏光方向が鉛直方向であるので、例えば路面での反射が抑えられ、対向車のドライバーや歩行者の眩しさが抑制される。 For example, when the light irradiation device is used as a vehicle headlamp in rainy weather, it is possible to illuminate the front with light that is emitted without being bent and illuminate oncoming vehicles and pedestrians with the bent light. Since the polarization direction of the bent light is the vertical direction, for example, reflection on the road surface is suppressed, and dazzling of oncoming drivers and pedestrians is suppressed.
本発明の第１の実施例の光照射装置について説明する。まず、第１の実施例の光照射装置が有する光偏向液晶セルについて説明する。 A light irradiation apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the light deflection liquid crystal cell included in the light irradiation apparatus of the first embodiment will be described.
図１（Ａ）は、第１の実施例の光偏向液晶セルの概略断面図である。表面に透明電極が形成された一対のガラス基板（透明電極２が形成されたガラス基板１、及び、透明電極１２が形成されたガラス基板１１）を用意した。ガラス基板１及び１１は、それぞれ、例えば厚さ０．７ｍｍｔの青板ガラスである。透明電極２及び１２は、それぞれ、例えば厚さ８０ｎｍであり、例えばインジウムスズ酸化物（ＩＴＯ）からなる。本実施例では、透明電極２及び１２として、ベタパターンのものを用いた。 FIG. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the light deflection liquid crystal cell of the first embodiment. A pair of glass substrates (a glass substrate 1 on which a transparent electrode 2 was formed and a glass substrate 11 on which a transparent electrode 12 was formed) having a transparent electrode formed on the surface thereof were prepared. Each of the glass substrates 1 and 11 is a blue plate glass having a thickness of 0.7 mmt, for example. Each of the transparent electrodes 2 and 12 has a thickness of, for example, 80 nm and is made of, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO). In this embodiment, the transparent electrodes 2 and 12 have a solid pattern.
片側のガラス基板１の透明電極２上に、プリズム層３を形成した。プリズム層３は、ベース層３ｂ上に複数のプリズム３ａが並んだ構造を有する。各プリズム３ａは、頂角が９０度で、底角が両方とも４５度の三角柱状であり、プリズム３ａの長さ方向と直交する方向に並んでいる。ベース層３ｂの厚さは、例えば２０μｍ〜４０μｍである。各プリズム３ａの高さは、例えば２０μｍであり、各プリズム３ａの幅（隣り合うプリズム３ａ間のピッチ）は、例えば４０μｍである。 A prism layer 3 was formed on the transparent electrode 2 of the glass substrate 1 on one side. The prism layer 3 has a structure in which a plurality of prisms 3a are arranged on the base layer 3b. Each prism 3a has a triangular prism shape with an apex angle of 90 degrees and a base angle of 45 degrees, and is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the prism 3a. The thickness of the base layer 3b is, for example, 20 μm to 40 μm. The height of each prism 3a is, for example, 20 μm, and the width of each prism 3a (pitch between adjacent prisms 3a) is, for example, 40 μm.
図１（Ｂ）は、プリズム層３を形成したガラス基板１を、基板法線方向から見た写真である。 FIG. 1B is a photograph of the glass substrate 1 on which the prism layer 3 is formed as seen from the normal direction of the substrate.
プリズム層３の作製方法について説明する。ガラス基板１の透明電極２上に、紫外（ＵＶ）硬化性樹脂（例えばロックタイト製３７６Ｌ）を滴下し、その上に、プリズム３ａに対応する型が形成された金型を置き、厚手の石英部材などをガラス基板１の裏側に配置して補強した状態でプレスを行った。なお、用いた金型は、全体の大きさが直径約５０ｍｍの円形状である。なお、金型にはエア抜き用の微小な溝を形成してもよい。また、真空中で重ね合わせてもよい。 A method for producing the prism layer 3 will be described. An ultraviolet (UV) curable resin (for example, 376L made of Loctite) is dropped on the transparent electrode 2 of the glass substrate 1, and a mold in which a mold corresponding to the prism 3a is formed thereon, and a thick quartz member Etc. were placed on the back side of the glass substrate 1 and reinforced in a pressed state. The used mold has a circular shape with an overall size of about 50 mm in diameter. Note that a minute groove for air bleeding may be formed in the mold. Moreover, you may superimpose in a vacuum.
プレス後、圧力をかけた状態で１分以上放置し、ＵＶ硬化性樹脂を面方向に充分広げた後、ガラス基板１の裏側（ＵＶ硬化性樹脂層と反対側）から紫外線を照射し、ＵＶ硬化性樹脂を硬化させた。紫外線の照射量は、例えば３００ｍＪ／ｃｍ２である。紫外線の照射量は、樹脂が硬化するように、適宜設定すればよい。なお、ＩＴＯは紫外線を吸収するため、透明電極の膜厚が変われば必要な紫外線照射量も変わることになる。 After pressing, leave it under pressure for 1 minute or longer, spread the UV curable resin sufficiently in the surface direction, and then irradiate UV rays from the back side of the glass substrate 1 (the side opposite to the UV curable resin layer). The curable resin was cured. The irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays is, for example, 300 mJ / cm 2 . What is necessary is just to set suitably the irradiation amount of an ultraviolet-ray so that resin may harden | cure. In addition, since ITO absorbs ultraviolet rays, if the film thickness of the transparent electrode changes, the necessary ultraviolet irradiation amount also changes.
次に、プリズム層３を形成したガラス基板１上に、ギャップコントロール剤を２ｗｔ％〜５ｗｔ％含んだメインシール剤４を形成した。形成方法として、例えば、スクリーン印刷やディスペンサが用いられる。プリズム３ａの頂点から、対向配置されるガラス基板１１上の透明電極１２までの距離が、例えば５μｍ〜３０μｍとなるように、ギャップコントロール剤が選択される。本実施例では、ギャップコントロール剤として、積水化学製の径が７５μｍのプラスチックボールを選び、このプラスチックボールを、三井化学製のシール剤ＥＳ−７５００に４ｗｔ％添加して、メインシール剤４とした。 Next, the main sealant 4 containing 2 wt% to 5 wt% of the gap control agent was formed on the glass substrate 1 on which the prism layer 3 was formed. As a forming method, for example, screen printing or a dispenser is used. The gap control agent is selected so that the distance from the apex of the prism 3a to the transparent electrode 12 on the glass substrate 11 that is disposed to be opposite is, for example, 5 μm to 30 μm. In this example, a plastic ball with a diameter of 75 μm manufactured by Sekisui Chemical was selected as the gap control agent, and 4 wt% of this plastic ball was added to the sealing agent ES-7500 manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals to obtain the main sealing agent 4. .
もう一方のガラス基板１１の透明電極１２上には、ギャップコントロール剤１５を散布した。本実施例では、ギャップコントロール剤１５として、積水化学製の径が２０μｍのプラスチックボールを、乾式のギャップ散布機を用いて散布した。 A gap control agent 15 was sprayed on the transparent electrode 12 of the other glass substrate 11. In this example, plastic balls with a diameter of 20 μm manufactured by Sekisui Chemical were dispersed as a gap control agent 15 using a dry-type gap spreader.
次に、両ガラス基板１及び１１の重ね合わせを行い、プレス機などで圧力を一定に加えた状態で熱処理することにより、メインシール剤４を硬化させて、空セルを作製した。本実施例では、１５０℃で３時間の熱処理を行った。なお、ギャップコントロール剤１５は、プリズム層３の凹部に入り込むように配置される。 Next, both the glass substrates 1 and 11 were overlapped, and the main sealant 4 was cured by heat treatment in a state where the pressure was constantly applied with a press machine or the like, and an empty cell was produced. In this example, heat treatment was performed at 150 ° C. for 3 hours. The gap control agent 15 is disposed so as to enter the concave portion of the prism layer 3.
このようにして作製された空セルに、液晶を真空注入して、液晶層６を形成した。なお、液晶は、プリズム３ａの長さ方向に注入した。本実施例では、液晶として、誘電率異方性Δεが正で、屈折率異方性Δｎ＝０．２９８の大日本インキ化学工業製のものを用いた。なお、セル内にプリズム層３が形成されているので、液晶層６の厚さは基板面内方向位置により変化する。液晶注入後、注入口にエンドシール剤を塗布し封止した。このようにして、第１の実施例の光偏向液晶セルを作製した。 A liquid crystal layer 6 was formed by vacuum-injecting liquid crystal into the empty cell thus prepared. The liquid crystal was injected in the length direction of the prism 3a. In this example, a liquid crystal manufactured by Dainippon Ink & Chemicals, Inc. having a positive dielectric anisotropy Δε and a refractive index anisotropy Δn = 0.298 was used. Since the prism layer 3 is formed in the cell, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 6 varies depending on the position in the substrate plane direction. After liquid crystal injection, an end sealant was applied to the injection port and sealed. In this manner, the light deflection liquid crystal cell of the first example was manufactured.
本実施例に用いた液晶は、電気ベクトルの振動方向（偏光方向）が液晶分子の長軸方向に平行な偏光成分に対して、屈折率１．８２３を示し、偏光方向が液晶分子の長軸方向に垂直な偏光成分に対して、屈折率１．５２５を示す。 The liquid crystal used in this example shows a refractive index of 1.823 with respect to a polarization component whose electric vector oscillation direction (polarization direction) is parallel to the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecule, and the polarization direction is the major axis of the liquid crystal molecule. A refractive index of 1.525 is shown for a polarization component perpendicular to the direction.
プリズム層３を構成するＵＶ硬化性樹脂の屈折率は、１．５１であり、偏光方向が液晶分子の長軸方向に垂直な偏光成分に対する液晶の屈折率と同等である。なお、第１の材料の屈折率と第２の材料の屈折率との差が、第１の材料の屈折率または第２の材料の屈折率に対して３％以内（より好ましくは２％以内）であるとき、両材料の屈折率が同等であるとする。 The refractive index of the UV curable resin constituting the prism layer 3 is 1.51, and the polarization direction is equivalent to the refractive index of the liquid crystal with respect to the polarization component perpendicular to the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules. Note that the difference between the refractive index of the first material and the refractive index of the second material is within 3% (more preferably within 2%) of the refractive index of the first material or the refractive index of the second material. ), It is assumed that the refractive indexes of both materials are equal.
次に、図２を参照して、第１の実施例の光照射装置の構成について説明する。図２は、実施例の光照射装置の構成を示すダイアグラムである。実施例の光照射装置は、光源２０から放出された光ＬＢを、上述のように作製された光偏向液晶セル２１を介して照射する。 Next, the configuration of the light irradiation apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the light irradiation apparatus according to the embodiment. The light irradiation apparatus according to the embodiment irradiates the light LB emitted from the light source 20 through the light deflection liquid crystal cell 21 manufactured as described above.
光源２０が、進行方向が概ね一方向に揃えられた光線ＬＢを放出する。プリズムの長さ方向が水平面に対して垂直、つまり鉛直方向となるように、光偏向液晶セル２１が配置される。例えば、プリズムを形成しないガラス基板が光源２０に近い側（光入射側）に配置され、プリズムを形成したガラス基板が光源２０から遠い側（光出射側）に配置される。光偏向液晶セル２１の対向する透明電極間に印加される電圧、及び光源２０の発光状態を、制御装置２２が制御する。 The light source 20 emits a light beam LB whose traveling direction is substantially aligned in one direction. The light deflection liquid crystal cell 21 is arranged so that the length direction of the prism is perpendicular to the horizontal plane, that is, the vertical direction. For example, a glass substrate on which no prism is formed is disposed on the side close to the light source 20 (light incident side), and a glass substrate on which the prism is formed is disposed on the side far from the light source 20 (light emission side). The control device 22 controls the voltage applied between the opposing transparent electrodes of the light deflection liquid crystal cell 21 and the light emission state of the light source 20.
次に、図３（Ａ）〜図３（Ｆ）を参照して、第１の実施例の光照射装置の光偏向液晶セルに対する印加電圧を変化させて配光状態の変化を調べた実験について説明する。図３（Ａ）〜図３（Ｄ）は、それぞれ、印加電圧オフ、５Ｖ、１０Ｖ、及び２０Ｖの場合の配光状態を示す写真である。これらの写真で、紙面上下方向が鉛直方向であり、紙面左右方向が水平方向である。 Next, with reference to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3F, an experiment in which the change in the light distribution state was examined by changing the voltage applied to the light deflection liquid crystal cell of the light irradiation device of the first example. explain. FIGS. 3A to 3D are photographs showing light distribution states when the applied voltage is off, 5 V, 10 V, and 20 V, respectively. In these photographs, the vertical direction on the paper surface is the vertical direction, and the horizontal direction on the paper surface is the horizontal direction.
図３（Ａ）に示す印加電圧オフ時は、光照射装置から照射された光が、３本に分かれて水平方向に並んでいる。これら３本の光の偏光状態を調べた。 When the applied voltage is off as shown in FIG. 3A, the light emitted from the light irradiation device is divided into three lines and arranged in the horizontal direction. The polarization state of these three lights was examined.
図３（Ｅ）が、これら３本の光の偏光状態を示す概略図である。中央の光は、偏光方向が水平方向の偏光であり、その両脇に配置された２本の光は、偏光方向が垂直方向（鉛直方向）の偏光であることがわかった。 FIG. 3E is a schematic diagram showing the polarization state of these three lights. It was found that the central light is polarized light whose polarization direction is horizontal, and the two lights arranged on both sides of the light are polarized light whose polarization direction is vertical (vertical direction).
図３（Ｂ）〜図３（Ｄ）に示すように、印加電圧が増加するにつれ、印加電圧オフ時に中央の光の左右両脇に配置されていた２本の光が、それぞれ、中央の光の照射位置に近づく。印加電圧が例えば２０Ｖに達すると、これら３本の光の照射位置が一致する。すなわち、光照射装置から１本の光が照射されるようになる。 As shown in FIGS. 3B to 3D, as the applied voltage increases, the two lights arranged on the left and right sides of the central light when the applied voltage is turned off are respectively the central light. Approaches the irradiation position. When the applied voltage reaches 20 V, for example, the irradiation positions of these three lights coincide. That is, one light comes from the light irradiation device.
図３（Ｆ）に示すように、高い印加電圧時に１本にまとまった光は、水平方向の偏光と垂直方向の偏光とが混ざった非偏光の状態である。 As shown in FIG. 3 (F), light bundled together at a high applied voltage is in a non-polarized state in which horizontally polarized light and vertically polarized light are mixed.
次に、第１の実施例の光照射装置の動作原理について考察する。図３（Ａ）〜図３（Ｆ）を参照して説明したように、印加電圧オフ時は、垂直方向の偏光（垂直方向偏光と呼ぶこととする）と、水平方向の偏光（水平方向偏光と呼ぶこととする）とが分離される挙動が見られた。印加電圧オフ時は、光照射装置の有する光偏向液晶セルの液晶層が、垂直方向偏光と水平方向偏光とに対し、それぞれ異なる屈折率を示していることが示唆される。 Next, the operation principle of the light irradiation apparatus of the first embodiment will be considered. As described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3F, when the applied voltage is off, vertical polarization (referred to as vertical polarization) and horizontal polarization (horizontal polarization). It was called that) and the behavior was separated. When the applied voltage is turned off, it is suggested that the liquid crystal layer of the light deflection liquid crystal cell included in the light irradiation device exhibits different refractive indexes for the vertically polarized light and the horizontally polarized light.
上述のように、実施例の光偏向液晶セルの液晶層は、偏光方向が液晶分子の長軸方向に平行な偏光成分に対して、プリズムよりも高い屈折率を示し、偏光方向が液晶分子の長軸方向に垂直な偏光成分に対しては、プリズムと同等な屈折率を示す。 As described above, the liquid crystal layer of the light deflection liquid crystal cell of the example shows a higher refractive index than that of the prism with respect to the polarization component whose polarization direction is parallel to the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecule, and the polarization direction of the liquid crystal molecule is For a polarized light component perpendicular to the major axis direction, the refractive index is equivalent to that of a prism.
図３（Ａ）〜図３（Ｆ）を参照して説明した挙動から、印加電圧オフ時に、水平方向偏光の光路から、垂直方向偏光の光路が分かれるように、垂直方向偏光が曲げられているものと考えられる。従って、印加電圧オフ時の液晶分子が、長軸方向を垂直方向に揃えて、つまりプリズムの長さ方向に揃えて配向しているものと考えられる。 From the behavior described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3F, the vertically polarized light is bent so that when the applied voltage is off, the vertically polarized light path is separated from the horizontally polarized light path. It is considered a thing. Therefore, it is considered that the liquid crystal molecules when the applied voltage is off are aligned with the major axis direction aligned in the vertical direction, that is, aligned in the length direction of the prism.
なお、第１の実施例の光偏向液晶セルでは、ラビング等の液晶分子配向処理を行っていないが、液晶をプリズムの長さ方向に注入したことにより、液晶分子長軸方向がプリズムの長さ方向に揃ったのではないかと推測される。なお、液晶分子長軸方向をプリズム長さ方向に揃えるラビング処理を行った後述の第２の実施例の結果と整合することからも、このことが裏付けられる。 In the light deflecting liquid crystal cell of the first embodiment, liquid crystal molecule alignment treatment such as rubbing is not performed. However, since the liquid crystal is injected in the length direction of the prism, the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecule is the length of the prism. It is presumed that they are aligned in the direction. This is supported by the fact that it matches with the result of the second embodiment described later in which the rubbing process for aligning the liquid crystal molecule major axis direction with the prism length direction is performed.
図４（Ａ）は、印加電圧オフ時の、光偏向液晶セル２１を透過する光線を上方向から見た光路を示す概略断面図であり、液晶分子の長軸がプリズムの長さ方向に揃っている状態を示す。水平方向偏光Ｐｈに対する液晶層６の屈折率が、プリズム層３の屈折率とほぼ等しく、垂直方向偏光Ｐｖに対する液晶層６の屈折率が、プリズム層３の屈折率と異なる。 FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an optical path when a light beam transmitted through the light deflection liquid crystal cell 21 is viewed from above when the applied voltage is off, and the major axis of the liquid crystal molecules is aligned in the length direction of the prism. It shows the state. The refractive index of the liquid crystal layer 6 with respect to the horizontally polarized light Ph is substantially equal to the refractive index of the prism layer 3, and the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer 6 with respect to the vertically polarized light Pv is different from the refractive index of the prism layer 3.
光偏向液晶セル２１に入射した水平方向偏光Ｐｈは、液晶層６とプリズム層３との界面に斜めに入射しても、屈折率差がなくこの界面で進行方向が曲げられず、そのまま透過する。一方、光偏向液晶セル２１に入射した垂直方向偏光Ｐｖは、液晶層６とプリズム層３との界面に斜めに入射して、屈折率差によりこの界面で進行方向が水平方向に（進行方向が水平面内で振られるように）曲げられる。 Even if the horizontally polarized light Ph incident on the light deflection liquid crystal cell 21 is obliquely incident on the interface between the liquid crystal layer 6 and the prism layer 3, there is no difference in refractive index, and the traveling direction is not bent at this interface, but is transmitted as it is. . On the other hand, the vertically polarized light Pv incident on the light deflecting liquid crystal cell 21 is obliquely incident on the interface between the liquid crystal layer 6 and the prism layer 3, and the traveling direction is horizontal (the traveling direction is Bend to be swung in a horizontal plane).
第１の実施例の光偏向液晶セル２１のプリズム層３では、各プリズムの稜線を挟んで左側の界面と右側の界面とで、入射した垂直方向偏光Ｐｖの曲げられる方向が、左右反対向きとなる。 In the prism layer 3 of the light deflecting liquid crystal cell 21 of the first embodiment, the bending direction of the incident vertical polarization Pv is opposite to the left and right at the left interface and the right interface across the ridge line of each prism. Become.
このようにして、印加電圧オフ時には、光偏向液晶セル２１に入射した光線が、進行方向を曲げられず透過する水平方向偏光Ｐｈと、水平方向偏光が照らす範囲の左右両脇を照らす２本の垂直方向偏光Ｐｖとに分けられるのではないかと考えられる。 In this way, when the applied voltage is turned off, the light incident on the light deflection liquid crystal cell 21 illuminates the horizontally polarized light Ph that is transmitted without being bent in the traveling direction, and the left and right sides of the range illuminated by the horizontally polarized light. It may be divided into vertically polarized light Pv.
図４（Ｂ）は、充分高い電圧（例えば２０Ｖ）印加時の、光偏向液晶セル２１を透過する光線を上方向から見た光路を示す概略断面図であり、液晶分子の長軸が基板同士の対向方向（電極同士の対向方向）に揃っている状態を示す。液晶分子の長軸方向が、水平方向偏光Ｐｈ及び垂直方向偏光Ｐｖの両方の偏光方向に対して垂直となり、両偏光成分Ｐｈ、Ｐｖについて、液晶層６の屈折率がプリズム層３の屈折率と同等となる。 FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an optical path when a light beam transmitted through the light-deflecting liquid crystal cell 21 is viewed from above when a sufficiently high voltage (for example, 20 V) is applied. This shows a state in which they are aligned in the opposite direction (the opposite direction of the electrodes). The major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is perpendicular to the polarization directions of both the horizontally polarized light Ph and the vertically polarized light Pv, and the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer 6 is the refractive index of the prism layer 3 for both polarized components Ph and Pv. It becomes equivalent.
従って、光偏向液晶セル２１に入射した偏光成分Ｐｈ及びＰｖの両方ともプリズム層３で進行方向を曲げられず、そのまま透過する。このようにして、偏光成分ＰｈとＰｖとが分離されず、光偏向液晶セル２１から１本の光が出射するのではないかと考えられる。 Therefore, both the polarization components Ph and Pv incident on the light deflection liquid crystal cell 21 are transmitted without being bent in the traveling direction by the prism layer 3. In this way, it is considered that the polarization components Ph and Pv are not separated and one light is emitted from the light deflection liquid crystal cell 21.
以上説明したように、第１の実施例の光照射装置は、水平方向偏光によりまっすぐ前方を照らし、垂直方向偏光により水平方向偏光の照射範囲の左右を照らす配光状態を得ることができる。さらに、印加電圧を切り替えることにより、水平方向偏光と垂直方向偏光の両方によりまっすぐ前方を照らす配光状態を得ることができる。 As described above, the light irradiation apparatus according to the first embodiment can obtain a light distribution state in which the front side is illuminated with horizontal polarization and the left and right sides of the irradiation range of the horizontal polarization are illuminated with vertical polarization. Further, by switching the applied voltage, it is possible to obtain a light distribution state that illuminates the front straight by both horizontal polarization and vertical polarization.
なお、印加電圧を連続的に変化させることにより、水平方向偏光と垂直方向偏光との進行方向が分離した状態から、両偏光の進行方向が一致する状態まで、配光方向を連続的に制御することもできる。 In addition, by continuously changing the applied voltage, the light distribution direction is continuously controlled from the state in which the traveling directions of the horizontally polarized light and the vertically polarized light are separated to the state in which the traveling directions of both polarized light are the same. You can also
次に、第２の実施例の光照射装置について説明する。第２の実施例の光照射装置が有する光偏向液晶セルについて説明する。第１の実施例の光偏向液晶セルとの主な違いは、プリズム形状と、液晶分子配向処理を行ったことである。 Next, the light irradiation apparatus of the second embodiment will be described. The light deflection liquid crystal cell included in the light irradiation apparatus of the second embodiment will be described. The main difference from the light deflecting liquid crystal cell of the first embodiment is that the prism shape and the liquid crystal molecule alignment treatment were performed.
図５（Ａ）は、第２の実施例の光偏向液晶セルの概略断面図である。表面に透明電極が形成された一対のガラス基板（透明電極３２が形成されたガラス基板３１、及び、透明電極４２が形成されたガラス基板４１）を用意した。ガラス基板３１及び４１は、それぞれ、例えば厚さ０．７ｍｍｔの無アルカリガラスである。透明電極３２及び４２は、それぞれ、例えば厚さ１５０ｎｍであり、例えばＩＴＯからなる。本実施例では、透明電極３２及び４２として、ベタパターンのものを用いた。 FIG. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the light deflection liquid crystal cell of the second embodiment. A pair of glass substrates (a glass substrate 31 on which a transparent electrode 32 was formed and a glass substrate 41 on which a transparent electrode 42 was formed) having a transparent electrode formed on the surface was prepared. Each of the glass substrates 31 and 41 is, for example, non-alkali glass having a thickness of 0.7 mm. Each of the transparent electrodes 32 and 42 has a thickness of, for example, 150 nm and is made of, for example, ITO. In this embodiment, the transparent electrodes 32 and 42 have a solid pattern.
片側のガラス基板３１の透明電極３２上に、プリズム層３３を形成した。プリズム層３３は、第１の実施例と同様に、ベース層３３ｂ上に複数のプリズム３３ａが、プリズム３３ａの長さ方向と直交する方向に並んだ構造を有するが、各プリズム３３ａは、頂角が４５度で、底角が４５度及び９０度の三角柱状である。 A prism layer 33 was formed on the transparent electrode 32 of the glass substrate 31 on one side. As in the first embodiment, the prism layer 33 has a structure in which a plurality of prisms 33a are arranged on the base layer 33b in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the prisms 33a. Is a triangular prism with 45 degrees and base angles of 45 degrees and 90 degrees.
ベース層３３ｂの厚さは、例えば２０μｍ〜４０μｍである。各プリズム３３ａの高さは、例えば２０μｍであり、各プリズム３３ａの幅（隣り合うプリズム３３ａ間のピッチ）は、例えば２０μｍである。 The base layer 33b has a thickness of 20 μm to 40 μm, for example. The height of each prism 33a is, for example, 20 μm, and the width of each prism 33a (the pitch between adjacent prisms 33a) is, for example, 20 μm.
プリズム層３３は、第１の実施例のプリズム層３作製と同様な工程により、ＵＶ硬化性樹脂（例えばロックタイト製３７６Ｌ）を金型で成型し紫外線硬化させて作製される。本実施例では、ＩＴＯ電極が第１の実施例よりも厚いので、紫外線の照射量は、例えば５００ｍＪ／ｃｍ２とする。なお、用いた金型は、全体の大きさが横１００ｍｍ×縦５０ｍｍの矩形状である。 The prism layer 33 is manufactured by molding a UV curable resin (for example, 376L made of Loctite) with a mold and curing it with ultraviolet rays by the same process as the prism layer 3 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, since the ITO electrode is thicker than that of the first embodiment, the irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays is set to, for example, 500 mJ / cm 2 . The mold used has a rectangular shape with an overall size of 100 mm wide × 50 mm long.
図５（Ｂ）は、第２の実施例のプリズム層３３の概略斜視図である。第２の実施例では、プリズム層３３に、プリズム３３ａの長さ方向にラビング処理を行った。これにより、プリズム３３ａの長さ方向と平行に長軸方向が並ぶように、プリズム層３３との界面近傍の液晶分子の配向が制御される。 FIG. 5B is a schematic perspective view of the prism layer 33 of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the prism layer 33 was rubbed in the length direction of the prism 33a. Thereby, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the interface with the prism layer 33 is controlled so that the major axis direction is aligned in parallel with the length direction of the prism 33a.
プリズム層３３を形成したガラス基板３１と対向するガラス基板４１の透明電極４２上には、ポリイミド等の配向膜４７を形成した。本実施例では、日産化学製のＳＥ−４１０をフレキソ印刷で厚さ８０ｎｍ形成し、１８０℃で１．５時間焼成した。焼成後、配向膜４７にラビング処理を行った。ラビング方向は、対向ガラス基板３１と重ね合わせたときに、プリズム３３ａの長さ方向と平行に液晶分子の長軸方向が並ぶように定めた。 An alignment film 47 such as polyimide was formed on the transparent electrode 42 of the glass substrate 41 facing the glass substrate 31 on which the prism layer 33 was formed. In this example, SE-410 made by Nissan Chemical Industries was formed by flexographic printing to a thickness of 80 nm and baked at 180 ° C. for 1.5 hours. After baking, the alignment film 47 was rubbed. The rubbing direction was determined so that the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules was aligned in parallel to the length direction of the prism 33a when the counter glass substrate 31 was overlaid.
次に、プリズム層３３を形成したガラス基板３１上に、ギャップコントロール剤を２ｗｔ％〜５ｗｔ％含んだメインシール剤３４を形成した。形成方法として、例えば、スクリーン印刷やディスペンサが用いられる。プリズム３３ａの頂点から、対向配置されるガラス基板４１上の配向膜４７までの距離が、例えば５μｍ〜３０μｍとなるように、ギャップコントロール剤が選択される。本実施例では、ギャップコントロール剤として、積水化学製の径が７５μｍのプラスチックボールを選び、このプラスチックボールを、三井化学製のシール剤ＥＳ−７５００に４ｗｔ％添加して、メインシール剤３４とした。 Next, the main sealing agent 34 containing 2 wt% to 5 wt% of the gap control agent was formed on the glass substrate 31 on which the prism layer 33 was formed. As a forming method, for example, screen printing or a dispenser is used. The gap control agent is selected so that the distance from the apex of the prism 33a to the alignment film 47 on the glass substrate 41 disposed to be opposite is, for example, 5 μm to 30 μm. In this example, a plastic ball with a diameter of 75 μm made by Sekisui Chemical was selected as the gap control agent, and 4 wt% of this plastic ball was added to the sealing agent ES-7500 made by Mitsui Chemicals to make the main sealing agent 34. .
もう一方のガラス基板４１の透明電極４２上には、ギャップコントロール剤４５を散布した。本実施例では、ギャップコントロール剤４５として、積水化学製の径が１５μｍのプラスチックボールを、乾式のギャップ散布機を用いて散布した。 A gap control agent 45 was sprayed on the transparent electrode 42 of the other glass substrate 41. In this example, plastic balls with a diameter of 15 μm made by Sekisui Chemical were dispersed as a gap control agent 45 using a dry-type gap spreader.
次に、両ガラス基板３１及び４１の重ね合わせを行い、プレス機などで圧力を一定に加えた状態で熱処理することにより、メインシール剤３４を硬化させて、空セルを作製した。第１の実施例と同様に、１５０℃で３時間の熱処理を行った。このようにして作製された空セルに、液晶を真空注入して、液晶層３６を形成し、液晶注入後、注入口にエンドシール剤を塗布し封止して、第２の実施例の光偏向液晶セルを作製した。液晶として第１の実施例と同様なものを用いた。 Next, both the glass substrates 31 and 41 were overlapped, and the main sealant 34 was cured by heat treatment in a state where pressure was constantly applied by a press machine or the like, so that an empty cell was manufactured. As in the first example, heat treatment was performed at 150 ° C. for 3 hours. The liquid crystal layer 36 is formed by injecting the liquid crystal into the empty cell thus produced, and after injecting the liquid crystal, an end sealant is applied to the injection port and sealed to obtain the light of the second embodiment. A deflection liquid crystal cell was produced. The same liquid crystal as in the first example was used.
第２の実施例では、プリズムの稜線を挟んで一方の面の底角が９０°であり、他方の面の底角が４５°である。底角９０°の面は、光偏向液晶セルに入射する光線の進行方向とほぼ平行となるので、光線を屈折させる界面として働かず、底角４５°の面が、光線を屈折させる界面として働く。このため、第２の実施例の光偏向液晶セルを用いると、印加電圧オフ時に、進行方向を曲げられず透過する水平方向偏光と、一方に曲げられた垂直方向偏光との２本の光が得られることになる。 In the second embodiment, the base angle of one surface is 90 ° across the ridge line of the prism, and the base angle of the other surface is 45 °. Since the surface with a base angle of 90 ° is substantially parallel to the traveling direction of the light beam incident on the light deflection liquid crystal cell, the surface with a base angle of 45 ° does not work as an interface that refracts the light beam. . For this reason, when the light deflecting liquid crystal cell of the second embodiment is used, when the applied voltage is turned off, the two light beams, that is, the horizontally polarized light that is transmitted without being bent in the traveling direction and the vertically polarized light that is bent in one direction, are transmitted. Will be obtained.
図６（Ａ）は、第２の実施例の光偏向液晶セルの概略平面図である。多数の細長いプリズム３３ａが、ストライプ状に配置されている。プリズム層３３の形成されている領域はカマボコ型であり、その寸法は、例えば、プリズム３３ａの並ぶ方向（図６（Ａ）の横方向、カマボコ型の底辺方向）が８０ｍｍであり、プリズム３３ａの長さ方向（図６（Ａ）の縦方向、カマボコ型の高さ方向、ただし出っ張りを含まない部分の寸法）が５０ｍｍである。 FIG. 6A is a schematic plan view of the light deflection liquid crystal cell of the second embodiment. A number of elongated prisms 33a are arranged in stripes. The region where the prism layer 33 is formed is a scallop type, and the dimension thereof is, for example, 80 mm in the direction in which the prisms 33a are arranged (the horizontal direction in FIG. 6A, the bottom direction of the squirrel type), The length direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 6A, the height direction of the hook-shaped type, but the dimension of the portion not including the protrusion) is 50 mm.
図６（Ｂ）は、第２の実施例の光偏向液晶セルの写真である。基板を傾けた状態の光偏向液晶セルの向こう側に配置された直線を観察している。光偏向液晶セルは高い透過率を示し、光偏向液晶セルの向こう側にある直線が、光偏向液晶セルをそのまま透過する偏光成分による像と、曲げられて透過する偏光成分による像の２本に分離して見え、光偏向液晶セルを透過する光の約半分が曲げられずにそのまま透過し、残りの約半分が横方向に曲げられていることがわかる。 FIG. 6B is a photograph of the light deflection liquid crystal cell of the second embodiment. A straight line arranged on the other side of the light deflection liquid crystal cell with the substrate tilted is observed. The light deflecting liquid crystal cell exhibits high transmittance, and the straight line on the other side of the light deflecting liquid crystal cell is divided into two images: a polarized light component image that is transmitted through the light deflecting liquid crystal cell as it is and a polarized light component image that is bent and transmitted. It can be seen that about half of the light transmitted through the light deflecting liquid crystal cell is transmitted as it is without being bent, and the remaining half is bent in the lateral direction.
第２の実施例の光照射装置は、図２を参照して説明した光照射装置の光偏向液晶セル２１として、第２の実施例の光偏向液晶セルを用いるものである。第１の実施例の光照射装置と同様に、プリズムの長さ方向が鉛直方向となるように、光偏向液晶セル２１が配置される。 The light irradiation apparatus according to the second embodiment uses the light deflection liquid crystal cell according to the second embodiment as the light deflection liquid crystal cell 21 of the light irradiation apparatus described with reference to FIG. Similar to the light irradiation apparatus of the first embodiment, the light deflection liquid crystal cell 21 is arranged so that the length direction of the prism is the vertical direction.
次に、第２の実施例の光照射装置の配光状態を調べた実験について説明する。 Next, an experiment for examining the light distribution state of the light irradiation apparatus of the second embodiment will be described.
図７は、この実験の測定系の写真である。画面奥から順に、光源と光偏向液晶セルとが配置され、さらに手前に、光偏向液晶セルを透過した光が照射されるスクリーンが配置されている。スクリーン上の像を観察した。 FIG. 7 is a photograph of the measurement system of this experiment. In order from the back of the screen, a light source and a light deflecting liquid crystal cell are disposed, and a screen to which light transmitted through the light deflecting liquid crystal cell is irradiated is disposed in front. The image on the screen was observed.
図８（Ａ）及び図８（Ｂ）は、それぞれ、印加電圧オフ時の像を示す写真、及び印加電圧２０Ｖでの像を示す写真である。印加電圧オフ時に２本に分離していた光のうち、相対的に右側（以下単に右側と呼ぶ）の光の照射位置が、印加電圧増加につれ、相対的に左側（以下単に左側と呼ぶ）の光の照射位置に近づき、印加電圧が２０Ｖに達すると、左側の光の照射位置と一致した。すなわち、印加電圧２０Ｖで光照射装置から１本の光が照射されるようになった。左側の光は、光偏向液晶セルをほぼまっすぐ透過している。 8A and 8B are a photograph showing an image when the applied voltage is off, and a photograph showing an image at an applied voltage of 20V, respectively. Of the light separated into two when the applied voltage is off, the irradiation position of the light on the right side (hereinafter simply referred to as the right side) is relatively on the left side (hereinafter simply referred to as the left side) as the applied voltage increases. When approaching the light irradiation position and the applied voltage reached 20 V, it coincided with the left light irradiation position. That is, one light came to be irradiated from the light irradiation device at an applied voltage of 20V. The left light is transmitted almost straight through the light deflecting liquid crystal cell.
光偏向液晶セルとスクリーンとの間に偏光板を挿入して、印加電圧オフ時に左右に分かれた２本の光の偏光状態を調べた。 A polarizing plate was inserted between the light deflection liquid crystal cell and the screen, and the polarization state of the two lights separated into the left and right when the applied voltage was turned off was examined.
図８（Ｃ）に示すように、透過軸が水平方向となるように偏光板を挿入した場合は、左側の像はほとんど光量変化がなかったが、右側の像はほとんど観察されなくなった。一方、図８（Ｄ）に示すように、透過軸が垂直方向となるように偏光板を挿入したときは、右側の像はほとんど光量変化がなかったが、左側の像はほとんど観察されなくなった。すなわち、左側の光は水平方向偏光であり、右側の光は垂直方向偏光であった。 As shown in FIG. 8C, when the polarizing plate was inserted so that the transmission axis was in the horizontal direction, the left image hardly changed, but the right image was hardly observed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8D, when the polarizing plate was inserted so that the transmission axis was in the vertical direction, the right-side image hardly changed, but the left-side image was hardly observed. . That is, the left side light was horizontally polarized and the right side light was vertically polarized.
図８（Ａ）〜図８（Ｄ）を参照して説明した結果から、水平方向偏光が、電圧の印加無印加に関わらずそのまま直進し、垂直方向偏光が、電圧オフ時には曲げられ、充分に高い電圧印加時は水平方向偏光といっしょの方向に照射されることがわかる。なお、印加電圧オフ時に垂直方向偏光が曲げられる角度を測定したところ約１２°であった。 From the results described with reference to FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D, the horizontally polarized light travels straight regardless of whether or not voltage is applied, and the vertically polarized light is bent when the voltage is turned off. It can be seen that when a high voltage is applied, the light is irradiated in the same direction as the horizontally polarized light. The angle at which the vertically polarized light was bent when the applied voltage was turned off was about 12 °.
さらに、スクリーンを外し、光偏向液晶セルを透過した光が入射する位置に、水平にガラス板を配置して、ガラス板表面による光の反射状態を調べた。 Further, the screen was removed, and a glass plate was placed horizontally at the position where the light transmitted through the light deflection liquid crystal cell was incident, and the reflection state of the light by the glass plate surface was examined.
図９（Ａ）及び図９（Ｂ）は、それぞれ、水平方向偏光の反射状態を示す写真、及び垂直方向偏光の反射状態を示す写真である。水平方向偏光は強く反射されているのに対し、垂直方向偏光はそれほど強く反射されていないことがわかる。水平なガラス板表面に対し、水平方向偏光は、入射面に垂直なＳ偏光成分となり、垂直方向偏光は、入射面に平行なＰ偏光成分となる。 FIGS. 9A and 9B are a photograph showing a reflection state of horizontally polarized light and a photograph showing a reflection state of vertically polarized light, respectively. It can be seen that the horizontally polarized light is strongly reflected, whereas the vertically polarized light is not so strongly reflected. With respect to the horizontal glass plate surface, the horizontally polarized light becomes an S-polarized light component perpendicular to the incident surface, and the vertically polarized light becomes a P-polarized light component parallel to the incident surface.
図１３は、反射面への入射角度に対するＳ偏光成分及びＰ偏光成分の反射率の関係を示す一般的なグラフの例である。曲線Ｒｓ及びＲｐが、それぞれ、Ｓ偏光成分及びＰ偏光成分の反射率を示す。Ｐ偏光成分は、Ｓ偏光成分に比べて、反射率が小さく、また、特定の角度φｂ（ブリュースター角）で反射率０を取りうる。図９（Ａ）及び図９（Ｂ）に示した例では、垂直方向偏光の反射率が、水平方向偏光の反射率より低くなる。 FIG. 13 is an example of a general graph showing the relationship between the reflectance of the S-polarized component and the P-polarized component with respect to the incident angle on the reflecting surface. Curves Rs and Rp indicate the reflectance of the S-polarized component and the P-polarized component, respectively. The P-polarized component has a smaller reflectance than the S-polarized component, and can take a reflectance of 0 at a specific angle φb (Brewster angle). In the example shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the reflectance of vertically polarized light is lower than the reflectance of horizontally polarized light.
以上説明したように、第２の実施例の光照射装置でも、第１の実施例の光照射装置と同様に、水平方向偏光によりまっすぐ前方を照らし、垂直方向偏光により水平方向偏光の照射範囲の脇を照らす配光状態を得ることができる。さらに、印加電圧を切り替えることにより、水平方向偏光と垂直方向偏光の両方によりまっすぐ前方を照らす配光状態を得ることができる。 As described above, in the light irradiation apparatus of the second embodiment, similarly to the light irradiation apparatus of the first embodiment, the front side is illuminated with horizontal polarization, and the irradiation range of the horizontal polarization with vertical polarization. A light distribution state that illuminates the side can be obtained. Further, by switching the applied voltage, it is possible to obtain a light distribution state that illuminates the front straight by both horizontal polarization and vertical polarization.
また、水平方向偏光の照射範囲の脇を照らす垂直方向偏光は、特に水平な反射面に対して、水平方向偏光よりも反射しづらい（なお、これは、第１の実施例の光照射装置でも同様となる）。 Also, the vertical polarization that illuminates the side of the irradiation range of the horizontal polarization is less likely to be reflected than the horizontal polarization, particularly with respect to the horizontal reflection surface (this is also the case with the light irradiation apparatus of the first embodiment). The same).
次に、第３及び第４の実施例として、自動車等車両用の前照灯（ヘッドライトや補助ライト等）について説明する。光偏向液晶セルとして、例えば第２の実施例のものが用いられる。 Next, headlamps (headlights, auxiliary lights, etc.) for vehicles such as automobiles will be described as third and fourth embodiments. As the light deflection liquid crystal cell, for example, the one of the second embodiment is used.
図１０は、第３の実施例の前照灯を示す概略上面断面図である。高輝度放電（ＨＩＤ）ランプ５１から放出された光線が、楕円型リフレクタ５２で反射され、楕円型リフレクタ５２の焦点に配置されたシェード５３に集光される。シェード５３を透過した光線が、レンズ５４でほぼ平行光にされて、実施例の光偏向液晶セル５５に入射する。光偏向液晶セル５５を透過した光がカバー５６を介して照射される。 FIG. 10 is a schematic top sectional view showing the headlamp of the third embodiment. The light beam emitted from the high-intensity discharge (HID) lamp 51 is reflected by the elliptical reflector 52 and collected on the shade 53 disposed at the focal point of the elliptical reflector 52. The light beam that has passed through the shade 53 is made into substantially parallel light by the lens 54 and enters the light deflection liquid crystal cell 55 of the embodiment. Light transmitted through the light deflection liquid crystal cell 55 is irradiated through the cover 56.
図１１は、第４の実施例の前照灯を示す概略側面断面図である。発光ダイオード（ＬＥＤ）６１から放出された光線が、リフレクタ６２で反射され、ほぼ平行光にされ、インナーレンズ６３を介して実施例の光偏向液晶セル６４に入射する。光偏向液晶セル６４を透過した光がカバー６５を介して照射される。 FIG. 11 is a schematic side sectional view showing a headlamp according to a fourth embodiment. The light beam emitted from the light emitting diode (LED) 61 is reflected by the reflector 62, is made into substantially parallel light, and enters the light deflection liquid crystal cell 64 of the embodiment via the inner lens 63. Light transmitted through the light deflection liquid crystal cell 64 is irradiated through the cover 65.
これらの前照灯では、まっすぐ前方を特に強く照射したいとき、水平方向偏光と垂直方向偏光の両方がまっすぐ前方を照らす配光状態とする。対向車や歩行者等を確認しやすくするために、まっすぐ前方から少し横方向も照らしたいときは、垂直方向偏光を曲げて水平方向偏光の脇を照らす配光状態とする。 In these headlamps, when it is desired to irradiate a straight front particularly strongly, a light distribution state in which both horizontally polarized light and vertically polarized light illuminate the front straight is set. To make it easier to check oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, etc., if you want to illuminate a little in the lateral direction straight from the front, make the light distribution state by bending the vertically polarized light and illuminating the side of the horizontally polarized light.
対向車や歩行者に向けられる光が、垂直方向偏光である。例えば雨天時等、路面が濡れて反射しやすい状態となっていたときでも、対向車や歩行者に向けられた光が、路面で反射しづらい。これにより、路面で反射した光により対向車のドライバーや歩行者が眩しさを感じることを抑制できる。アダプティブフロントライティングシステム（ＡＦＳ）の悪天候モードに採用したとき、大きな効果が期待される。 Light directed to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians is vertically polarized light. For example, even when the road surface is wet and easily reflected, such as when it rains, light directed to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians is difficult to reflect on the road surface. Thereby, it can suppress that the driver and pedestrian of an oncoming vehicle feel dazzle by the light reflected on the road surface. When the adaptive front lighting system (AFS) is used in the bad weather mode, a great effect is expected.
なお、上記実施例では、光偏向液晶セルのプリズムが形成されていない側の基板を光入射側に配置し、プリズムが形成された側の基板を光出射側に配置したが、この反対の配置としても光偏向を行うことは可能である。ただし、プリズムを形成していない基板側から光を入射した場合の方が、投影される像の形状がシャープである。 In the above-described embodiment, the substrate on the side where the prism of the light deflection liquid crystal cell is not formed is disposed on the light incident side, and the substrate on which the prism is formed is disposed on the light emitting side. However, it is possible to perform light deflection. However, the shape of the projected image is sharper when light is incident from the side of the substrate on which no prism is formed.
なお、上記実施例では、上下基板間で液晶分子が平行配向状態となる場合について説明したが、上下基板間で直交配向等の捩れ配向でも構わない。液晶中にカイラル剤を添加することや、上下基板間で配向処理方向を変えること等により、捩れ配向を形成することができる。 In the above embodiment, the case where the liquid crystal molecules are in a parallel alignment state between the upper and lower substrates has been described, but twisted alignment such as orthogonal alignment may be used between the upper and lower substrates. A twisted alignment can be formed by adding a chiral agent in the liquid crystal or changing the alignment treatment direction between the upper and lower substrates.
図１２を参照して、捩れ配向とした光偏向液晶セルの動作例について考察する。この例では、入射側のプリズムが形成されていない基板との界面の液晶分子が水平面に対して水平方向に配向しており、出射側のプリズムとの界面の液晶分子は水平面に対して垂直方向に配向しており、９０°の捩れ配向となっている。 With reference to FIG. 12, an operation example of a light deflection liquid crystal cell having a twisted orientation will be considered. In this example, the liquid crystal molecules at the interface with the substrate on which the prism on the incident side is not formed are aligned in the horizontal direction with respect to the horizontal plane, and the liquid crystal molecules at the interface with the prism on the output side are perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The orientation is 90 ° and the twist orientation is 90 °.
光偏向液晶セルへの入射時の水平方向偏光Ｐｈｉが、液晶層を透過して垂直方向偏光Ｐｖｏとなってプリズムとの界面に入射する。この光は、偏光方向が液晶分子長軸方向に対して平行なので、プリズム界面での屈折率差で進行方向を曲げられて光偏向液晶セルから出射する。 The horizontally polarized light Phi at the time of incidence on the light deflection liquid crystal cell passes through the liquid crystal layer and becomes the vertically polarized light Pvo and enters the interface with the prism. Since this polarization direction is parallel to the liquid crystal molecule major axis direction, the traveling direction is bent by the difference in refractive index at the prism interface, and the light is emitted from the light deflection liquid crystal cell.
一方、光偏向液晶セルへの入射時の垂直方向偏光Ｐｖｉが、液晶層を透過して水平方向偏光Ｐｈｏとなってプリズムとの界面に入射する。この光は、偏光方向が液晶分子長軸方向に対して垂直なので、プリズム界面で屈折率差がなく曲げられずに光偏向液晶セルから出射する。 On the other hand, the vertically polarized light Pvi when entering the light deflecting liquid crystal cell passes through the liquid crystal layer and becomes the horizontally polarized light Pho and enters the interface with the prism. Since the polarization direction is perpendicular to the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecule, this light is emitted from the light deflecting liquid crystal cell without being bent at the prism interface and without being bent.
プリズム界面の液晶分子の長軸が、プリズムの長さ方向に揃っていることにより、光偏向液晶セルから出射する時点の垂直方向偏光を曲げることができる。 Since the major axes of the liquid crystal molecules at the prism interface are aligned in the length direction of the prism, it is possible to bend the vertically polarized light at the time of emission from the light deflection liquid crystal cell.
なお、９０°捩れ配向で入射側にプリズムが配置され、プリズムの長さ方向が水平方向に設定されている例も考えられる。 An example in which a prism is disposed on the incident side with a 90 ° twist orientation and the length direction of the prism is set in the horizontal direction is also conceivable.
液晶分子が基板に対し平行に倒れているときの、プリズム界面での液晶分子の長軸方向は、プリズムの長さ方向に揃えたい。このために、ラビング等の配向処理を行うことができる。なお、第１の実施例で説明したように、配向処理は必ずしも行わなくてよい。例えば、液晶をプリズムの長さ方向に真空注入することにより、所望の液晶分子配向を得やすい。なお、液晶層の注入方法は真空注入に限らず、例えばＯｎｅ Ｄｒｏｐ Ｆｉｌｌ（ＯＤＦ）法を用いることもできる。ただし、ＯＤＦ法の場合は、ラビング等の配向処理を行うことが好ましい。 When the liquid crystal molecules are tilted parallel to the substrate, the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules at the prism interface should be aligned with the length direction of the prism. For this purpose, an alignment treatment such as rubbing can be performed. As described in the first embodiment, the alignment process is not necessarily performed. For example, it is easy to obtain a desired liquid crystal molecular alignment by injecting the liquid crystal in the longitudinal direction of the prism. The liquid crystal layer injection method is not limited to vacuum injection, and for example, One Drop Fill (ODF) method may be used. However, in the case of the ODF method, it is preferable to perform alignment treatment such as rubbing.
液晶分子長軸方向を、プリズム長さ方向に揃えるための構造を、配向構造と呼ぶこととする。例えば、プリズム層に、プリズム長さ方向にラビングを施す場合は、ラビングを施したプリズム層が配向構造となる。また、配向処理を施さずとも、例えば、液晶をプリズムの長さ方向に真空注入した場合は、注入時に長軸がプリズム長さ方向に向くように流れた液晶分子がプリズム表面にアンカーされて、これが配向構造となっているものと推測される。 The structure for aligning the liquid crystal molecule major axis direction with the prism length direction is called an alignment structure. For example, when the prism layer is rubbed in the prism length direction, the rubbed prism layer has an orientation structure. In addition, for example, when the liquid crystal is vacuum-injected in the prism length direction without performing the alignment treatment, the liquid crystal molecules that flow so that the long axis is directed in the prism length direction at the time of injection are anchored to the prism surface, This is presumed to be an oriented structure.
なお、上記実施例では、断面が三角形状のプリズムを例示したが、プリズム形状はこれに限らない。例えば、サインカーブ状の断面形状のプリズムとすることもできる。 In the above embodiment, a prism having a triangular cross section is illustrated, but the prism shape is not limited thereto. For example, a prism having a sine curve cross section can be used.
なお上記実施例では、プリズムのピッチが４０μｍまたは２０μｍの例を説明したが、プリズムのピッチは、１０μｍ〜１００μｍの範囲であれば好適である。 In the above embodiment, an example in which the prism pitch is 40 μm or 20 μm has been described, but the prism pitch is preferably in the range of 10 μm to 100 μm.
なお、上記実施例では、光偏向液晶セルにΔεが正の液晶を用いたが、Δεが負の液晶を用いることも考えられる。Δεが正の液晶の場合と概ね反対の挙動が期待される。つまり、電圧無印加時に、光偏向液晶セルから出射する垂直方向偏光及び水平方向偏光の両方をほぼ同じ方向に出射させ、電圧印加時に、水平方向偏光の進行方向から垂直方向偏光を曲げることができる。プリズムの長さ方向に液晶分子が倒れ込むように、例えば、プリズム層のラビングによりプレチルト角を付与することができる。 In the above embodiment, a liquid crystal with a positive Δε is used for the light deflection liquid crystal cell, but a liquid crystal with a negative Δε may be used. A behavior almost opposite to that of a liquid crystal having a positive Δε is expected. That is, when no voltage is applied, both vertically polarized light and horizontally polarized light emitted from the light deflection liquid crystal cell are emitted in substantially the same direction, and when applied with voltage, the vertically polarized light can be bent from the traveling direction of the horizontally polarized light. . For example, the pretilt angle can be given by rubbing the prism layer so that the liquid crystal molecules fall down in the length direction of the prism.
なお、上記実施例では、ベタパターンの透明電極を例示したが、透明電極は必要に応じてパターニングされたものを用いることができる。例えば、片方の側から端子を取りたい場合は、パターニングを行う。また、メインシール部分の上下両方には電極が配置されていない構造の方が、液晶層劣化抑制等の点から好ましい。 In the above embodiment, a solid pattern transparent electrode is illustrated, but a transparent electrode patterned as necessary can be used. For example, when it is desired to take a terminal from one side, patterning is performed. Further, a structure in which electrodes are not arranged on both the upper and lower sides of the main seal portion is preferable from the viewpoint of suppressing deterioration of the liquid crystal layer.
なお、光照射装置に用いる光源として、ＨＩＤランプ、ＬＥＤの他に、例えば電界放射（ＦＥ）光源、蛍光灯等が考えられる。点光源を用いると、光を平行化しやすく、光偏向液晶セルに平行光線束を入射させて、方向の揃った照射光を得やすい。この観点からは、光源にＬＥＤを用いることが好ましい。 In addition, as a light source used for a light irradiation apparatus, a field emission (FE) light source, a fluorescent lamp, etc. other than HID lamp and LED can be considered. When a point light source is used, it is easy to collimate light, and it is easy to obtain irradiation light having a uniform direction by making a parallel light beam incident on the light deflection liquid crystal cell. From this viewpoint, it is preferable to use an LED for the light source.
なお、実施例の光偏向液晶セルは、偏光板を用いる液晶光学素子に比べ高透過率であり、９０％以上、反射防止コーティングを行えば９５％以上の透過率を得ることが可能である。 The light deflecting liquid crystal cell of the example has a higher transmittance than a liquid crystal optical element using a polarizing plate, and a transmittance of 90% or more can be obtained by applying an antireflection coating.
実施例の光照射装置は、例えば、自動車用（普通乗用車、軽自動車、トラック、バス等）の灯具（前照灯、補助灯、フォグランプ、コーナリングライト）や、二輪用（オートバイ、自転車等）の灯具に適用できる。さらに、一般照明器具（屋内照明、街路灯、懐中電灯）等に応用してもよい。 Examples of the light irradiation device include lamps (headlights, auxiliary lights, fog lights, cornering lights) for automobiles (ordinary passenger cars, light cars, trucks, buses, etc.) and motorcycles (motorcycles, bicycles, etc.). Applicable to lighting fixtures. Further, it may be applied to general lighting equipment (indoor lighting, street light, flashlight) and the like.
以上実施例に沿って本発明を説明したが、本発明はこれらに制限されるものではない。例えば、種々の変更、改良、組み合わせ等が可能なことは当業者に自明であろう。 Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, improvements, combinations, and the like can be made.
１、１１、３１、４１ ガラス基板
２、１２、３２、４２ 透明電極
３、３３ プリズム層
３ａ、３３ａ プリズム
３ｂ、３３ｂ ベース層
４、３４ メインシール剤
１５、４５ ギャップコントロール剤
６、３６ 液晶層
４７ 配向膜
２０ 光源
２１ 光偏向液晶セル
２２ 制御装置
５１ ＨＩＤランプ
５２ 楕円型リフレクタ
５３ シェード
５４ レンズ
５５ 光偏向液晶セル
５６ カバー
６１ ＬＥＤ
６２ リフレクタ
６３ インナーレンズ
６４ 光偏向液晶セル
６５ カバー
1, 11, 31, 41 Glass substrate 2, 12, 32, 42 Transparent electrode 3, 33 Prism layer 3a, 33a Prism 3b, 33b Base layer 4, 34 Main sealant 15, 45 Gap control agent 6, 36 Liquid crystal layer 47 Alignment film 20 Light source 21 Light deflection liquid crystal cell 22 Control device 51 HID lamp 52 Elliptical reflector 53 Shade 54 Lens 55 Light deflection liquid crystal cell 56 Cover 61 LED
62 Reflector 63 Inner lens 64 Light deflection liquid crystal cell 65 Cover
Claims (6)
前記第１の基板と対向し、前記光線が出射する第２の基板と、
前記第１及び第２の基板の間に挟まれた液晶層と、
前記第１及び第２の基板の一方の前記液晶層側内面に、該液晶層と接するように、第１の方向に長いプリズムが形成されたプリズム層と、
前記液晶層とプリズム層との界面における液晶分子の長軸方向が、前記第１の方向と平行になるように制御する配向構造と
を有し、
前記液晶層は、電気ベクトルの振動方向が液晶分子の長軸方向に平行な偏光成分に対する第１の屈折率と、電気ベクトルの振動方向が液晶分子の長軸方向に垂直な偏光成分に対する第２の屈折率とが相互に異なり、該第２の屈折率と、前記プリズム層の屈折率とが同等であり、
前記液晶層と前記プリズムとの界面において、前記第１の方向と平行に配向した液晶分子の長軸方向と平行な電気ベクトルの振動方向を持つ偏光成分が、前記第２の基板から出射したとき、この偏光成分の電気ベクトルの振動方向が鉛直方向となるように、前記第１の方向が選択されている車両用光照射装置。 A first substrate on which light rays are incident;
A second substrate facing the first substrate and emitting the light beam;
A liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first and second substrates;
A prism layer in which a prism long in the first direction is formed on the inner surface of the first and second substrates on the liquid crystal layer side so as to be in contact with the liquid crystal layer;
An alignment structure that controls the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules at the interface between the liquid crystal layer and the prism layer to be parallel to the first direction;
The liquid crystal layer has a first refractive index with respect to a polarized light component whose electric vector vibration direction is parallel to the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecule, and a second refractive index with respect to a polarized light component whose electric vector vibration direction is perpendicular to the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecule. And the second refractive index is equal to the refractive index of the prism layer,
When a polarization component having an oscillation direction of an electric vector parallel to the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules aligned in parallel with the first direction is emitted from the second substrate at the interface between the liquid crystal layer and the prism. The vehicle light irradiation device in which the first direction is selected so that the vibration direction of the electric vector of the polarization component is the vertical direction.
前記第１の基板と対向し、前記光線が出射する第２の基板と、
前記第１及び第２の基板上にそれぞれ形成された第１及び第２の電極と、
前記第１及び第２の基板の間に挟まれた液晶層と、
前記第２の基板の前記液晶層側内面に、該液晶層と接するように、鉛直方向に長いプリズムが形成されたプリズム層と、
前記液晶層とプリズム層との界面における液晶分子の長軸方向が、鉛直方向と平行になるように制御する配向構造と、
前記第１及び第２の電極間への印加電圧を変化させる制御装置と
を有し、
前記液晶層は、電気ベクトルの振動方向が液晶分子の長軸方向に平行な偏光成分に対する第１の屈折率と、電気ベクトルの振動方向が液晶分子の長軸方向に垂直な偏光成分に対する第２の屈折率とが相互に異なり、該第２の屈折率と、前記プリズム層の屈折率とが同等である車両用光照射装置。 A first substrate on which light rays are incident;
A second substrate facing the first substrate and emitting the light beam;
First and second electrodes respectively formed on the first and second substrates;
A liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first and second substrates;
A prism layer in which a prism that is long in the vertical direction is formed on the inner surface of the second substrate on the liquid crystal layer side so as to be in contact with the liquid crystal layer;
An alignment structure that controls the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules at the interface between the liquid crystal layer and the prism layer to be parallel to the vertical direction;
A control device that changes an applied voltage between the first and second electrodes,
The liquid crystal layer has a first refractive index with respect to a polarized light component whose electric vector vibration direction is parallel to the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecule, and a second refractive index with respect to a polarized light component whose electric vector vibration direction is perpendicular to the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecule. The vehicle light irradiation device has a refractive index different from each other, and the second refractive index is equal to the refractive index of the prism layer.
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